Atasha Muhlach to star as Annie Batungbakal in new musical

Posted by ReyFort Media

MANILA, Philippines — Actress and host Atasha Muhlach will take on her first major theater leading role as Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Newport World Resorts, in partnership with Viva Communications announced Muhlach’s casting on Wednesday to portray the beloved character inspired by the iconic Hotdog hit.

Muhlach joins a cast that includes Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo.

In the musical, Annie Batungbakal is a spirited and ambitious young woman working as a dispatsadora at the fictional House of Pasion. Dreaming of becoming a fashion designer, she sets her sights on joining the glamorous Coco Banana circle, only to discover that authenticity is key to finding acceptance.

For Muhlach, the production marks a return to the stage where her theater journey began. In 2011, she made her theater debut at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at age 9, playing Brigitta von Trapp in Newport World Resorts’ staging of “The Sound of Music.”

“It feels like a full-circle moment. This is where I first started my theater journey with The Sound of Music, and now I’m back for a new production on the same stage,” Muhlach said in a press conference.

“To return to the very stage where it all began — 15 years later — is deeply meaningful. This is a moment and a story I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” she added.

Muhlach recalled becoming emotional when she returned to the venue to shoot promotional content for the musical.

“It really brought tears of joy. I felt so grateful — to be here, to be given this opportunity, and to be able to perform again in the place where it all started,” she said.

She also expressed her love for live theater, citing the challenge of singing, dancing and acting simultaneously..

“There is a unique magic in performing when you are able to sing, dance and act at the same time, and to bring a story to life with a full production team,” she said.

Featuring the timeless songs of the Filipino band Hotdog, “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” is staged with PETA Plus.

Ticket sales begin in July, while a waitlist is currently available through Newport World Resorts. ( I. Iglesias/ Manila Times)

_____