Andres Muhlach and Miko Hendrix Chua take on Aga Muhlach’s role in Bagets the Musical
October 9, 2025
The wait is finally over — Bagets The Musical has officially revealed its final lead role, and it’s a full-circle moment that bridges generations.
In the 2026 stage adaptation of the beloved 1984 coming-of-age classic, Andres Muhlach — son of original Bagets star Aga Muhlach — and Mico Hendrix Chua — a rising VIVA artist and former Born to Be a Star finalist — will share the spotlight as they alternate in portraying Adie, the charming boy-next-door who captured the hearts of an era.
Together, they complete the new-generation Bagets barkada — a lineup that promises to bring back the thrill of friendship, love, and firsts that defined Filipino youth in the ’80s.
Andres Muhlach and Miko Hendrix Chua
Andres Muhlach
Andres Muhlach: Continuing the Legacy, Creating His Own Path
Four decades after his father first embodied Adie, Andres Muhlach steps into the same role — not as a shadow of the past, but as a fresh voice for a new generation.
“I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines,” he shares. “To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.”
The young actor recalls his father’s reaction when the casting news broke. “When he found out I got the part, he was super happy for me. He’s excited to see how I’ll make the role my own.”
Though comparisons are inevitable, Andres makes it clear: he’s here to carve his own lane. “I’d want this to be my own path,” he explains. “At the end of the day, what we put out isn’t because of what the original actors did, but because we want to create something meaningful for today’s fans.”
It’s his first major theater role, and Andres approached it with equal parts discipline and excitement. “I trained a lot before auditions,” he says. “Even if I’d never sung on the spot before, I just went for it. Once you start learning more about yourself and your abilities, it motivates you to perform, improve, and keep getting better.”
For Andres, Bagets is more than a revival — it’s a celebration of youth, friendship, and nostalgia. “Nothing beats being close to the people who made student life bearable. That’s really at the heart of Bagets The Musical,” he reflects.
With roles in Ang Mutya ng Section E, Da Pers Family, and his recent film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, Andres Muhlach is more than ready to carry the Bagets legacy forward — this time, in song and dance.
Miko Hendrix Chua
Mico Hendrix Chua: From Iloilo to the Spotlight
Sharing the role of Adie is Mico Hendrix Chua, who brings his own story of persistence and rediscovery to the stage.
Before his big break, Mico had been performing in Iloilo’s local theaters and later joined Born to Be a Star in 2021, earning a contract with VIVA. Life took him abroad soon after, but the stage never stopped calling.
“I had a pretty stable life in Dubai,” he says. “But deep down, my heart was always with performing. I’m not getting any younger — I wanted to give my all to what I truly love.”
Returning to the Philippines, Mico found himself in the middle of a rigorous audition process for Bagets The Musical. “There were so many callbacks. At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”
Interestingly, Adie wasn’t his initial choice. “I actually auditioned for Topee,” he laughs. “But it turns out Adie fits me in ways I didn’t expect. He’s young, emotional, and sometimes reckless — a version of myself I’ve known well.”
Now, he embraces the challenge of playing a role once made legendary by Aga Muhlach. “The pressure went higher,” Mico admits, “but it’s also a great challenge. Portraying someone as iconic as Aga is an honor. I just want to give my best.”
A Nostalgic Reboot for a New Generation
Directed by Maribel Legarda, written by J-mee Katanyag, and musically directed by Vince Lim, Bagets The Musical combines the nostalgia of the 1980s with a contemporary flair.
The cast also includes Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee.
Produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, with support from Sun Life Philippines, the musical invites audiences to relive the laughter, music, and memories of youth — reimagined for today’s stage.
Fans can sign up for the ticket waitlist via newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first to experience the return of the ultimate barkada story.
The musical runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, and is co-produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, and PETA Plus.
Photos courtesy of Newport World Resorts and shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World
Resorts.