Atasha Muhlach takes on dream role as Annie Batungbakal

 

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

June 18, 2026 | 12:00am

Viva artist Atasha Muhlach is set to play the titular role in ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,’ a dream assignment that brings her back to musical theater and allows her to essay one of the most iconic characters from the Manila Sound era. The newest Viva-Newport World Resorts-The Philippine STAR collab production is happening in September, with Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo and KD Estrada joining the cast as Atasha’s leading men.

Atasha Muhlach’s first reaction to landing her first-ever lead role on the theater stage was tears of joy.

The Viva artist is set to play the titular role in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” a dream assignment that brings her back to musical theater and allows her to essay one of the most iconic characters from the Manila Sound era.

The role was originated by the late National Artist Nora Aunor in the 1979 film of the same title.

“First reaction, tears of joy,” Atasha recalled to The Philippine STAR in an exclusive interview.

“I was super, super happy and more importantly, so grateful because it’s so exciting to be part of something like this, to be playing the role of Annie Batungbakal because it’s such an iconic role.”

According to Atasha, the role is special not only because it spells a major career milestone, but also because it comes with the chance to dance and sing to some of Hotdog’s most beloved songs, which she described as “part of Philippine music history.”

She said, “Hotdog and Annie Batungbakal made such a big, big contribution to pop culture and society. Given the chance to be part of this is really just such a big honor.”

Interestingly, when Atasha was previously asked by this paper about the possibility of doing theater again, this project was not yet on her radar.

Once she found out about the auditions, the first thing she did was listen to Hotdog tracks. While she already knew Manila, discovering more about the band’s music opened her eyes to just how deeply embedded the group’s music is in Filipino culture.

“I know the song Manila from before, from when I was in high school. I would always hear my friends play it, so it was kind of a surreal moment na, ‘Oh my God, ito pala, this is them,’” Atasha said.

Learning about the other songs, including Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, made her appreciate the Manila Sound even more.

“Hearing all these songs, wow, they’re really so ingrained in Philippine culture. For the Manila Sound, iba talaga,” she added.

Asked more about the audition process, Atasha shared that she went through it with a “hopeful heart.” She knew there were no guarantees, but she made sure she arrived prepared. She tapped a dance coach, acting coach and vocal coach for help.

“I think I could speak in general for everyone in that way, wherein in auditions, you always go in with a hopeful heart and give it your all, not really knowing what will happen or what the outcome may be,” she said.

“But within myself, I just know that I prepared talaga to the best of my ability. As in binigay ko talaga yung 100 percent ko.”

She prepared two audition pieces: one Hotdog song and another one by a different artist from the ’70s to ’80s. She also performed a dance number to the music of Annie Batungbakal.

At one point, she was asked by “Bongga Ka, ‘Day” director Chris Millado to do choreography on the spot to test how quickly she could pick up movement.

“Syempre naman, kinakabahan ako, pero it went well,” she said. “I’m happy that I did it and I’m just happy with the preparations that I put in for this audition.”

The most challenging part of it, she admitted, however, was the singing. She had to go on vocal rest two days before the audition.

“So sabi ko, grabe, iba talaga ang respeto ko para sa mga theater artists and even for all artists,” she said.

Atasha also understands that the role will demand discipline and stamina, especially since she has no alternate for the part. But rather than feel overwhelmed, she chooses to accept it as a challenge.

“I super, super love challenges and I think that’s what keeps me going every day, always just to challenge myself,” she said.

Part of her preparations right now for the actual production in September is understanding the world that Annie Batungbakal comes from. Since she was not born in the ’70s, Atasha has been doing her homework on the period, the music and the cultural context that shaped the character.

“There’s a lot of research and studying required in order to understand the context of that time and to understand the character,” she said.

Based on a primer furnished to this paper, Annie is in her early 20s, a “creative, spirited, generous and lovable woman” but who’s a bit naive. She’s an employee, a dispatsadora, at the House of Pasion. Her dream as fashion designer fuels her desire to join the Coco Banana circle, but there’s something in her that initially blocks acceptance.

When asked if she could personally connect to Annie’s journey, without giving away too much about the story, Atasha shared, “For me, I think she’s a dreamer. She’s unapologetically herself. She’s deeply authentic.

“Just like all of us, we’re all unique in our own way. We’re all very different.”

She went on to say that Annie’s story is all about self-discovery and self-acceptance.

“It’s discovering who you are and realizing that you don’t have to change yourself to be worthy of success, love or acceptance.

“I think, personally, audiences of all ages will see a little bit of themselves in Annie, whether you’re chasing a dream, finding your place in the world or just simply trying to stay true to yourself. Her journey is incredibly relatable.”

The musical follows the success of “Bagets The Musical,” another Viva-Newport World Resorts-The Philippine STAR collaboration that introduced a new generation of young stars to the Philippine theater scene. The show, staged with PETA Plus, is slated to open, as mentioned, in September at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

With “Bongga Ka, ’Day!” now being positioned as the next big stage offering, Atasha is aware of the anticipation surrounding the project, which earlier announced her leading men — Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo and KD Estrada.

“But I wouldn’t really call it pressure,” she said.

“I think it’s more of excitement.”

This is because the project feels like a full-circle moment for Atasha.

The last time she performed onstage, also at Newport, she was 10. It was during “The Sound of Music,” the musical that made her realize she wanted to become a performer.

“That’s why I’m just so, so, so excited to come back now. It’s like I’m really living my dreams now because this all started when I was 10, when I knew after ‘The Sound of Music’ that I really wanted to be part of the industry, I wanted to do this, I wanted to be a performer.”

“Fast forward years later, here we are on the same stage,” Atasha further reflected.

“I’m so excited to grow. I’m just so excited to work with everyone. I’m so excited to learn from them and just enjoy this journey.”

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

PSEi snaps sell-off on US-Iran deal, but BSP rate hike caps gains

By James A. Loyola

Published Jun 18, 2026 06:57 pm

Local equities market halted its downward trajectory, staging a recovery after the United States (US) and Iran signed the preliminary accord aimed at a permanent peace agreement, but gains were severely capped after the central bank went ahead with an expected interest rate increase, prompting investors to scale back positions in rate-sensitive industries.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index added 38.85 points, or 0.64 percent, to settle at 6,153.66 on Thursday, June 18. The broader equity market showed deep division among sector amid tug-of-war between macroeconomic relief and local monetary tightening.

The Services index spearheaded the advances, while the Mining and Oil counter endured the steepest decline of the session.

Market liquidity thinned significantly during the session as trading volume dropped to 447 million shares, with transactions valued at ₱7.15 billion. Decliners also outnumbered advancers 100 to 82, while 56 issues closed unchanged.

“The Philippine market ended in positive territory, recovering from yesterday’s broad-based sell-off, supported by improved investor sentiment following reports of a peace deal between the US and Iran,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.

While buyers dominated the morning tape, the upward momentum began eroding as the afternoon session progressed. Selective profit-taking intensified across the board after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicated it would maintain its restrictive monetary posture.

The central bank’s decision to continue its rate-hiking cycle forced money managers to reassess corporate valuations under higher borrowing costs.

The diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran carries heavy weight for the import-dependent Philippine economy. The memorandum of understanding includes an agreement to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz for a minimum of 60 days. This key maritime corridor is vital for global energy logistics, and its reopening is expected to cool volatile global oil prices.

“The local market bounced back as the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding with a goal of moving toward a permanent peace deal,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial Inc.

He noted that the temporary resolution at the Strait of Hormuz is projected to alleviate global oil supply constraints, which will subsequently soften the domestic inflation outlook.

What social media doesn't tell you about vegetable dumping

By Yvette Tan

Published Jun 19, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jun 18, 2026 04:45 pm

AVANT GARDENER

It seems that one can’t open social media without encountering a post about vegetable dumping, its comment section filled with netizens angrily wondering why nothing is being done.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Directors (RED) Rose Mary G. Aquino, PhD (Region II); Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, CESO III (CAR); and Engr. Redeliza Gruezo (Region IV-A) explained in Tagalog why vegetable dumping keeps happening, what is being done to prevent it, and who should be held responsible.

First, they addressed the lack of a planting calendar. “We’ve been advocating for crop programming, but farmers are still hesitant,” Dawayan said, reporting on what farmers and provincial agriculturists said during the Farmers’ Congress in Benguet and Mountain Province. “Farmers in rain-fed areas will only plant when there’s water.”

Other reasons include,” harvests being sold exclusively to trading posts, which will receive the goods whether the market is up or down,” as well as a prevailing attitude of “If s/he can plant it, why can’t I? What if s/he hits it big and I don’t?”

Aquino added that the more farmers plant the same crop, the less likely their whole crop will be ravaged by pests, which means that they will still have something to sell. “There’s a relevance when it comes to pest outbreaks,” she said. “It’s a big effect on income because an attack can be tantamount to a 40-50 percent yield reduction. That’s huge.”

Gruezo agreed. “Aside from the technical aspects, it’s also about values. We keep promoting venturing into other commodities, but they keep planting tomatoes. They say, ‘Dito kami jajackpot, dito kami lulugi, dito pa rin. (This is where we’ll hit the jackpot, this is where we’ll lose, this is where we’ll stay.)’ It’s their expertise.”

Farmers are known for their ‘to see is to believe’ attitude, and when they see their neighbor making it big with a crop, they’re apt to follow, which could lead to an oversupply. When this happens, netizens tend to place the blame solely on the national government without also holding more directly involved players accountable.

While vegetable dumping gets massive attention on social media, Aquino explained that it’s not the whole picture. “They don’t lose money 12 months of the year… There’s a time when they earn big. People ask why they don’t plant other crops. They plant [the same crops] because they know that there’s a time of the year when they’ll earn a lot. We can even declare them millionaires because that’s how much they sell,” she said. “They know that they’ll lose money during a certain time of the year, but they’ll break even or make more when prices are high.”

Dawayan explained that, for tomatoes in particular, one plant can yield 18 primings, or harvests, with each harvest yielding fewer of their desired size or color. If well cared for, the farmer would have made a profit by the 3rd or 4th priming. Some dumped tomatoes come from the later harvests.

She also addressed the common netizen refrain of “Why can’t they just turn it into sauce?” “It doesn’t work that way,” Dawayan said, adding that they have already explored processing. “Even processing has its own quality requirements.”

Aquino brought up something important. Even if processing were possible, would there be a guaranteed market for the resulting product? “Processing is preservation so that [something] doesn’t go to waste. But a majority of consumers still prefer fresh [tomatoes].”

Sometimes, an oversupply is actually a logistics issue. “Can it still be called an oversupply if there’s an excess in one area and none in another?” Dawayan asked. If this is the case, solving it will require cooperation between agencies and organizations, not just the DA.

This doesn’t mean that vegetable dumping should be condoned. What the REDs are saying is that the DA has been looking for ways to end the practice, but they can’t do it themselves. “The DA has two faces: national and local government units. We should be helping each other, but when there’s a problem on social media, [it’s National] that gets attacked,” Aquino said, adding that it’s important that each player’s role is understood so that the proper parties are held responsible.

“All I ask on the part of media is it would be nice if they also covered the times when the farmers hit it big… when they’re instantly buying pickup trucks,” she added. “Not just when they’re throwing harvests away.”

It’s very easy to blame a nebulous entity when something goes wrong. However, part of repairing a broken system involves relevant parties taking responsibility for their actions. As the REDs point out, the DA can only do so much on a national scale. Other players closer to the ground, like local governments, farmers, and consumers, need to do their part as well.

Third BTS concert date added in Bulacan amid high demand

By Jonathan Hicap

Concert promoter Live Nation Philippines announced on June 17 that a third show will take place on March 16, 2027, at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan, joining the previously scheduled March 13 and 14 performances.

“ARMY. One more night, one more chance to experience BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN BULACAN,” the promoter said in its announcement, confirming the additional show for the group’s highly anticipated return to the country.   

The expansion of the concert schedule comes after widespread calls from fans, with many Filipino ARMY members urging organizers to add another date after thousands were unable to secure tickets for the initial two shows, both of which sold out quickly.

Ticket access for the newly added concert will follow a staggered sale schedule, with an ARMY Membership presale set on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., followed by the general onsale on June 20 starting 9 a.m. 

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BIRTHDAY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

Sa pagsaulog sa adlawng natawhan ni Dr. José Rizal, atong pasidunggan ang iyang talagsaong kabilin sa patriotismo, kaalam, ug gugma alang sa nasud. Hinaut nga ang iyang mga prinsipyo ug sakripisyo magpadayon nga mahimong inspirasyon sa matag Pilipino sa pag-alagad ug pagpalambo sa atong nasud.

In celebration of Dr. José Rizal's birthday, let us honor his remarkable legacy of patriotism, wisdom, and love for the country. May his principles and sacrifices continue to be an inspiration to every Filipino to serve and develop our country.

PREPAREDNESS STILL MOST RELIABLE DEFENSE VS EARTHQUAKE

SPECIAL ON SATURDAY: No technology exists that can predict the exact date, time, or location of an earthquake, PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said Saturday, stressing that preparedness remains the only reliable defense against seismic disasters.

Bacolcol told DZRH News that while science can offer estimates—such as the West Valley Fault potentially moving anywhere between 2058 and 2258—exact prediction remains beyond current capability.

The statement came days after the June 8 magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake, which has since generated 4,554 aftershocks and left at least 46 dead, 688 injured, and 38 missing.

Full story in the comments.

All reactions:

185185

Goodbye ₱50 fees? DOF plans to bring local bank transfer costs down to ₱2

 

By Derco Rosal

Published Jun 18, 2026 05:30 pm

President Marcos’ chief economic manager has raised concerns over the country’s high digital transaction costs, pushing for reforms that would align fees across public and private payment channels and slash charges from their current levels.

Speaking during a media roundtable, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said that reducing these transaction costs is a primary agenda of his leadership, citing the stark gap between local fees and those in neighboring Asian nations.

“There’s one thing I’m obsessing about—the very high digital transaction costs in the Philippines,” Go told reporters, pointing out that local transaction fees can soar to as high as ₱50, while regional peers charge only cents or nothing at all.

Go’s sentiments mirror the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, which flagged the country's expensive domestic fees as an outlier in the region. The IMF attributed these higher costs to the Philippines’ fragmented financial infrastructure.

This persistent problem has prompted the finance chief to express his intent to leave a “legacy” of bringing digital payment costs down. “Our objective is simple: digital payments should be fast, secure, convenient, and affordable,” he said.

For Go, the ideal cost could be as low as ₱2, noting that payment operations still incur basic processing fees.

To set the pace, the Department of Finance (DOF) is already putting the government’s own financial machinery to work.

As chairman of the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), Go shared that he did not mince words with the state-run lender’s executives when questioning their previous ₱15 transaction fee. “I told them, why are you charging people ₱15? What is the bare cost to the bank?” he recalled.

That directive prompted the state-run lender to slash its person-to-person (P2P) fees from ₱15 to ₱8.

To further catalyze digital adoption, Landbank is currently running a trial offering zero convenience fees for person-to-government (P2G) transactions for agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Go believes this move will spark a chain reaction across the industry. “You only need one of the major players to lower its fees, and competition will follow. Once that happens, convenience fees will come down. I think this will also put pressure on agencies that continue to charge high convenience fees,” he said.

Clearing hidden technical friction is another hurdle the existing system needs to overcome. According to Go, banks within the domestic financial system must achieve true interoperability, allowing users to transfer funds across institutions without incurring steep penalties. If digital transactions must have any costs at all, those should ideally be limited to minimal switching fees, Go noted.

The Finance chief added that industry feedback on these measures is currently being solicited, with ongoing talks between the DOF, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), and the Fintech Alliance PH—efforts he said align with the central bank’s overarching direction.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) previously sought to require operators of payment systems (OPS) to price fund transfer charges in line with market rates. Under the central bank’s framework, however, initial plans to completely eliminate fees on small-value fund transfers were ultimately shelved.

Go’s agenda also targets lowering remittance costs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Just as he questioned domestic banking transaction costs, he raised a red flag over average remittance fees that hover around 10 percent.

For the Finance chief, the current status quo is a "pitiful" tax on labor. “It’s crazy! It’s blood, sweat, and tears at 10 percent just for sending money back home,” he lamented, stressing that the mission to slash costs must ensure the earnings of Filipinos working abroad are not eroded by digital tolls.

Lawmakers have also picked up the mantle, pushing for the passage of the OFWs Remittance Protection Act, a measure that aims to reduce remittance fees for OFWs by half to protect offshore workers from excessive charges and financial exploitation.

Invasion im Mittelmeer: Giftiger Fisch bedroht Urlauber und Einheimische

 

Stand:18.06.2026, 17:30 Uhr

Invasive Kugelfische breiten sich in Griechenlands Küstengewässern aus – mit kräftigen Kiefern, starkem Nervengift und einem Biss, der Badegäste ernsthaft verletzen kann.

Eine neue Bedrohung aus der Ferne setzt die mediterrane Fischfauna unter Druck. Und sie kann potenziell auch für Menschen ernsthafte Probleme verursachen. Es handelt sich um den sogenannten Kugelfisch, dessen Vorkommen in den Gewässern von Kreta und Griechenland stark zunimmt, nachdem er bereits Israel und Zypern kolonisiert hat.  

Content-Partnerschaft

Dieser Artikel von Corriere Online entstand in Kooperation mit Corriere della Sera.

Die Sorge ist, dass er sich anschließend auf den Rest des Mittelmeers ausbreiten könnte, beginnend mit Italien – wie es bereits bei der Blaukrabbe und anderen invasiven Arten der Fall ist. Auch der Kugelfisch – der in Wirklichkeit zur Familie der Tetraodontidae gehört – ist eine solche invasive Spezies: Er ist nicht in unseren Meeren heimisch. Er ist aus dem Roten Meer über den Suezkanal eingewandert.   

Enthält gefährliches Nervengift: Der Kugelfisch breitet sich im Mittelmeer aus. © OceanPhotographer23 via imago-im

Es ist ein unerwünschter Gast, der die einheimischen Arten zunehmend verdrängt. Diese leiden stark unter seiner Präsenz: Fischer finden immer häufiger tote Fische in ihren Netzen, die am Körper große Wunden aufweisen.

Gefährlicher Biss und starke Kiefer

Verursacht werden diese Verletzungen durch den Biss der Kugelfische, die besonders kräftige Kiefer und scharfe Zähne besitzen. Sollte er einen Menschen beißen, wie es zuletzt in Griechenland geschehen ist, kann dieser Fisch zwar nicht den Tod, aber schwerwiegende Folgen verursachen.