Cover Atasha Muhlach plays the titular role of Annie Batungbakal for the upcoming musical ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day’ at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
Atasha Muhlach plays the titular role of Annie Batungbakal for the upcoming musical ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day’ at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
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Newport World Resorts has revealed the full star-studded line-up of leading men and veteran actors for its highly anticipated September production, ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical’
The upcoming staging of Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical is bringing together some of today’s most sought-after theatre heartthrobs to lead the production. Presented by Newport World Resorts in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, the musical features the timeless hits of the legendary band Hotdog, reviving the iconic sounds of the Manila Sound era.
Sharing the pivotal role of Romer Pasion are Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo. The character is described as a cosmopolitan, flirty and self-assured flight attendant who dabbles in photography and is the sole heir to the fashion house, House of Pasion. Concepcion joins the cast following standout performances in One More Chance The Musical and Once on This Island. Moses transitions from television to the stage after his recent debut in Bagets The Musical, whilst Rosaldo brings his powerhouse vocals fresh from starring in the Manila revival of Rent.
Above Air Paz-Pablico as Suzy
Above Akie Cedilla as Amor
Air Paz-Pablico as Suzy
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Above Andrea Babierra as Iste
Above Anthony Rosaldo as Romer
Andrea Babierra as Iste
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Joining them as the second leading man is KD Estrada, who steps into the role of Burn, a down-to-earth folk-rock musician in his mid-20s determined to make a name for himself through original music. Estrada, who made his musical theatre debut in Walang Aray, also comes off a celebrated run in Bagets The Musical.
Read more: ‘Bagets The Musical’ is a nostalgic reverie with gentle growing pains
Above Dindo Divina Gracia as Tarurit
Above Gerhard Krysstopher as Toots
Dindo Divina Gracia as Tarurit
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Above Jackie Lou Blanco as Aurora
Above Jeff Moses as Romer
Jackie Lou Blanco as Aurora
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The narrative of Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical unfolds between two distinct environments: the House of Pasion and the famed Malate disco, Coco Banana. Stepping into the titular role of Annie Batungbakal is Atasha Muhlach. Annie is described as a creative, spirited, generous, and lovable woman in her early 20s who works as a dispatsadora (or staff) at the House of Pasion. Though a little naive, her dream of becoming a fashion designer drives her desire to join the exclusive Coco Banana circle, but her initial lack of authenticity blocks her acceptance.
Muhlach’s casting marks a full-circle moment for the fast-rising multi-hyphenate talent, who has recently shined on screen in projects like Da Pers Family and Bad Genius: The Series. Her theatre journey began on the very same Newport Performing Arts Theater stage 15 years ago. In 2011, at just nine years old, she debuted as Brigitta von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Now, she returns to the venue where her live performance journey began to lead one of the year's most anticipated Filipino musicals.
Read more: The family guide to exploring Newport World Resorts
Above John Lapus as Tarurit
Above KD Estrada as Burn
John Lapus as Tarurit
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Above Ring Antonio as Aurora
Above Yani Lopez as Iste
Ring Antonio as Aurora
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The House of Pasion is anchored by Aurora Pasion, an influential, old-school fashion designer in her 50s whose signature clothing line defines the brand. The role will be alternately played by veteran actors Jackie Lou Blanco and Ring Antonio.
Annie’s immediate family and inner circle introduce further depth to the narrative. Air Paz-Pablico plays Suzy Batungbakal, Annie’s modista mother and a former employee of Aurora who is contemplating working abroad as an Overseas Contract Worker. Annie’s younger sister, Iste Batungbakal, who harbours a crush on the musician Burn, will be alternately played by Yani Lopez and Andrea Babierra. Gerhard Krysstopher joins the cast as Toots, Annie’s loyal friend and fellow House of Pasion staff member, while Akie Cedilla plays Amor, a street-smart balut vendor who serves as an accidental voice of wisdom.
The eccentric nightlife of Coco Banana is brought to life by John Lapus and Dindo Divinagracia, who alternate as the larger-than-life proprietor Tarurit, as well as a humourously portrayed neighbour named Tito Tambay.
Read more: Virgin Labfest (VLF) XXI bares the human soul with 12 provocative works
Above Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal
Above Sam Concepcion as Romer Pasion
Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal
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Staged in collaboration with PETA Plus, the musical is slated to officially open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. The venue accommodates over 1,700 audience members and regularly hosts major live theatre events and concerts.
The extensive ensemble cast features Rapah Manalo as the Burn understudy and Iya Villanueva as the Annie understudy, alongside a diverse group of seasoned performance artists and swings.
Ticket sales for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical are set to begin this July. Audiences looking to secure early access to the performances can currently sign up for the official public waitlist through the Newport World Resorts website.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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