Meet Bagets The Musical's Tonton and Gilbert
September 23, 2025
High school in the 1980s was all about mixtapes, first loves, barkada hangouts, and a little bit of mischief. For those who grew up with Bagets, the coming-of-age classic was more than just a film—it was a snapshot of youth, awkwardness, and discovery.
Four decades later, the barkada is back, this time reimagined for the stage.
In February 2026, Bagets The Musical will bring together a new wave of young talents at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, guided by the creative vision of PETA’s Maribel Legarda (director), J-mee Katanyag (playwright), and Vince Lim (musical director). With VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts behind the production, the show promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on the friendships, growing pains, and life lessons of being young.
Milo Cruz as Tonton, originally played by William Martinez
Meet Tonton: The Daredevil With a Heart
Every barkada has that one friend who leads the group into trouble—but also knows how to get them out of it. In Bagets The Musical, that role belongs to Tonton, first made iconic by William Martinez.
Now, rising performers Milo Cruz and Migo Valid step into his sneakers.
Milo Cruz reimagines Tonton
With his P-pop debut with Xerenade on the horizon, Milo Cruz is already expanding his craft as Tonton in Bagets The Musical. The rising artist brings new depth to the character. “Tonton is a repeater, yes,” he explains. “But if we move past that — past his kalokohans — we see that he’s really just a normal kid who has to learn life the hard way.” For him, it is through challenging moments that one can truly grow and mature. "Masaya maging high school. ‘Yung tipong pwede kang mag-procrastinate ng assignments tapos tambay lang pagkatapos,” says Cruz. “Pero kailangan nating maintindihan na hindi tayo pwedeng maging bata lang habambuhay.”
Such lessons are what the audience can look forward to in Bagets The Musical — scenes that show life before the Internet and how raw and simple those times were. Cruz shares that he’s feeling both nervous and excited for the show. He promises to give his best, drawing on his years of singing and dancing, now adding acting to his repertoire.
Migo Valid as Tonton, originally played by William Martinez
Migo Valid on why his character feels familiar
The stage adaptation of the 1984 classic marks Migo Valid’s theater debut. With films like Hold Me Close, A Glimpse of Forever, and Penduko to his credit, he admits he never expected to land the role.
“First time ko mag audition sa PETA,” says Valid. “Sabi ko, ‘I just want to make the panel smile.’” “I wasn’t expecting anything then, so being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.”
The beloved character is the barkada’s risk-taker — charming, reckless, yet caring. “I’m very much like him,” he laughs. “Back in high school, I had my wild moments, too. But those experiences helped me grow.” Taking a moment to reflect, he says what struck him most was the feeling of being left behind — an emotion he shares with the persona. “Minsan napapatanong ako kung tama pa ba ‘yung mga ginagawa ko,” the 23-year-old shares, thinking about his late start in showbiz. “But like Tonton, keep moving forward ang mentality.” Such a mindset has helped him land a major part in Bagets The Musical, opening doors to a new chapter in his career.
Both artists are part of the P-pop group Xerenade. With their shared love for performing, they’re set to take audiences on a ride and make everyone fall for Tonton’s charm and complexity.
Noel Comia, Jr. as Gilbert, originally played by Herbert Bautista
Meet Gilbert: The Geek With Hidden Layers
If Tonton is the barkada’s daredevil, Gilbert is its shy heart. Originally portrayed by Herbert Bautista, the character now finds new life through Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez.
Exploring Gilbert’s shy side with Noel Comia Jr.
What made the coming-of-age classic timeless was its relatability. That’s the spirit Noel Comia Jr. is most excited to bring on stage. “We all have that experience of liking someone but not being able to share how we feel,” he shares. “Gilbert is awkward, self-conscious, and still figuring himself out.”
Comia draws on his musical theater background to add such depth to the role. His notable credits include Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical, Pinocchio and The Secret Garden with Repertory Philippines, and Fun Home with Miss Lea Salonga.
“What the audience might not know about Gilbert is that he’s the life of the party,” he says. “I’m excited to show that side, especially the kulitan with the barkada, because I never experienced that in high school.” It’s that energy and camaraderie he hopes the audience will feel throughout the show. “To be part of such an iconic stage play is an honor,” he says. “I’ll do my best to pay tribute to the character with respect.”
Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, originally played by Herbert Bautista
Why Tomas Rodriguez feels right at home in Bagets The Musical
If Comia dives into Gilbert’s more reserved energy, Tomas Rodriguez leans into the character’s mischief. “Kada high school barkada mayroong Gilbert. ‘Yung tipong mahiyain pero laging game sa kalokohan,” he begins with a laugh. “Doon ako nakaka-relate, sa kapilyuhan niya.”
A member of the P-pop boy group Alamat, the artist is known for his free-spirited nature. He began his career in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) 737 and later appeared in films like For the Love: Anghel, Kurdapya, The Ship Show, and Expensive Candy.
“This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan pero excited,” he admits. “Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting.” Rodriguez even went as far as training his glutes for a scene in the musical — a quirky kind of dedication that makes his performance all the more worth looking forward to.
“We have dancing and singing workshops lined up for this,” he concludes. "Siguro ang dapat abangan ng mga manonood ay kung paano namin sila madadala sa panahon noon at maisasama sa pagtanda ngayon.”
Comia and Rodriguez portray Gilbert in his entirety. From playful antics to quiet reflection, every moment feels familiar yet fresh. It’s a performance that captures the magic of
adolescence.
Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Stay tuned for more cast reveal.
Photos courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
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