Atasha embraces pressure of following Nora Aunor's iconic 'Annie Batungbakal' role in new musical

MANILA, July 8 ------ Actress Atasha Muhlach acknowledged the pressure of taking on the iconic role of Annie Batungbakal, a character immortalized on screen by National Artist Nora Aunor, but said she is focused on giving the role her all in the upcoming “Bongga Ka Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical.”

During the musical press conference on Tuesday, Muhlach admitted that comparisons are inevitable but said she is choosing to concentrate on hard work instead of expectations. "Siyempre naman may [pressure]. Hanggang ngayon hina-handle ko pa rin," she said, adding that she has no expectations about the outcome. “Ang alam ko lang is ibibigay ko talaga nang 100% ko. Walang shortcuts dito. As in, a-attend ko lahat ng rehearsals, gagawin kong extra work.”

Muhlach shared that preparing for the role has involved extensive research, studied the character, and immersing herself in the music of the band Hotdog, whose hit song "Annie Batungbakal" inspired the musical's story. She described landing the role as a "full circle moment," saying she feels humbled and grateful for the opportunity. “Para sa akin po sobrang full circle moment, at sobrang humbling at heart-warming. And sobrang grateful po ako talaga,” Muhlach expressed. The actress said she is especially excited to return to the theater stage, describing the journey as a “beautiful challenge.”

Director Chris Millado said the musical goes beyond celebrating the disco era and its nostalgic soundtrack. He explained that the production aims to redefine what it means to be "bongga," emphasizing that true greatness comes from within rather than outward glamour. “What makes the play or this musical bongga, is that we are redefining ‘bongga’, that ‘bongga’ is not just about flashiness or sparkling things, but the real bongga comes from inside,” Millado explained. Muhlach echoed the director's message, saying that when all the glitter and external factors are stripped away, what truly makes a person "bongga" stay true to one's heart and authentic self.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com