For Atasha Muhlach, who plays Annie Batungbakal, a visit to the National Museum of the Philippines is a good starting point for anyone hoping to understand the country better.
The lead cast of ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ performance during the Hotdog tribute concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Photograph courtesy of Newport Performing Arts
What makes Manila worth returning to?
For the cast of Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, it is a combination of history, food, hidden gems and, most of all, the people who give the city its unmistakable character.
History and culture
For Atasha Muhlach, who plays Annie Batungbakal, a visit to the National Museum of the Philippines is a good starting point for anyone hoping to understand the country better.
“I would take them to the National Museum of the Philippines. It’s really good to see the effort they’re putting into preserving part of Philippine history. To see all of that and learn about different aspects of the Philippines is really nice,” she said.
Sam Concepcion, who plays Romer, suggested expanding the cultural tour to some of the city’s historic and artistic destinations.
“If it’s something more historical or cultural, you’d probably bring them to Intramuros, bring them to Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown or to Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, and the National Museum.”
A quiet café
After exploring museums and historic neighborhoods, the cast recommends slowing down with a cup of coffee.
Jeff Moses, who also alternates as Romer, enjoys the less crowded cafés around Salcedo Village in Makati. He said, “Marami silang coffee shops na hindi masyadong matao. Masarap iyong coffee. Iyon iyong mga pinupuntahan ko (They have many coffee shops that aren't too crowded. The coffee is good. Those are the ones I go to).”
Westgate in the South is one of KD Estrada’s preferred places to relax.
“Kasi, as a South boy, mahirap maghanap ng go-to place, and we always go out of our way to meet people. My friends are from the North, and my work is always in the North, so I barely have time to go around the South. But when I’m in the South, I usually go to Westgate because it’s very chill. May mga cafés diyan, and I like to eat around there.”
Filipino favorites
No Manila itinerary would be complete without Filipino food, and the cast has plenty of suggestions.
Sinigang is the dish to try for Anthony Rosaldo who also plays Romer.
“For me, it's sinigang. It's a favorite of mine, and there are so many versions of it. There's pork sinigang, shrimp sinigang, sinigang with guava, and sinigang with miso.”
Moses recommends chicken inasal, particularly a spot in Quezon City that reminds him of the dish’s origins.
“Filipino food, siyempre, taste of home — inasal. May kinakainan kami sa QC, around the Scout area: Bacolod Chicken Inasal. Sobrang lapit ng taste sa Bacolod.”
The people
Muhlach points to the warmth and close-knit culture that Filipinos are known for.
“At the end of the day, we’re very family-oriented, warm, and welcoming. It’s so nice to be proud to say that this is your community.”
For Estrada, traveling abroad has only made her appreciate Manila more.
“Nothing beats the noise of Manila. Nothing beats the people I know here. Nothing beats our hospitality and kindness. It’s the very simple things that keep me coming back.”
Rosaldo shares a similar sentiment, describing Manila not simply as a city but as home.
“Manila is home for me. It’s easier to go around, people are friendlier, and iba iyong love for family ng mga Pilipino. I grew up in Manila, so I really call Manila home. There’s no better word for it than home.”
