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Atasha Muhlach at the press conference of 'Bongga Ka Day.’ Handout

Article (news)

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783666081201DSC00932.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Atasha Muhlach at the press conference of &#x27;Bongga Ka Day.’ Handout</div>MANILA — Fourteen years after making her stage debut in “The Sound of Music” at age 10, Atasha Muhlach is returning to musical theater, saying she didn&#x27;t want to risk regretting putting her dream on hold.The 24-year-old actress auditioned for the title role in “Bongga Ka Day, The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” beating hundreds of hopefuls for the part.Since she was 21, when she officially joined showbiz after completing her studies at the Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, Muhlach only did TV and films. The daughter of award-winning actor Aga Muhlach and beauty queen-actress Charlene Gonzalez signed a management contract with Viva Artists Agency (VAA).“I never opened the doors of going back to performing in theater,” Muhlach told ABS-CBN News. “I realized that if I have to start, I have to start now. Whatever your dreams and your passions are, the only thing that’s stopping you is yourself.”Muhlach auditioned for the role of Annie Batungbakal. “With the opportunity like this one, go for it. just try it,” she said. “No expectations. Just try your best. I learned that ‘Bongga Ka Day’ is a very dance-heavy production. I love to dance. I love to perform. For some reason, let’s just do it. Let’s try it. If I don’t try it now, I might regret it later on. So why not come back now to where it all started.”Muhlach stars as Annie Batungbakal, an employee of House of Pasion, whose love for fashion drives her to enter the Coco Banana circle. Joining her as her leading men are some of today’s most sought-after theater heartthrobs.Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo, will alternate as Romer Pasion, the worldly flight attendant and heir to the House of Pasion, while KD Estrada plays the character Burn, the folk-rock musician determined to make a name for himself through original music.Muhlach plans to project a stronger and more empowered interpretation of Annie Batungbakal, reflecting the modern Filipina today. “It’s how we all rehearse and how we work together as a team,” she explained. “I’m very, very fortunate to work with this team who is so hands-on and so, so welcoming.“They all taught me a little bit of something just in preparation for this media conference. How much more when we start the rehearsals. For me, I want to enjoy this process and enjoy the journey of going back to theater. In terms of Annie B and how she relates to the Filipino modern dream, she encompasses the value that you don’t need to change yourself in order to be successful or accepted into society. We are all dreamers. No matter the situation, we can all do it as we continue to be ourselves.” Featuring the timeless hits of Hotdog, “Bongga Ka Day” is directed by Chris Millado, who said the production will transport audiences back to the disco era through its music, choreography and visual design.&quot;The song describes Annie Batungbakal as the Queen of Disco, so fashion becomes an important part of how she expresses her identity,&quot; Millado said.But beyond the nostalgia, he said the musical aims to redefine what it means to be &quot;bongga.&quot;&quot;This is not just about flashy-ness and sparkly things, but the real bongga comes from inside,” he said. Millado said the musical goes beyond the glitter of the disco era to examine the pressures that come with fame and self-image.“That kind of tension between performing before adoring eyes and the pressure of keep up a façade is represented by Annie,” he said.The creative team behind includes playwright Liza Magtoto, musical director Vince Lim, choreographer Stephen Viñas, set designer Ohm David, costume designer Hershee Tantiado, video designer Bene Manaois, lighting designer John Batalla, dramaturg Eric de la Cruz, assistant director John Moran, hair and makeup designer Johann De la Fuente, assistant choreographer Ted Lucbao and voice coach Abi Sulit. Gold Lim serves as executive producer and account manager.

Fourteen years after making her stage debut in “The Sound of Music,” Atasha Muhlach is returning to musical theater, saying she didn't want to risk regretting putting her dream on hold.

Fourteen years after making her stage debut in “The Sound of Music,” Atasha Muhlach is returning to musical theater, saying she didn't want to risk regretting putting her dream on hold.

Atasha Muhlach embraces theater comeback with 'Bongga Ka Day'

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Atasha Muhlach embraces theater comeback with 'Bongga Ka Day'

Leah C. Salterio

Published July 11, 2026 04:00 PM PHT

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theater

Bongga Ka Day

Newport World Resorts

Atasha Muhlach

Chris Millado

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