‘Bongga Ka, ‘Day!’ Full Cast Announced
Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, has announced that Atasha Muhlach will play the titular role in Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.
Set in 1970s Manila, the production draws from the music and culture associated with the Manila Sound movement. Featuring the songs of Hotdog and staged in partnership with PETA Plus, Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical is set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The production describes Annie Batungbakal as “a creative, spirited, generous and lovable woman in her early 20s.” A little naive but ambitious, Annie works as a dispatsadora (sales clerk) at House of Pasion while pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Her desire to join the Coco Banana circle shapes much of her journey, though her struggle to stay true to herself initially keeps her from finding acceptance.
Muhlach made her theater debut as Brigitta von Trapp in Newport World Resorts’ 2011 staging of The Sound of Music.
Joining her as the leading men are Sam Concepcion, Anthony Rosaldo, and Jeff Moses, who will alternate in the role of Romer, and KD Estrada, who will play Burn.
Romer is a 27-year-old cosmopolitan, flirty, and self-assured man who knows he is handsome and worldly. A flight attendant who dabbles in photography, he comes from a well-off family and is the only son of the owner of House of Pasion.
Burn, meanwhile, is a down-to-earth folk-rock singer in his mid-20s. Known for performing cover songs, he dreams of making a name for himself through original music. Determined to get his big break, he navigates the challenges of balancing stability with his passion.
Between House of Pasion and Coco Banana, a well-known Malate disco where creatives and socialites gather, unfolds a story of ambition, friendship, love, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of the Manila Sound era.
The House of Pasion is anchored by Aurora Pasion, alternately played by Jackie Lou Blanco and Ring Antonio. In her 50s, Aurora is an established fashion designer whose signature clothing line forms the foundation of the house she built.
Annie’s personal world includes Suzy Batungbakal, played by Air Paz-Pablico, her modista mother and former Aurora employee who is considering working abroad as an Overseas Contract Worker (OCW). Yani Lopez and Andrea Babierra alternate as Iste Batungbakal, Annie’s younger sister, who harbors a crush on Burn.
By Annie’s side is Toots, played by Gerhard Krysstopher, her loyal gay friend and fellow House of Pasion staff member. Guiding her along the way is Amor, portrayed by Akie Cedilla, a street-smart balut vendor whose practical advice often makes her the unintentional voice of wisdom and an occasional cupid.
Adding to Annie’s journey are the personalities who frequent Coco Banana. John Lapus and Dindo Divinagracia alternate as Tarurit, the proprietor of Coco Banana, and Tito Tambay, a neighbor portrayed with humor.
Completing the male ensemble are Rapah Manalo (Burn understudy), Vince Denzel Sarra, MC Dela Cruz, Franco Ramos, Richardson Yadao, Vyen Villanueva, Gerald Magallanes, Mark Panganoron, Jay Cortez, Moi Gealogo, Yahweh Sangalang, Dan Wesley, and male swing Tep Logmao.
Joining them are female ensemble members Iya Villanueva (Annie understudy), Misha Fabian, Chez Cuenca, Abi Sulit, Paui Luzuriaga, Sam Marasigan, Coleen Paz, Mica Fajardo, Mia Bella, Abegail Turiano, Yna Arbiol, and female swing Jannah Baniasia.
The rise of Manila Sound can largely be traced to Hotdog, the band credited with helping popularize a style that blended Taglish lyrics, disco influences, and references to everyday life in Manila. Formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia, the group rose to prominence in 1974 through songs such as “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko” and “Pers Lab.”
They would later become known for songs including “Manila,” “Annie Batungbakal,” and “Bongga Ka Day.”
While Manila Sound eventually gave way to the rise of OPM in the late 1970s and early 1980s, its influence remained evident in Filipino popular music. The movement demonstrated the growing appeal of songs that reflected local experiences, language, and culture.
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