Aga Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales stand by Atasha despite 'Annie Batungbakal' bashing

Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales made sure to be there for their daughter Atasha as the celebrity couple attended the opening night of “Bongga Ka ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” on Friday, September 18, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

The 24-year-old actress begins a new chapter in her career by taking on the titular character, Annie Batungbakal, amid negative comments aimed at her on social media. 

Aga used the occasion to remind Atasha that she has the support of her family and does not need to prove herself to anyone.

“Atasha, I’m just happiest for you. Congratulations. You got this. I've always believed in you. And we continue to believe,” Aga said.

The actor also addressed the bashing Atasha had encountered. “Sabi ko nga kay Atasha, ‘yung noise na dinaanan mo, I'm happy na tapos na, nadaanan mo na ‘yun. So, now you’ve learned. Just work, you don't need to prove anything. Congratulations to you, we're proud of you, and let's keep doing it,” he added.

Aga, 57, said he did not personally read the negative comments but was aware of them. With decades of experience in show business, he reminded Atasha that criticism and negativity come with being an artist, especially when things are going well.

Charlene, meanwhile, shared her own message for Atasha, expressing how proud she and the family are to see their daughter pursue her dreams.

“Congratulations, Atasha. We're very, very proud of you, and we're happy to see that you are reaching for your dreams,” Charlene said.

The former beauty queen and actress also thanked everyone involved in the musical for giving Atasha the opportunity to work with talented actors and creatives.

“It's truly an honor for Atasha to be able to work with such talented actors and creatives just like all of you,” Charlene said. “Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal and kindness na binibigay at shinare ninyo kay Atasha. From our family to yours, maraming maraming salamat and we love you all,” Charlene added. 

The family’s support for one another extends beyond Atasha’s current theater run. When her twin brother, Andres, made his theater debut as Adie in “Bagets: The Musical,” Aga, Charlene, and Atasha were there to support him during his performances.

Andres, however, was in Spain and could not make it to Atasha’s opening night. Charlene said the family plans to return and watch the musical with him on another date.

The production also brings Atasha back to a venue that has been part of her theater journey since childhood. Fifteen years ago, on the same stage, she played Brigitta von Trapp in a 2011 local production of “The Sound of Music.” 

The “Bongga Ka ‘Day” production opened on September 18 and will run until October 24, 2026.