Original cast member Yayo Aguila recalls bittersweet memories, friendships, and pride at ‘Bagets: The Musical.’
Watching “Bagets the Musical” felt like stepping into a time machine for Yayo Aguila, one of the original cast members of the 1984 film “Bagets.” The experience brought her back to the bond and unique friendships she shared with her fellow castmates; a connection that, decades later, has never faded.
Yayo, who played Rose in the film, attended the Friday night performance at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The evening was made even more meaningful with Aga Muhlach in the audience, watching his son Andres take on Adie. the same role Aga famously portrayed in the original movie.
Original cast memories: Yayo Aguila on life after Bagets
“It was our friendship,” Yayo told Radar Entertainment when asked what memory stood out that night. “Kahit separate ang boys sa girls, there were times na magkakasama kami sa set. Ang saya. Hanggang ngayon, friends pa rin kami. Andiyan pa rin si Boss Vic [del Rosario, producer of the iconic film]. Fourteen lang si Aga, sixteen ako—but we’re still here.”
Not all memories tied to “Bagets” are purely joyful. Yayo admitted there are bittersweet ones, too. It was on the set of the film where she met her former husband, William Martinez, the father of her four children. “Oo naman, may bittersweet din,” she said. “Doon kami nagkakilala. Part ’yon ng buhay namin. Kung hindi rin dahil sa ‘Bagets,’ di rin kami magkakakilala.”
She noted that William was likely invited to see the musical but couldn’t make it due to a busy schedule. “May time pa naman,” she said, pointing out that the show runs until March.
As for a long-planned cast reunion that has yet to materialize, Yayo laughed it off. “Di matuloy-tuloy. Sana after nito. Maraming plans sina Aga and Herbert (Bautista, costar), pero pareho silang busy. Kakaplano, ‘di natutuloy. I think it’s better if we don’t plan things.”
New generation of Bagets: passing the torch to Andres Muhlach and cast
Seeing the new generation take on the iconic roles left Yayo visibly impressed. She singled out Ethan David ( as Arnel), Noel Comia Jr. (Gilbert), Milo Cruz (Tonton), and Sam Shoaf (Topee), calling the show “sobrang ganda.”
“Parang ‘di ako makahinga. Overwhelming. Sobrang proud ako sa kanila. ‘Di ko maimagine ’yong sayaw, arte, memorize ng lines—all at the same time,” she said.
She also had high praise for the scene highlighting Rose, now played by Yani Lopez. “Ang ganda ng eksena niya. Nandoon ang heart,” Yayo said, beaming. The moment felt personal since Yani is friends with her youngest son, Adam, from college. “First time namin nag-meet. Naiyak pa siya when she saw me. Thankful ako na nangyari ito.”
Reliving the 1984 classic through Bagets: The Musical
When “Bagets: The Musical” was first announced, Yayo recalled the skepticism. “Sabi nila, ‘Paano ’yon? Possible ba ’yon?’ Buti na lang they pulled it off. Ang galing! Even the song arrangements. Na-relive namin ang mga nangyari before.”
Midway through the show, Yayo thought of Raymond Lauchengco, one of the original cast members who couldn’t attend due to the flu. She sent him a message during the performance: “Sabi ko, sayang wala ka rito. I wish you were here para naririnig mo ang songs mo.”
Buti na lang they pulled it off. Ang galing! Even the song arrangements. Na-relive namin ang mga nangyari before.
Yayo Aguila
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