Atasha Muhlach tells ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’ fans: Stay true, success follows

Actress steps into Annie Batungbakal role as musical opens to mixed reactions.

“Never ever change yourself.”

That’s how rising star Atasha Muhlach opened up about the heart of her “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!” character and shared a profoundly inspiring message for all the “Annie Batungbakals” of the world.

For Muhlach, who will be portraying the iconic titular role, the disco-loving, hard-working dreamer is more than just a stage character. She represents the resilient spirit of the modern Filipino.

“I think that represents most Filipinos, in all honesty, because at the end of the day… when you strip away all the glitz and glam, what really makes you ‘bongga’ is you, no matter what,” Muhlach noted in a recent interview with radar Entertainment.

This perspective highlights the core theme of the musical: finding self-worth not in glamor or social status, but in one’s authentic self.

This journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is one that Muhlach believes resonates deeply with everyone. The actress emphasized that no one should feel pressured to compromise their identity or change who they are to gain external success or validation.

She offered a reminder to those who may be struggling to fit in: “You will never ever need to change yourself for someone else or in order to achieve something. You always go back to you.”

Ultimately, Muhlach hopes that audiences will take away a powerful lesson in authenticity from the show. According to her, the secret to truly shining in life does not come from fitting into a certain mold, but from leaning into who you genuinely are.

“The more you remain yourself and continue being you, the more you stand out and love life,” she concluded, setting an inspiring tone ahead of her grand stage return.

With mixed reactions of excitement and criticisms brewing for the upcoming stage production, “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” is set to debut this September at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

READ: