Greg Garcia, kapatid ng Hotdog members, may matinding sinabi sa Bongga Ka, ‘Day! musical

• Greg Garcia criticized changes made to Hotdog songs in Atasha Muhlach’s musical play
• He said the production altered both lyrics and melodies of some songs
• Garcia emphasized the importance of respecting the work of Filipino composers and lyricists
• Netizens expressed support for Garcia’s remarks, while the production team has yet to respond

Greg Garcia, brother of Hotdog members Dennis and Rene Garcia, criticized the changes allegedly made to the band’s songs in “Bongga Ka, ‘Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” which stars Atasha Muhlach.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Greg said he could accept creative reinterpretations of classic songs but objected to changes involving their lyrics and melodies.

“There are many things one can debate about Bongga Ka ’Day! as a stage production. But there is one thing I find very difficult to forgive.”

He then explained what particularly bothered him about the production.

“They changed the songs. Not simply the arrangements. Not the orchestration. Not the staging around them. They changed lyrics. And, in places, they even changed melody. I find that astonishing."

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Greg emphasized that while classic songs can be reinterpreted, there should be a distinction between interpretation and altering the original work.

“But there is a line between interpretation and alteration.”

He also stressed the importance of respecting Filipino composers and songwriters, citing the lasting cultural impact of Hotdog and its contribution to Manila Sound.

“Why should Filipino composers deserve any less respect?”

Greg further highlighted the role of his brothers in creating music that became part of Filipino popular culture.

“My brothers , Dennis and Rene Garcia helped create something that did not exist before them."

“They helped define what came to be called Manila Sound. Those songs are part of our popular culture because the words, melodies, attitude and Filipino-ness of those records became inseparable.”

Despite his criticism, Greg said he was open to creative staging and new stories built around classic songs.

However, he maintained that the original songs should remain the responsibility of their writers.

“But have the humility to know what is yours to reinvent and what is not.A director owns the production. The writers own the songs.”

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Greg’s post received support from several netizens, who left comments such as:

“Mismo!”

“Mortal Sin.”

The team behind “Bongga Ka, ‘Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical” has yet to publicly respond to his criticism. Their side remains open for clarification regarding the production’s creative treatment of the Hotdog songs.

Bongga Ka, 'Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical stars Atasha Muhlach as the titular character Annie Batungbakal in her debut theatrical production at the Newport World Resorts. Directed by Chris Millado and built around the iconic 1970s Manila Sound tracks of Hotdog, the jukebox musical features her alongside a talented cast that includes KD Estrada and Sam Concepcion.

In another report, Aga Muhlach came to the defense of his daughter, Atasha, following criticism over her theater debut. The veteran actor reminded detractors that Atasha is simply doing her job and pursuing her chosen craft. Aga and his wife, Charlene Gonzales, attended the opening night of “Bongga Ka ’Day!” to show their support for their daughter. Atasha had faced criticism even before making her debut as Annie Batungbakal in the musical.

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Meanwhile, John “Sweet” Lapus also defended Atasha Muhlach amid the backlash surrounding her casting in the musical. Sweet pointed out that Atasha should not be blamed for being part of the production because the decision to cast her was not hers to make. He expressed confidence in her abilities and said she has the talent to prove her critics wrong once she takes the stage. Sweet also urged her bashers to watch the musical first before judging her performance.

Source: KAMI.com.gh