First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos turned up for a night of Manila Sound and Filipino theater as she attended the gala performance of “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Friday.

Mrs. Marcos was among the special guests at the 25 September gala of the original Filipino jukebox musical, which stars Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal and brings the music of pioneering OPM band Hotdog to the stage.

Director Chris Millado acknowledged the First Lady from the stage, describing her as a supporter of the arts and artists. He also recognized the wives of the late Rene and Dennis Garcia, the brothers who founded Hotdog and wrote many of the songs that defined the Manila Sound in the 1970s.

The First Lady interacted with theatergoers during the break, chatting with audience members and posing for photographs.

Her appearance came amid her continuing involvement in efforts to promote Filipino arts and the creative industries.

Mrs. Marcos is honorary chairperson of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation and has been involved with the organization since before becoming First Lady. The foundation provides grants and opportunities for artists and cultural workers, including international fellowships and exchanges.

Earlier this year, she met with Ayala Group executives to discuss initiatives to strengthen the Philippine creative industry, including creating more spaces and opportunities for Filipino artists.

She has also graced exhibitions and cultural programs, including events at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Manila Sound once more

“Bongga Ka, ’Day!” follows Annie, a sales clerk at the fictional House of Pasion who dreams of becoming a fashion designer as she navigates ambition, romance, and self-discovery in 1970s Manila.

Muhlach takes on her first lead role in a major musical production, alongside KD Estrada as Burn Rivera, while Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo take turns portraying Romer Pasion. Jackie Lou Blanco and John Lapus are also in the cast.

The production incorporates some of Hotdog’s best-known songs, including “Bongga Ka, ’Day,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Pers Lab,” “Akala Ko,” “Kulang,” and “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko.”

The production opened on 18 September and continues at the Newport Performing Arts Theater through 31 October.