What Atasha Muhlach’s co-stars say about her as Annie Batungbakal

MANILA, Philippines — Atasha Muhlach’s co-stars in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” praised her “charming” and “kalog” personality as they recalled meeting her during the audition process.

Atasha stars as Annie Batungbakal in the disco-themed musical produced by The Philippine STAR, VIVA Communications and Newport World Resorts, in partnership with PETA Plus. It features Hotdog’s timeless hits.

Joining her as Annie’s leading men are Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo, who will alternate as Romer Pasion, the worldly flight attendant and heir to the House of Pasion. KD Estrada plays Burn, the folk-rock musician determined to make a name for himself through original music.

“It’s been great. We’re still in the early parts of the production, but immediately, I think, we also just clicked,” Sam told The STAR during a press conference at the Grand Bar and Lounge, Newport World Resorts.

“Atasha is super charming. She’s someone that people would immediately love, I think, on stage because of her personality, attitude and character. That’s something that you want in a singing partner… Someone who’s endearing.”

Recalling his first meeting with Atasha, Sam reiterated, “She’s very charming and warm.”

The cast and creative team of ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ during a press conference at the Grand Bar and Lounge, Newport World Resorts.

For his part, Jeff immediately felt a sense of “familiarity” with Atasha during their first encounter at the audition.

Joining Atasha as Annie’s leading men are Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo, who will alternate as Romer Pasion.

“I’m happy because you know that familiar feeling. Kasi parang hindi siya naiba sa akin because ramdam ko yung, ‘Si Andres (Atasha’s twin brother) to ah.’ Pero ibang katawan. I’m happy because like when we first met during the auditions, we greeted each other, ‘I’m happy to work with you,’ ganyan. ‘Sana matagal pa tayong magka-work,’” he shared.

“As mentioned earlier, our friendship really clicked and I’m excited to start rehearsals and for you guys to watch the show,” he said, adding that Atasha is hardworking. Jeff previously worked with Andres on “Bagets: The Musical.”

For Anthony, Atasha is a “ball of energy” and “such a character.” He further described her as “very lively, energetic, kalog and kind.”

“I have a lot of words (to describe her), but more than that, she’s very humble, even though that was only our first meeting. She’s kind, humble and down-to-earth. So alam ko na marami kaming magandang pagsasamahan. I’m excited to work with her.”

Meanwhile, John Lapus, who plays Tarurit, the larger-than-life proprietor of Coco Banana, alternating with Dindo Divinagracia in the role, also lauded Atasha’s performance.

“Magaling siya so far,” he told this paper. “I was really surprised, nakita ko na nung audition, magaling siyang sumayaw. Nagulat ako dun sa singing, so kahapon dun sa rehearsal namin, ‘Wow!’ So sabi ko nga kung si Andres, na-prove at ginulat ang mga tao sa ‘Bagets,’ Atasha will do the same thing for ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’… She has magic, may glow.”

Atasha offered a preview of what audiences can expect from the show by performing Hotdog’s Pers Lab during the press conference, drawing loud applause from the audience.

On what makes the musical “bongga,” director Chris Millado remarked that it “comes from inside.”

“Besides what we’re planning in terms of the wonderful music of Hotdog, the wonderful story that we’ve adapted, which was inspired completely by the song Annie Batungbakal and the visual styling of our amazing team which will bring you back to the decade of the ’80s and into the world of both San Francisco del Monte circa ’80s and Coco Banana, it goes back to that age not only nostalgia of the disco days,” he beamed.

“But beyond that, what makes the play or this musical bongga is that we are redefining bongga — that bongga is not just about flashiness and sparkly things but the real bongga comes from inside. And that is what makes ‘Bongga’ really bongga.”

Atasha echoed Direk Chris’ sentiment, saying, “It’s when you strip everything, all the external factors, all the glitter, all the glitz and glam. It’s really about what’s in your heart and being you. So that is the meaning of bongga.”

“Bongga Ka, ’Day!” opens on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Completing the male ensemble are Rapah Manalo, Bomba Ding, MC Dela Cruz, Franco Ramos, Richardson Yadao, Vyen Villanueva, Gerald Magallanes, Mark Panganoron, Jay Cortez, Moi Gealogo, Yahweh Sanggalang, Dan Wesley and male swing Tep Logmao.

Joining them are female ensemble members Misha Fabian, Chez Cuenca, Abi Sulit, Paui Luzurriaga, Iya Villanueva, Sam Marasigan, Coleen Paz, Mica Fajardo, Mia Bella, Abegail Turiano, Yna Arbiol and female swing Jannah Baniasia.

Playwright Liza Magtoto and musical director Vince Lim lead the creative team, joined by choreographer Stephen Viñas, set designer Ohm David, costume designer Hershee Tantiado, video designer Bene Manaois, lighting designer John Batalla, dramaturg Eric Dela Cruz, assistant director John Moran and hair and makeup designer Johann Dela Fuente.

Tickets for “Bongga Ka, ’Day!” are available online, at all TicketWorld outlets and at the Newport World Resorts Box Office.