Atasha Muhlach is Annie Batungbakalin Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical

The search for the next Annie Batungbakal is over, and she is ready to make her entrance to the theater stage in bongga fashion.

Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reveals Atasha Muhlach in the title role for Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical opening this September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Muhlach steps into the shoes of Annie Batungbakal, a creative, spirited, generous and lovable woman in her early 20s. She is a little naive, as a dispatsadora (or staff) of House of Pasion, her dream as a fashion designer drives her desire to join the Coco Banana circle, and her lack of authenticity initially blocks acceptance.

She joins an already star-powered cast led by Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo, who were recently unveiled as the musical’s leading men.

One of the country's fastest-rising multi-hyphenate talents, Muhlach has quickly distinguished herself as an actress, host, and performer. Her growing body of work spans television, streaming, and live entertainment, earning her recognition as one of the most promising young stars of her generation. Audiences have seen her shine in projects such as Da Pers Family and Bad Genius: The Series.

The casting for Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical marks a full-circle moment for Muhlach, whose theater journey began on the very same stage 15 years ago. In 2011, at just nine years old, Muhlach made her theater debut at the Newport Performing Arts Theater as the sharp-witted Brigitta von Trapp in Newport World Resorts' acclaimed staging of The Sound of Music. The role served as her introduction to live performance and offered an early glimpse of the talent that would later flourish across multiple entertainment platforms.

Now, she returns to the venue where her journey began, stepping into the spotlight as the lead star of one of the most anticipated Filipino musicals of the year.

Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reunites for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical featuring Hotdog’s timeless hits. The show, staged with PETA Plus, is slated to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Get first dibs on tickets by signing up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bkd-waitlist. Ticket selling for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical begins in July.

Learn more about the artists and the production through Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts), VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), and The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo join Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical

The cast of Bongga Ka, 'Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical is shaping up to be truly ‘bongga’, kicking with an all-star lineup of today's most sought-after theater heartthrobs.

Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, unveiled Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo as the musical’s leading men. 

Concepcion takes on the role of Romer, a 27 year-old cosmopolitan, flirty, and self-assured man who knows he’s handsome and worldly. He is a flight attendant who dabbles in photography. Coming from a well-off family, he is the only son of the owner of House of Pasion.

Estrada steps into the character of Burn, a down-to-earth folk-rock singer in his mid 20s. Burn is known for performing cover songs but dreams of making a name for himself through his own original music. Determined to get his big break, he sets out on a journey to achieve his dreams while balancing stability and his passion.

Sam Concepcion is one of Philippine entertainment's most accomplished triple threats. Equally at home on the concert stage, television screen, and theater stage, Concepcion has built a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Theater audiences most recently saw him as the wealthy aristocrat Daniel Beauxhomme in 9 Works Theatrical's staging of Once on This Island, following his widely praised performance as Popoy in PETA's blockbuster hit One More Chance The Musical. 

KD Estrada, whose growing theater career continues to excite audiences. Estrada comes fresh off a highly celebrated run of Bagets The Musical, where he starred as the well-off, conyo high schooler Arnel. He made his musical theater debut in 2023 in PETA’s award-winning zarzuela-comedy Walang Aray.

Jeff Moses continues to build momentum as one of the most promising young performers transitioning from television to theater. Best known to many viewers through his appearances in hit television dramas, Moses successfully made his stage debut in Bagets The Musical, where he portrayed the martial arts-loving Topee. His natural charm and strong vocals quickly endeared him to audiences, making him a welcome addition to the world of Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.

Anthony Rosaldo, a powerhouse vocalist and former The Clash finalist, has become a familiar face in musical theater through a string of standout performances. In 2024, he starred as Roger Davis in the Manila revival of Jonathan Larson's Rent. Before that, he made his theatrical debut as Young Hector in the long-running hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo in 2023.

Together, these four performers bring a wealth of experience, charisma, and musicality to the production. With its leading men now unveiled, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a bongga theatrical experience. More cast members will be revealed soon.

Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reunites for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical featuring Hotdog’s timeless hits. The show, staged with PETA Plus, is slated to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Get first dibs on tickets by signing up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bkd-waitlist. Ticket selling for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical begins in July.

Learn more about the artists and the production through Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts), VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), and The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bkd-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Introducing the OG Conyo Boy, Arnel

Bagets The Musical shows no signs of slowing down its big barkada reveal.

This time, the excitement is at an all-time high as the original conyo makes his entrance. First portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco, Arnel is a polished teen torn between following his heart and meeting his mother’s expectations.

The 2026 stage production invites a new generation to rediscover the character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

Ethan David on embracing the challenge

Ethan David is exactly the performer the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has been looking for. 

A member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T., he also boasts a solid acting resume, with credits in TV series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond.

“I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work than stage,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work,” he explains. “On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

Rather than shy away from the challenge, he embraces it by stepping out of his comfort zone with vocal training and stamina-building exercises.

“Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” adds David. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Such dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the character. The artist admits that he’s faced his fair share of conflicts about what he wants. 

“Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he shares.

KD Estrada on becoming one with Arnel

There is no mistaking it: KD Estrada is a complete mirror of Arnel. The accent, the height, the vibe — everything about him exudes a well-mannered charm.

“When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he begins. “I’d say if he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.”

The beloved character is fun but responsible, chill but not one to give in to peer pressure.

“I admire that about him. In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he says. “That he just doesn’t do things because they’re ‘in’ or what you’re supposed to do.”

Arnel’s strength, however, comes with a cost. Estrada notes that he empathizes with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings.

“I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But I guess we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.”

Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theater production, following his debut in PETA’s Walang Aray with screen partner Alexa Ilacad. 

He has also appeared in several TV series, including Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and his latest, Pira-pirasong Paraiso.

When asked about his favorite takeaway and the lesson audiences should remember, the artist answered without hesitation: "The friends that you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

Arnel proves that the struggles of growing up never fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada bringing him to life, his story of friendship, courage, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate across generations.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon. 

Joining David and Estrada in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.