Atasha Muhlach Responds to Criticism of Her Performance as Annie Batungbakal in ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’

The 24-year-old reflects on feedback about her singing and dancing following a preview of the show, which officially opens on September 18.

by Kyla Villena

Published on Sep 16, 2026

Photo: Instagram/newportworldresorts

Atasha Muhlach is gearing up for Bongga Ka ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, which opens at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on September 18. Last July, the cast gave audiences a preview of the production, performing hits by ’70s band Hotdog, including Pers Lab and the musical’s titular song, Bongga Ka ’Day.

@together.manila
YOUR ANNIE BATUNGBAKAL IS HERE! Here is a SNEAK PEEK of Atasha Muhlach @atashamuhlach_ performing "Pers Lab" by Hotdog at the Press Conference of Bonnga Ka 'Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical ✨️ Bongga Ka 'Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical is a jukebox musical featuring the songs of Hotdog, will open this September 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Preselling of tickets will start tomorrow, July 8, through @ticketworld. @newportworldresorts @vivaartistsagency @philippinestar #BKDTheAnnieBatungbakalMusical #AtashaMuhlach
♬ original sound - Together Manila - Together Manila

The sneak peek drew mixed reactions online, with some netizens commenting on Atasha’s singing and dancing. Others questioned whether she was ready to take on the lead role, with some suggesting other actresses for the part.

In an interview with ABS-CBN at the Preview Ball, where Atasha was honored as one of this year’s Best Dressed, she addressed the reactions.

READ:

Atasha Muhlach Admits Feeling Affected by Criticism

“I’m just here to work,” Atasha said when asked how she handles criticism and bashing. “I’m just here to try to do my best, to work hard, and not take anything for granted.”

The 24-year-old acknowledged that there are “really no shortcuts” in life, emphasizing her commitment to putting in the work. She continued, “My priority is keeping my head down and working, making sure I don’t step on anyone’s toes or do bad to anyone.”

@manilaconcerts
First look at Bongga Ka ’Day! The Musical! The cast treated media and partners to a special preview ahead of its September 2026 opening. #BKDTheAnnieBatungbakalMusical
♬ original sound - Manila Concert Scene - Manila Concert Scene

Still, Atasha admitted that the negative comments surrounding her performance have affected her. “Siyempre naman, tao pa rin ako. Nasasaktan naman ako, pero okay naman,” she said. “It’s part of the process.”

At the end of the day, however, Atasha focuses on putting on a show audiences can enjoy rather than proving her critics wrong. “My end goal is to make people happy. And I hope they get entertained and enjoy the show,” she shared. “I want to make sure I do this the best that I can.”

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

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.