Cover ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ is set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Newport World Resorts)
‘Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ is set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Newport World Resorts)
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Original Filipino musicals continue to take centre stage as Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications Inc and The Philippine Star team up anew to mount a highly anticipated production, ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’
Titled Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, the show is scheduled to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The production reimagines the beloved Manila Sound era for a fresh generation of theatregoers by blending iconic OPM tracks, fashion and nostalgia.
Featuring the timeless hits of the Hotdog band, the musical follows the story of an ambitious sales clerk. She sneaks into the glamorous disco scene to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer and risks losing herself in the process—true to the story of the iconic song Bongga Ka, ’Day.
Read more: Philippine Opera Company’s ‘Master Class’: 5 lessons artists learn from Maria Callas
Above Official lyric video of ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day’
At the forefront of this dynamic collaboration are Kevin L Tan, Newport World Resorts executive chairman; Vicente del Rosario Jr, VIVA Communications Inc’s founder and chairman of the board; and Miguel Belmonte, The Philippine Star president and CEO.
Bongga Ka, ’Day marks the second major theatrical venture among the three companies, following Bagets The Musical, which debuted as a large-scale adaptation of the iconic 1984 Filipino film.
Read more: ‘Bagets The Musical’ is a nostalgic reverie with gentle growing pains
Above VIVA Communications Inc founder and chairman of the board Vicente del Rosario Jr, Newport World Resorts executive chairman Kevin L Tan and The Philippine Star president and CEO Miguel G Belmonte (Photo: Newport World Resorts)
VIVA Communications Inc founder and chairman of the board Vicente del Rosario Jr, Newport World Resorts executive chairman Kevin L Tan and The Philippine Star president and CEO Miguel G Belmonte (Photo: Newport World Resorts)
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Speaking on the partnership, Tan stated, “At Newport World Resorts, part of our thrust has always been to support world-class productions that champion Filipino artistry and bring our stories to bigger stages. We look forward to bringing this proudly Filipino production to life and creating another meaningful entertainment experience for our audiences.”
The continued partnership between these entertainment giants reflects the growing momentum behind original Filipino theatre productions and large-scale collaborations within the local industry.
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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.
Work
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.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
