Charlene Gonzales on why daughter Atasha Muhlach is the perfect Annie Batungbakal
Watching Atasha Muhlach take the stage as Annie Batungbakal filled her mom, Charlene Gonzales, with pride.
Atasha is currently leading Bongga Ka 'Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical as the titular character at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. She channels a young woman who dreams of becoming a fashion designer while working as a dispachadora or sales clerk at a floundering fashion boutique in Manila.
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe during the musical's opening night, Charlene shared why she believes Atasha was made for the role.
"I think they're both very authentic, and they're both dreamers and somebody who will really put in the hard work to go after your dream," she highlighted.
"She's a believer, and she's a dreamer. And I feel Atasha and Annie Batungbakal are the same," she added.
But does this mean that Atasha also has a secret side to her that her mom doesn't know about?
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Laughing, Charlene said, "I don't think she has a secret life because since she was little, our life has been an open book. So, what you see is what you get."
Directed by Chris Millado, the musical is based on the music of the 1970s Filipino band Hotdog, where Annie's story pans out through their classic songs, including Manila, Pers Lab, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Annie Batungbakal, Beh, Buti Nga, and the Pinoy disco anthem Bongga Ka 'Day.
Other cast members include KD Estrada, Sam Concepcion, Jackie Lou Blanco, and John Lapus.
The play will run until Oct. 24 this year. Tickets are available at Ticketworld.
Atasha began her career in showbiz as a television host on E.A.T., which was later rebranded as Eat Bulaga! She later starred in projects such as Da Pers Family, Bad Genius, and Everyone Knows Every Juan.
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