The search for the next Annie Batungbakal is over, and she is ready to make her entrance to the theater stage in bongga fashion.
Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reveals Atasha Muhlach in the title role for Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical opening this September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Muhlach steps into the shoes of Annie Batungbakal, a creative, spirited, generous and lovable woman in her early 20s. She is a little naive, as a dispatsadora (or staff) of House of Pasion, her dream as a fashion designer drives her desire to join the Coco Banana circle, and her lack of authenticity initially blocks acceptance.
She joins an already star-powered cast led by Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo, who were recently unveiled as the musical’s leading men.
One of the country’s fastest-rising multi-hyphenate talents, Muhlach has quickly distinguished herself as an actress, host, and performer. Her growing body of work spans television, streaming, and live entertainment, earning her recognition as one of the most promising young stars of her generation. Audiences have seen her shine in projects such as Da Pers Family and Bad Genius: The Series.
The casting for Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical marks a full-circle moment for Muhlach, whose theater journey began on the very same stage 15 years ago. In 2011, at just nine years old, Muhlach made her theater debut at the Newport Performing Arts Theater as the sharp-witted Brigitta von Trapp in Newport World Resorts’ acclaimed staging of The Sound of Music. The role served as her introduction to live performance and offered an early glimpse of the talent that would later flourish across multiple entertainment platforms.
Now, she returns to the venue where her journey began, stepping into the spotlight as the lead star of one of the most anticipated Filipino musicals of the year.
Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reunites for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical featuring Hotdog’s timeless hits. The show, staged with PETA Plus, is slated to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Get first dibs on tickets by signing up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bkd-waitlist. Ticket selling for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical begins in July.
Learn more about the artists and the production through Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts), VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), and The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
