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The search for the next Annie Batungbakal has officially come to an end as Atasha Muhlach prepares to bring the iconic character to life on the theater stage.

Newport World Resorts, in partnership with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, has announced Muhlach as the title star of Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical. The production is scheduled to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Muhlach takes on the role of Annie Batungbakal, a spirited, creative, generous, and lovable young woman in her early 20s. Working as a dispatsadora, or staff member, at House of Pasion, Annie dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Her ambition fuels her desire to become part of the Coco Banana circle, but her struggle to stay true to herself initially prevents her from gaining 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.