Discover how “Bagets The Musical” brings depth to high schoolers’ coming-of-age journey—and the mothers guiding them.
The musical adaptation of the 1984 film “Bagets” finally takes center stage. The original film brought together five easygoing guys figuring out life in what today’s generation would call a full-on YOLO phase.
The stage adaptation, “Bagets The Musical,” however, digs deeper, giving more nuance to the growing pains of the high schoolers and, just as importantly, to their “Ermats”—their mothers.
These days, the expression is often misunderstood, especially by younger Pinoy audiences. But in the ’80s, it pointed to a familiar truth: a man’s success is often shaped by the support, sacrifices, and steady presence of a woman.
“Bagets The Musical” highlights the impact of wives, mothers, and mentors—the women who provide stability, encouragement, and the occasional reality check when needed.
In alphabetical order, the six actresses portraying the Ermats of the Bagets are Ring Antonio, Kakai Bautista, Natasha Cabrera, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, Neomi Gonzales, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza.
Behind the ‘Bagets’ journey are the ‘Ermats’
When asked how they felt about the mothers also taking the spotlight in this version of the “Bagets” story, the actresses responded with unmistakable glee.
Antonio shared that she felt both grateful and happy. “I think it’s a nice angle to showcase. It is very timely and relatable, especially for women and mothers.” Antonio plays Luz, Gilbert’s mother.
Bautista and Cabrera both portray Delia, Tonton’s mother. Bautista expressed her appreciation for the role, emphasizing its importance: “I feel grateful. I think the mother-and-son relationship in the musical adaptation is essential.”
Cabrera echoed the sentiment, adding that the new version helps audiences better understand the situation of women in the ’80s. “Ang version na ito ay nakatulong para maipaabot sa mga manonood ang kalalagayan ng kababaihan noong ’80s, kung saan unti-unting nagbukas ang mga pintuan ng oportunidad para sa kanila.”
She added: “Sumasalamin ito sa kapangyarihan at kakayahan ng mga kababaihan. Sa maikling salita, ito ay magandang paalala kung paano nahubog ang pagkilala sa kababaihan bilang pwersa sa komunidad—na nagsisimula sa loob ng pamilya.”
Bustamante-Cadd, who plays Ditas, Arnel’s mom, welcomed the creative team’s decision to spotlight the mothers. “I remember growing up and seeing my mom and my friends’ moms balancing family life and career. It really represents that era.
“And to flesh it out in our iteration of ‘Bagets’ is to highlight the journey of women—the struggles, challenges, biases, pressures, and burdens we continue to carry. We don’t blame just the kids or just the parents. Family is complex; every part, every member, is important.”
Gonzales, who plays Anna, Topee’s mom, added: “This version recognizes that while the young characters are coming of age, the mothers are also confronting their own unfinished journeys. Giving them equal footing adds emotional depth and reflects the reality that parenting doesn’t stop personal growth—it often intensifies and deepens it.”
Guevara-Laforteza, who plays Virgie, Adie’s mom, agreed. “Good! Kasi parang ang babaw masyado if palamuti lang kami sa stage. Ang ganda ng decision ng artistic team to make the mothers as important as the boys.”
Who are the Ermats?
Aireen Melanie Antonio, professionally known as Ring, plays Luz, a hustler married to a gambler, Berting. In the original film, Luz Valdez was mother to Herbert Bautista’s character. As a single mom herself, Antonio relates to Luz’s exhaustion and fierce love. With over 15 years of stage experience, she has appeared in productions such as “Delia D.,” “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Parokya ni Edgar The Musical,” and “Side Show.”
Kakai Bautista and Natasha Cabrera play Delia, Tonton’s mother—a loud, loving, nagging mom shaped by fear of failing her family. The 1984 film featured Lita Gutierrez as Tonton’s mom. Bautista and Cabrera show Delia not as a caricature, but as a woman doing her best with the tools she has. Married to Boy, her awakening comes during a pivotal confrontation, realizing love requires listening, not just protecting. Their number “State of the Nation” reflects this journey, balancing loud affection and gentleness.
Bautista, known for supporting comedic or villainous roles in films like “Hello, Love, Goodbye” and “Four Sisters Before the Wedding,” began in theater in 2000. Cabrera, trained at UP Diliman, has built a strong presence in Philippine theater, recently appearing in “Bar Boys: The Musical,” “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy,” and “Delia D.” In 2024, she received the Gawad Kumintang para sa Singing sa Larangan ng Teatro.
Mayen Bustamante-Cadd plays Ditas, wife of Ramon, raised to value image, tradition, and reputation. She portrays her with empathy, a woman shaped by strict upbringing whose arc softens when she realizes she can love her son even if he goes against the grain. Ditas is mother to Raymond Lauchengco’s Arnel, originally played by Rosemarie Gil. Bustamante-Cadd has over 30 years of theater experience, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Joseph the Dreamer,” “Come from Away,” and “Going Home to Christmas.”
Neomi Gonzales plays Anna, a single mother to Topee and an ambitious actress constantly performing for the world. As a teacher, freelancer, and homemaker, she relates to Anna’s exhaustion: “Mothers are always auditioning—for work, for family, for life.” A Gawad Buhay and LEAF award–winning performer, Gonzales has starred in “Walang Aray,” “Rak of Aegis,” “One More Chance: The Musical,” “Tabing Ilog The Musical,” “Eto Na: Musical nAPO Sila,” and “Himala: Isang Musikal.” A longtime PETA artist-teacher, vocal coach, and homeschool mom, she brings authentic insight into balancing multiple roles.
Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Virgie, the quintessential ’80s working mother—educated, busy, and wary of stillness. She’s Adie’s mom (Aga Muhlach’s role). In the musical, Virgie is divorced from Adie’s dad, Rusty, and remarried to Felix.
Guevara-Laforteza brings grounded realism, drawing from her own experience as a mother. In the past year, she has received five awards, including Top 50 Most Influential by Tiger Magazine, Outstanding Filipino Achiever of the Year, and Outstanding Performer in Theater Arts and Music from the American Association of the Philippines. A premier character actress, singer, and host, she is known as one of the Philippines’ strongest and most fearless stage performers.
The film was directed by the late Maryo J. de los Reyes, with the late Jake Tordesillas as screenwriter. The musical is led by director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. It is running until March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
To flesh it out in our iteration of ‘Bagets’ is to highlight the journey of women—the struggles, challenges, biases, pressures, and burdens we continue to carry. We don’t blame just the kids or just the parents. Family is complex; every part, every member, is important.
Mayen Bustamante-Cadd
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