Aga Muhlach Has a Message for Critics of Daughter Atasha’s "Bongga Ka ’Day" Performance

Atasha Muhlach has just made her theater debut as Annie Batungbakal in Newport World Resorts' staging of Bongga Ka, 'Day! The 1970s-inspired tale puts the aspiring actress front and center, testing both her acting and musical prowess.

Questions over her ability to bring the iconic character to life have surfaced since the production's preview performance last July. Now that Atasha has officially stepped into Annie's shoes, she continues to face criticism over her performance, which she has since addressed.

Her father, matinee idol and veteran actor Aga Muhlach, has also come forward to respond to his daughter's critics.

Upon Bongga Ka, 'Day's maiden staging last September 18, Aga was asked by media outlets for his take on the criticism his daughter has received. The actor advised Atasha to stay focused on her work, saying, "Just always quiet the noise. Yung ingay na dinaan niya... sa mga tumitira sa kanya, sabi ko wag mo na lang pansinin. Malaking show ang gagawin mo, so just do your work."

He added that the 24-year-old is simply doing her job with the production, encouraging her critics to watch the show for themselves. "At sa inyo naman na nanira sa kanya, galing sa isang ama po, nagtatrabaho lang yung bata," he expressed. "Wala namang pinagyayabang, gusto lang maghanapbuhay, gusto gumawa ng show. Panoorin n'yo po," Aga added.

His wife, Charlene Gonzalez, has also shared her thoughts on Atasha's performance, emphasizing how much effort she's seen her daughter pour into the role. "Nakita ko kasi lahat ng hard work na pinagdaanan niya, preparation for the show, the love and passion that she put into this project, and the family that they created. It just warms my heart," she said.

In a past interview, Atasha herself admitted to feeling hurt by the bashing she's received since she was cast as Annie. "Siyempre naman, tao pa rin ako. Nasasaktan naman ako, pero okay naman... It’s part of the process," she said.

“I’m just here to work,” Atasha continued, emphasizing that she sees the opportunity to star in the production as both a job and a blessing. “I’m just here to try to do my best, to work hard, and not take anything for granted.”

Bongga Ka ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, a production by Newport World Resorts, officially opened at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on September 18. Inspired by Hotdog's music, the production brings the band’s Manila Sound hits to the stage, with Atasha taking on the titular role of Annie Batungbakal.