A newly released teaser for the upcoming stage production “Bongga Ka Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” has given audiences a first glimpse of the highly anticipated theater adaptation, which is officially scheduled to open in September 2026.
The preview has already ignited speculation online that actress-singer and Eat… Bulaga! host Atasha Muhlach might land the titular role of Annie Batungbakal. However, neither Muhlach nor the production’s creative team has officially confirmed the casting details.
Inspired by the iconic 1970s Manila Sound hit “Annie Batungbakal” by the legendary OPM group Hotdog, the musical follows the journey of an ambitious department store sales clerk. Dreaming of a career as a fashion designer, Annie sneaks into Manila’s thriving disco scene to chase a more glamorous life, navigating the complexities of identity, ambition, and social mobility along the way.
The production is deeply rooted in the vibrant 1970s era, showcasing its trademark disco culture, vintage fashion trends, and the cultural rise of the term “bongga” to capture the distinct energy of the Manila Sound movement.
The stage project was originally slated for a 2020 premiere, with theater actresses Gab Pangilinan, Anna Luna, and Nicole Omillo initially set to alternate as the lead character. The global COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced the production to be postponed.
Audiences can expect a score packed with classic OPM tracks from the era, including “Bongga Ka Day,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Manila,” and “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko.”
Presented by VIVA Entertainment, The Philippine Star, and NWR Musical, the production will run this coming September at Newport World Resorts.