Atasha Muhlach’s ‘Bongga’ finale makes family proud

MANILA, Philippines — Atasha Muhlach has taken her final bow as Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” successfully wrapping up her first lead role in a major theater production despite skepticism that initially greeted her casting.

Among those who couldn’t be prouder of how she pulled off the role were her mother, Charlene Gonzalez, and twin brother, Andres Muhlach, whom the press got to speak with during the musical’s closing performance at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) on Oct. 31. Dad Aga was also spotted at the venue, but didn’t give an interview.

Charlene particularly expressed happiness not only for what her daughter accomplished onstage but also for the friendships and new “family” she formed throughout the production. She said, “It’s a nice journey and a nice experience for Atasha. So, I’m very, very happy for her.”

She could, likewise, tell how much Atasha loved performing, saying: “Super enjoy siya. Grabe yung energy niya. Sustained from beginning to end talaga.”

The former beauty queen, actress and television host also took pride in her daughter’s commitment to improving herself as an artist and her willingness to take on new challenges. “That’s one thing that I admire in Atasha and also the fact that she takes on new challenges every time, hindi siya takot to believe in herself and to be able to take the opportunity to grow as an artist.”

Charlene further said, “And then she’s got the love and passion for it. She really loves her craft. And she’s not afraid to put in the hard work. And she has the discipline and passion.”

Atasha’s casting as Annie Batungbakal had earlier drawn criticism from some quarters even before the musical premiered, with some questioning whether she was the right choice to be the face of the production.

Nevertheless, she went on to complete the musical’s run, which began in September and built around the classic hits of the iconic OPM band Hotdog. She was joined by KD Estrada and Anthony Rosaldo as love interests Burn and Romer, respectively, during the finale.

For Andres, who previously made his own musical theater debut in “Bagets The Musical” at the same venue earlier this year, his sister needed no last-minute advice or tips before her final show.

When reminded that he had previously said his twin sister was better than him, Andres readily agreed.

“Yes, definitely. I don’t give her any tips naman kasi kaya niya naman. Great job and she’s done a wonderful job talaga with her play there.”

The young actor further said he had witnessed the hard work his sister put into the production, giving him every reason to be proud of her accomplishment.

“I’m very proud of everything she’s done really. She’s really great, honestly,” he stressed.

Both twins have now experienced the demands of performing in a major musical at Newport, with Andres starring in “Bagets The Musical” before Atasha took on the lead role in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!”

Their mother, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with how their respective careers have been progressing.

“I’m happy because I love what they’re doing,” Charlene said.

She also thanked Viva executives Vic del Rosario, Veronique del Rosario-Corpus, Val del Rosario and Vincent del Rosario for believing in and supporting her children.

As for whether Charlene herself might return to show business, she indicated that she was happy to remain on the sidelines for now. “Taga support lang ako. Taga cheer sa kanila,” she said.

With Atasha’s musical concluded, Charlene said the family was planning to spend the long weekend together out of town. She said, “Yun lang muna. Hindi kami nagpa-plano beyond that, but we’re going as family out of town.”

Meanwhile, Andres was also asked whether he would consider returning to the theater stage after his experience in “Bagets The Musical.”

“Oo naman. Para sa akin naman, any opportunity is an opportunity talaga. It’s a way to really improve yourself or learn new things,” he said.

The young actor, however, remained tight-lipped about his next project. He, nevertheless, acknowledged fans who have been asking when they would see him again.

“I miss them too. I miss them very much as well,” he said. “(But) wala, wala akong ma-pa-promise talaga. Basta, abangan niyo nalang.”

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