Jaehwa Bernardo

Atasha Muhlach performs at the Hotdog Tribute Concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, August 8, 2026. Photo from Newport World Resorts on Facebook

Article (news)

Hotdog tribute concert a prelude to ‘Bongga Ka Day’ musical

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786360531058Atasha.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Atasha Muhlach performs at the Hotdog Tribute Concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, August 8, 2026. Photos from Newport World Resorts on Facebook</div>Mention names like Pitoy, Eloy, Budji or even Rio Locsin to millennials or Gen Zs these days and they will likely be clueless about it. Even a place like Coco Banana is probably unheard of for them.Pitoy Moreno was known as the fashion czar of Asia. Budji Layug started out as a hairstylist in the 1970s and later owned Budjiwara Salon, while Eloy reigned supreme in secondhand clothing in Sta. Cruz, Manila, for those looking for affordable fashion finds.Rio Locsin, of course, is an actress known for her dramatic roles who became the fantasy of Filipino macho men at the time. Coco Banana, meanwhile, was a popular Malate nightlife haunt and a favorite destination for those looking to party.These people and places were name-dropped in songs by The Hotdog, the band formed in 1973 that pioneered and popularized the Manila Sound in the 1970s. The group, led by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia, turned these names into memorable references in songs that have since become gems of the era’s music scene.Others who joined the band through the years were Mon Torralba, Tito del Rosario, Roy Diaz de Rivera, Lorrie Lustre, Jess Garcia and vocalist Ella del Rosario.Their songs were relived Saturday night at the packed tribute concert “Manila, Manila” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), presented jointly by Viva Communications, Full House Theater Company (FHTC), The Philippine STAR and Newport World Resorts.Atasha Muhlach, who plays Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka Day,” opened the concert with signature Hotdog hits “Beh Buti Nga” and “Bongga Ka Day” performed with groups Alamat, GAT and Raya.“Talaga naman napakasarap balik-balikan ang iconic Manila Sound,” Muhlach addressed the full-house crowd. “That’s the Golden Age of OPM (Original Pilipino Music).”“It’s nice to be representing and appreciating Manila Sound. Thank you for the opportunity. Hotdog gave birth to the Tagalog and English music using Manila Sound. There are timeless sound that we’re giving life again. Incredible. I am always saying that I’m really grateful, blessed to sing these songs. It’s really and truly a dream-come-true,” Muhlach added.The concert served as a prelude to the forthcoming “Bongga Ka Day” musical, which will be staged at NPAT in September. This also brought Muhlach together with the musical’s leading men — Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo and KD Estrada, collectively known as the BKD (Bongga Ka Day) boys — who paid tribute to the pioneers of the Manila Sound.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/11/atasha-muhlach-embraces-theater-comeback-with-bongga-ka-day-1600">READ: Atasha Muhlach embraces theater comeback with &#x27;Bongga Ka Day&#x27; </a></div>Concepcion crooned “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,” Rosaldo sang “Akala Ko,” Moses rendered “Dying To Tell You” and Estrada delivered “Para sa Akin.” They also sang “Pers Lab” with Muhlach.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786360620685Sam Atasha.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Atasha with Sam Concepcion, one of her leading men in &#x27;Bongga Ka, &#x27;Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.&#x27;</div>“Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko” was penned by Garcia in 1974, after the Miss Universe pageant in Manila, where Miss Spain Amparo Muñoz took the crown and Miss Philippines Guada Sanchez landed in the 12 semi-finalists.  “The songs that we rendered are remembered not only for their distinct melodies, but also for their controversial lyrics that gave meaning and kurot sa puso,” said Estrada.“When you say it’s Hotdog, hindi lang masayang kanta,” said Moses. “Mayroon din pinanggagalingan na magandang story.”Singer-actor Wilbert Ross gave the audience “Sa Isip Ko,” that was earlier reimagined by Agot Isidro and Jay-R.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786360676084Wilbert Ross.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Wilbert RossFormer Hotdog vocalists Rita Trinidad, Maso Diez, Gina Montes and performed at the concert.</div>“Before, we were often asked kung naisip namin noon puputok ang Hotdog,” shared Trinidad, who delivered “Dati Rati ang Pangit Pangit Mo.” “Sa totoo lang, we never expected that Hotdog would impact the music scene the way we could. Decades later, people are still singing our songs and they don’t forget the words.“I think one of the reasons Hotdog became such a hit, the geniuses behind our band, Dennis and Rene Garcia, really created a new sound. From the kundiman which was heard on radio, Hotdog changed all of that. Nakakaloko ang mga lyrics – from Assumptionista to dispatchadora – lahat nakaka-relate. To Dennis and Rene, wherever you are, langit na naman to give life to your masterpieces.”Diez rendered “Para sa Akin,” changing the words Rio Locsin to Coco Martin. She was only 15 when she joined Hotdog in 1979 after chosen Dennis when she was only 15. “Please don’t do the math,” Diez told the audience. “It was a dream-come-true to be a Hotdog girl and I’m so proud to be one.”She had the privilege to record the female parts of “Langit na Naman,” written by Rene Garcia./“This is a forever classic,” said Diez. “It’s never going to die. It’s going to resonate today, it resonated back in the day and it’s going to resonate for generations to come.”Montes gave her signature song, “Panaginip,” with the Gen Zs who have been interpreting the lyrics of the Hotdog with the beautiful vibe of their young hearts. She carried it out with Aubrey Caraan.“After more than 50 years, this song is alive in everybody’s heart,” said Montes. “Mommies and daddies can introduce this song to their kids and even their grandkids can groove to Hotdog songs. So for all you dreamers, don’t stop dreaming.”The last Hotdog soloist before the group disbanded, Miles Poblete, proudly acknowledged she was the performer in the last Hotdog world tour before the group disbanded. She rendered “Saan Ka Na Kaya Ngayon.”Poblete honored and shared the moment with the “amazing” rhythm section and singers who shared the stage with the artists that night – Rico Pangilinan, Melissa Gavin, Roy Sadicon, Juno de los Santos, Jeboy Galvez and Leehay Rose Surat.All the artists returned onstage to sing “Manila,” considered the “mother” of all Hotdog songs. The Garcia brothers felt their favorite city should also have an anthem of its own -- a tune that will last forever.At the helm of “Manila, Manila The Tribute Concert” was director Paul Basinillio, with Marvin Querido as musical director.

Manila Sound icons Hotdog’s music was celebrated in a tribute concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Manila Sound icons Hotdog’s music was celebrated in a tribute concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.