Television host and actress Atasha Muhlach has been officially cast as the lead star in the upcoming stage production Bongga Ka ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, which is scheduled to debut this September.
The formal announcement was made on Wednesday, June 17, confirming that Muhlach will step into the iconic title role. The character of Annie Batungbakal was first popularized by National Artist Nora Aunor in the classic 1979 film, and is famously celebrated in the definitive Manila Sound track by the legendary OPM band Hotdog.
Muhlach shared that landing the role feels like a profound return to her roots, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
“First reaction ko po was tears of joy. Kasi parang full-circle moment para sa akin,” Muhlach said.
“Kasi nagsimula po ako sa theater and that’s when I realized na gusto ko talaga um-enter sa industry na ito. And it made me realize my passions for performing the arts and the craft.”
Returning to theater after spending years establishing herself in mainstream entertainment holds deep personal significance for the EAT… Bulaga! host.
“Imagine, fifteen years later, now we’re here and I am performing in the same stage where it all began,” she added.
“So to me, it’s a full-circle moment and it’s so heartwarming. And I am nothing but honored and feeling so blessed to have this opportunity. Kasi it’s Annie Batungbakal, it’s the Manila sound Hotdog.”
To prepare for the demanding role, Muhlach disclosed that she has spent months undergoing rigorous training across various performing arts disciplines.
“Ang daming preparations. May voice lessons ako, may dance lessons, acting lessons,” she explained.
“And it actually started a few months ago, just with the auditions, preparing for it. It was months in the making, hours and days of hard work. And even leading up to it, there was so much pressure to just make sure it was good. And I am just happy now that we’re all here today.”
The production continues a theatrical trend for her family. Her brother, Andres Muhlach, recently made his own stage debut as Adie in the theatrical adaptation of the 1980s hit film Bagets—a role originally popularized on screen by their father, veteran actor Aga Muhlach.
Jointly produced by VIVA Entertainment, The Philippine Star, and NWR Musical, Bongga Ka ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical will run at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.