Atasha Muhlach admits criticisms hurt her, shares parents’ advice on dealing with bashers

Atasha Muhlach admits that the harsh criticism she received ahead of and during her theater debut hurt, but the actress is determined to turn the bashing into motivation to become a better performer.

Branded a nepo baby and criticized for her singing and dancing skills, Atasha faced questions about whether she was ready to take on the lead role in the musical play “Bongga Ka ‘Day, The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

But rather than dwell on the negative comments, the “Eat Bulaga!” host said she remains open to constructive criticism and is focused on making the most of the opportunities coming her way.

During the “Tara Sa Paskong Kapatid” thanksgiving celebration at the Grand Hyatt Manila ballroom on November 9, Atasha assured us that she held no grudges against her critics and viewed their comments as a challenge to work harder and improve as a performer.

“It’s never taken personally. It’s always constructive criticism. There’s always room to grow, and I’m very open to learning. I’m just very happy sa lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay ko.”

“I just want to hold on to the good and positive lang, and keep my head down and work lang talaga. ‘Yon lang ang gusto ko, magtrabaho nang maayos,” she said.

Criticism that hurts

Atasha admitted that the bashing and some below-the-belt remarks did affect her, but she chooses to focus on the positive developments in her life.

“Siyempre naman, kasi tao pa rin ako, but focus lang ako sa blessings at mga opportunities I have. Ayaw ko talagang i-take for granted. Ibibigay ko talaga ang 100% ko sa lahat ng mga projects ko.”

We also asked the “Eat Bulaga!” host what advice her parents gave her on dealing with bashers and critics.

“To hold on to your truth. Basta wala kang ginawa na masama. Always be kind to people around you. Never take anything for granted. Work hard lang talaga, keep your head down, and go for your dreams.”

A new theater family

Atasha is also grateful that, aside from “Eat Bulaga!,” she found another family through her theater experience.

“Sobrang grateful kasi nagkaroon din ako ng bagong family, kaya very, very happy ako sa lahat ng na-experience ko at lahat ng natutunan ko,” she said.

Atasha returned as host of “Eat Bulaga!” early this November after completing her theater commitment. She expressed how happy she was to be reunited with her Dabarkads.

“Super happy and nothing but the best feeling talaga kasi it feels like coming back home. Forever love ko talaga ang Dabarkads.”

“Aabangan? Marami pa,” she added. “Actually, katatapos lang ng birthday prod ko sa ‘Eat Bulaga!,’ and for me, umakyat ako nang todo kasi sobrang happy ako to celebrate it with the Dabarkads. It’s very heartwarming. Kinikilig ako palagi.”

Career comes first

Meanwhile, Atasha is being romantically linked to Jacob Ang, son of San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon Ang. However, she denied having a boyfriend and stressed that her career remains her priority.

“Wala akong boyfriend, wala, wala. Wala po.”

“Mula naman noon hanggang ngayon, career pa rin. Sinasabi ko naman lagi na work talaga ang priority ko kasi ito ang dream ko mula nung bata pa. The fact na nandito ako ngayon, I don’t want to take it for granted talaga. I’m happy living my dreams right now,” the actress said.