First look at the world of Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical

 

From House of Pasion to Coco Banana, the worlds of fashion, music, and disco converged at the press conference of Bongga Ka, 'Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical held on July 7 at the Grand Bar and Lounge, Newport World Resorts.

The event gave members of the media an exclusive preview of the show's full cast and creative team, and insight into their preparations ahead of the musical’s highly anticipated opening this September 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

 

 

Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal

Leading the production is Atasha Muhlach, who stars as Annie Batungbakal, an employee of House of Pasion, whose love for fashion drives her to enter the Coco Banana circle. Joining her as Annie’s leading men are some of today’s most sought-after theater heartthrobs. Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo, will alternate as Romer Pasion, the worldly flight attendant and heir to House of Pasion. KD Estrada plays the character Burn, the folk-rock musician determined to make a name for himself through original music. 

The House of Pasion itself is anchored by Aurora Pasion, alternately played by Jackie Lou Blanco and Ring Antonio. In her 50s, Aurora is an old-school yet influential fashion designer whose signature clothing line defines 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 her side is Toots, played by Gerhard Krysstofer, her loyal gay friend and fellow House of Pasion staff member. Guiding Annie 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 color to Annie's journey are the eccentric personalities who populate Coco Banana. John Lapus and Dindo Divinagracia alternate as Tarurit, the larger-than-life proprietor of Coco Banana, and Tito Tambay, a humorously-portrayed neighbor. 

Completing the male ensemble are Rapah Manalo, Bomba Ding, MC Dela Cruz, Franco Ramos, Richardson Yadao, Vyen Villanueva, Gerald Magallanes, Mark Panganoron, Jay Cortez, Moi Gealogo, Yahweh Sanggalang, Dan Wesley, and male swing Tep Logmao

Joining them are female ensemble members Misha Fabian, Chez Cuenca, Abi Sulit, Paui Luzurriaga, Iya Villanueva, Sam Marasigan, Coleen Paz, Mica Fajardo, Mia Bella, Abegail Turiano, Yna Arbiol, and female swing Jannah Baniasia.

Bringing the world of Bongga Ka, 'Day! to life is an acclaimed creative team led by director Chris Millado and playwright Liza Magtoto, and musical director Vince Lim. They are joined by choreographer Stephen Viñas, set designer Ohm David, costume designer Hershee Tantiado, video designer Bene Manaois, lighting designer John Batalla, dramaturg Eric Dela Cruz, assistant director John Moran, and hair and makeup designer Johann Dela Fuente.

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.

Exclusive pre-selling for waitlist members starts July 8 to 9. General public sales begin on July 10. Tickets will be available online and at all TicketWorld outlets and at the Newport World Resorts Box Office: PHP 4500 (SVIP), PHP 4000 (VIP), PHP 3,400 (GOLD), PHP 2,400 (SILVER), and PHP 1,300 (BRONZE).