Newport World Resorts has partnered with Viva Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR to produce Bagets: The Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1984 coming-of-age film Bagets. The musical is scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.
Based on the blockbuster 1984 coming-of-age comedy film directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes and written by Jake Tordesillas, the original Bagets follows a group of high school friends as they deal with youth, love, and the challenges of growing up. It starred William Martinez, J.C. Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, Raymond Lauchengco, and Aga Muhlach, with supporting roles from Jobelle Salvador, Eula Valdez, Yayo Aguila, and Chanda Romero.
The collaboration brings together three major players in Philippine media and entertainment. Viva Communications, which holds the rights to the film, will co-produce the musical with Newport World Resorts. The Philippine STAR is joining as media partner.
“This partnership strengthens our vision of positioning the Philippines as the Broadway of Asia,” said Kevin Tan, executive chairman of Newport World Resorts, citing plans to stage more original Filipino productions.
Viva Communications chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario said the project aims to reintroduce a key piece of Filipino cinematic history to younger audiences, while Philippine STAR CEO Miguel Belmonte said the production aligns with the paper’s storytelling advocacy.
The companies said the partnership signals the start of more collaborative efforts to support the local theater and entertainment industry.
Newport World Resorts is one of the Philippines’ leading integrated resorts. Viva Communications is known for its film, music, and television production, while The Philippine STAR is a national broadsheet with growing ventures in digital and live media.
