MANILA, Philippines — Young actress Atasha Muhlach is putting out all the stops for her preparations as the titular character in upcoming production “Bongga Ka Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.”
The musical is based on the songs of the Manila Sound band Hotdog, which was supposed to be staged six years ago but was postponed due to the pandemic.
The ’70s-Manila set musical will follow Atasha’s Annie who sneaks into the glamorous disco scene to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer and risks losing herself in the process.
Hotdog hits like “Manila,” “Pers Lab,” “Beh, Buti Nga,” “Panaginip,” “O, Lumapit Ka,” “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,” and the titular tracks are expected to be featured.
Atasha spoke to members of the media, including Philstar.com, after a media conference for the production last July 7 on how she was preparing for the project.
“Sa totoo lang, a lot of studying, research, and listening to the Hotdog songs kasi ‘yung buong storyline nasa ‘Annie Batungbakal’ [song],” the actress said, adding it was a chance to paint a new version of the character.
The “Eat Bulaga” host said that it was a full-circle moment to be performing again at the Newport Performing Arts Theater this September as it is the same venue where she made her theater debut in 2011 for “The Sound of Music” as Brigitta von Trapp.
“Sobrang humbling, heartwarming, at grateful ko talaga kasi this is an opportunity I don’t want to take for granted,” Atasha said, noting how much she had to learn for the next couple of months.
Her parents, celebrity couple Aga and Charlene, and twin brother Andres are backing Atasha for her stage return.
The actress shared that her family is always giving pep talks and reminders for her to stay grounded. They are also proud of her and advised her to continue chasing her dream.
“Puwede ko kasing sabihin I’m living my dream now,” Atasha continued. “I get to look back at this later on when I’m older and say ‘I did that!'”
Earlier this year, twin Andres took a lead role in “Bagets the Musical” — coincidentally the one originated by Aga — which was also staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Both “Bagets the Musical” and “Bongga Ka Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” are co-produced by Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications, and The Philippine STAR.
Atasha recalled her twin brother simply telling her “Kaya mo yan,” reiterating how supportive he and their parents are.
This isn’t the first time “Annie Batungbakal” has inspired a form of media. A movie of the same name was released in 1979 starring the late National Artist Nora Aunor as the titular woman.
The actress acknowledged the pressure of being compared to the actress fondly called Ate Guy, but is not setting any expectations for herself.
“Ang alam ko lang is ibibigay ko siya ng 100%, walang shortcuts, ia-attend ko lahat ng rehearsals, extra work, all these moments. Anything I need to do, I will not take it for granted,” Atasha said.
RELATED: Atasha Muhlach bags ‘Annie Batungbakal’ musical lead role
