MANILA, Philippines — Actress and television host Atasha Muhlach has earned praise from veteran comedian and theater performer John Lapus following the opening-night performance of Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, as the young star faced scrutiny over her casting in the highly anticipated production.
Lapus, who plays Tarurit and Tito Tambay in the musical, expressed pride in Atasha after the show’s opening night at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on September 18, 2026. His remarks came after the actress received online criticism in the weeks leading up to her first major lead role in a musical.
According to a report by The Philippine Star, Lapus said the cast was proud of Atasha, noting that she had been unwell but still delivered a strong opening-night performance.
The comments added to the growing discussion surrounding Atasha’s transition into musical theater and her determination to take on a demanding stage role.
From online criticism to the spotlight
Before the musical opened, Atasha’s casting as Annie Batungbakal sparked debate on social media. Some netizens questioned her singing and dancing abilities following an early preview of the production, while others argued about whether she was the right choice for the lead role.
The controversy also included allegations that she had not participated in the audition process.
However, a July 11 report by the Manila Bulletin detailed how Lapus and actress Gimbey dela Cruz disputed the claims about Atasha’s alleged absence from auditions. Viva Entertainment subsequently released footage of her audition, providing evidence that she had participated in the casting process.
The audition controversy highlighted a wider conversation about celebrity privilege and whether established family names can influence casting decisions in the entertainment industry.
Still, the audition footage addressed the specific allegation that Atasha had skipped the process. Questions about her suitability for the role remained a separate matter of artistic opinion.
Atasha prepares for her biggest theater challenge
Taking on Annie Batungbakal required more than name recognition. The role called for singing, dancing, acting, and the ability to sustain a demanding live performance.
In a July 2026 interview with The Philippine Star, Atasha discussed how she prepared for the audition, including working on two songs and a dance number. She also acknowledged the difficulty of preparing her vocals and expressed respect for professional theater performers.
The production’s team likewise defended her casting. According to the same report, PETA president and PETA Plus program director Melvin Lee said Atasha delivered a strong audition, demonstrating singing, dancing, and stage presence.
Veteran director Chris Millado also praised her ability to pick up choreography and perform during the audition process.
These accounts offered a different perspective from the negative reactions that followed the musical’s early preview.
What makes ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’ special?
Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical is a stage adaptation inspired by the 1979 musical-comedy film Annie Batungbakal, which starred National Artist Nora Aunor and featured songs by the iconic Filipino band Hotdog.
The stage production brings the Manila Sound era back to life through familiar songs, colorful costumes, elaborate staging, and disco-inspired choreography.
Atasha portrays Annie, a sales assistant who dreams of becoming a fashion designer while aspiring to enter the glamorous Coco Banana disco scene. Her character’s journey explores ambition, romance, identity, and the desire to pursue a bigger life.
The musical also features Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo, and other performers in its ensemble.
In a September 20 review, The Philippine Star described Atasha’s performance as charming and noted her comedic timing and onstage chemistry with her co-stars. The report also highlighted the months of preparation she undertook with coaches for singing, acting, dancing, and speech.
More than a celebrity surname
Atasha’s experience underscores the pressure that can accompany a high-profile entertainment career, particularly when an artist is entering a demanding field with established performers and experienced theater professionals.
Being the daughter of actors Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez has made Atasha a familiar name to the public, but a live musical presents a different challenge from television hosting or screen appearances. Every performance requires preparation, coordination, stamina, and the ability to respond to a live audience.
The opening-night praise from Lapus and the coverage of Atasha’s preparation provide evidence of the effort behind her stage debut. They do not mean that every viewer or critic must agree on the quality of her performance, but they help put the online backlash into context.
As Bongga Ka, ’Day! continued its run, Atasha’s portrayal of Annie Batungbakal became an opportunity for audiences to judge her work on stage rather than rely solely on assumptions made before the production opened.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Atasha raises a familiar question in show business: should an emerging performer be judged by expectations attached to a famous surname, or by the work she delivers in front of an audience?
For Atasha, the musical has offered a chance to demonstrate her abilities, learn from seasoned performers, and take another step toward building her own identity as an artist.
