John Lapus shows proof Atasha Muhlach auditioned for 'Annie Batungbakal'

The online debate over Atasha Muhlach's casting in “Bongga Ka, 'Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical” prompted actor and director John “Sweet” Lapus to speak out, debunking claims  she never auditioned for the lead role.

Sweet, who is part of the musical production, denied allegations that Atasha was cast without going through the audition process. In a post on his X account, he wrote, "Diyos ko mga anak! Nag audition si Atasha! Ayan nasa vlog ko! Kaloka!" and shared a link to a vlog documenting the casting process.

At the 8-minute and 50-second mark of the video, Atasha is seen wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants while reading the script and waiting for her turn for the cold reading. Sweet, 53, then points the camera toward her and says, "Atasha's here," before Atasha greets the camera.

The two briefly chat, while other cast members, including KD Estrada and Anthony Rosaldo, also appear in the vlog.

The issue started after netizens alleged that the 24-year-old never attended the production's audition or casting call despite later being announced as the actress who would play the iconic role of Annie Batungbakal.

The controversy soon spread across social media, with some users questioning the decision to cast Atasha, the daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, for the lead role. It also renewed conversations about the perceived advantages celebrity children may have when pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

The controversy intensified after one of Atasha's fellow auditionees, Rachel Libres, replied to a comment on social media, saying she never saw Atasha during the two-day open auditions.

"Hi! No hate po. Respectfully, I was there during the two-day casting process, and I didn't see Atasha in either day's auditions. Kaya sana huwag din nating i-disregard ang effort at hirap ng lahat ng pumila, naghintay, kumanta, at sumayaw para mabigyan ng pagkakataon. Kung may nangyaring hiwalay na audition o private casting, ibang usapan na iyon. Pero base sa mismong open auditions na dinaluhan ko, wala siya roon," Rachel wrote.

Her comment sparked even more reactions online and added fuel to the ongoing debate.

As the discussion continued, Viva Entertainment also released Atasha's actual audition footage.

"A look on Atasha Muhlach's audition for the iconic role of ANNIE BATUNGBAKAL!" the production wrote on Instagram, alongside a compilation of clips showing Atasha singing, dancing, performing scenes, and taking part in the audition.

The release of the footage also supported Atasha’s previous accounts of the audition process, which she had openly discussed in earlier interviews.