Bagets the Musical is a stage adaptation of the iconic coming-of-age film that immortalized the Tagalog slang term for “youth,” and has become a cultural touchstone for Filipino Generation X, reimagined to celebrate nostalgia while embracing themes that will resonate with today’s audiences.

The tandem of Jmee Katanyag (Playwright) and Maribel Legarda (Director)  successfully gave life to this 80s-themed musical that follows the lives of five teenage boys on the cusp of manhood as they navigate friendship, love, identity, and family, through all their respective emotional ups and downs, misadventures, and profound realizations.

The teenage boys we watched at the gala night were Andres Muhlach (Adie), KD Estrada (Arnel), Milo Cruz (Tonton),  Jeff Moses (Topper) and Tomas Rodriguez (Gilbert). The alternates are Noel M. Comia Jr. ., Mico Hendrix Chua, Ethan David, Migo Valid and Sam Shouf. 

Their respective mothers are Kakai Bautista (Delia), Neomi Gonzales  (Ana), Ring Antonio (Luz), Mayen Cadd (Ditas) and Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Virgie). Alternate is Natasha Cabrera (Delia). Gie Onida played the five 'erpats' of the boys. The supporting cast include Yani Lopez, Brigitta Marialla, Sam Marasigan, Ava Santos. 

The ensemble are as follows: Yna Arbiol, Andrea Babierra, Jana Baniasa, Misha Fabian, Mia Micucci, Air Paz-Pablico, Abi Sulit-Racho, Ada Tayao, and Abegail Turiano, Jon Abella, Ivan Arboladura, Roi Calilong, Carlos Canlas, Jay Cortez, Moi Gealogo, Gerald Magallanes, John Moran, Arnel Sablas, Vyen Villanueva, and Dan Wesley. 

All throughout an almost three-hour nostalgic trip, we reminisced a happy mix of the best pop songs of the era which musical director Vince Lim creatively rearranged to give it that Gen Z mood, tone and vibe. 

Some lyrics were also updated. And we loved it ! 

The songs included OPM hits - - - Growing Up (Gary V.), So It's You and Farewell (Raymond Lauchengco), Loving You (Ric Segreto). Also featured were the 80s hits - Telefone, Just Got Lucky, Build Me Up Buttercup, Take On Me, Our House, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, State of the Nation. 

The artistic team are as follows: Norbs Portales (associate director), Ohm David  (scenic and props design); Hershee Tantiado  (the fabulous mix of colors, patterns and styles of costumes);  JM Cabling (the non-stop energetic retro choreography); Michael Que (associate choreographer), Jon Villarreal (lighting); Bene Manaois (video projection); Happy Constantin (sound design); CJ Laudato (sound engineer); Johann Gabriele dela Fuente  (hair and make up);  Rodel Colmenar  (musical direction)  with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mickey Jacinto. 

Come and watch

Bagets the Musical with your family or barkada. It's all worth the good vibes, classic hits, and a whole lot of fun.