From makeshift laughter in a small Sampaloc home to commanding one of the country’s most iconic live stages, comedian and content creator Inah Evans is finally stepping into her biggest moment yet.
On July 10, Evans will headline her first-ever solo comedy concert, “The Baklang Kanal Show Live!” at the Music Museum in San Juan City — a milestone she describes as both surreal and deeply personal, made possible by years of struggle, persistence, and unexpected kindness from industry mentors.
Speaking at a press conference, Evans didn’t hold back her gratitude for Vice Ganda, whom she credits for opening the door to mainstream showbiz during the pandemic.
“Hindi ito mangyayari kung hindi niya ako pinaniwalaan,” she said. “Noong pandemic lang ako nagka-break. Siya ‘yung nagbigay ng chance, nag-offer ng management, at nag-build up sa akin.”
Evans admitted she was initially stunned when Vice Ganda reached out to her.
“Ang tanong ko talaga, ‘Bakit ako?’” she recalled. “Sabi niya, may naniwala rin sa kanya noon. So gusto niya i-pay forward ‘yun.”
That belief, she said, became a turning point — not just in her career, but in how she sees success itself.
One of the most lasting lessons she carries today is Vice Ganda’s reminder that “maraming ilaw, malaki ang entablado, kasya tayong lahat.”
For Evans, it’s more than a quote — it’s a mindset.
“Kapag may bago, papalakpak ka. Hindi mo kailangang matakot ma-upstage. That kind of thinking changes everything,” she said.
But behind the humor and viral skits is a story rooted in hardship.
Evans shared how she grew up in a barong-barong in Sampaloc, Manila, often entertaining her siblings using only a blackboard as their “television.” There were days when meals were uncertain, uniforms were worn and unwashed, and water had to be fetched from public sources.
“Parang lagi akong may tanong kung makakaalis pa ba kami doon,” she said. “Minsan hindi kami nakakakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw. Hirap talaga.”
Yet even in those conditions, her parents insisted on education — a discipline that shaped her future.
“‘Kahit walang baon, pumasok ka,’ sabi ng nanay ko. Kasi ‘yun lang ang way para makaahon,” Evans shared. “Kaya nagbabasa ako sa kanto, sa ilalim ng ilaw sa eskinita. Tumatak sa akin ‘yun.”
Today, that same girl who once walked to National Book Store just to read free pages is now part of television projects like Lolong and Batang Rider, and continues to grow her presence in entertainment as part of Born to Shine.
As her career rises, Evans is also using her platform to speak up on issues beyond comedy. Ahead of Pride Month, she called out what she described as “lazy comedy” — content that relies on stereotypical portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Hindi porket nakakatawa, ibig sabihin tama na,” she said. “May mga ganung humor na hindi na nagpo-progress.”
She also pointed out that discrimination remains real and persistent in the Philippines, despite perceptions of growing acceptance.
“Hindi po totoo na tanggap na ang lahat. Hanggang ngayon, nararanasan pa rin namin ‘yun,” she said.
For Evans, comedy has always been more than entertainment — it’s survival, truth-telling, and reflection of lived experience.
And now, it all comes full circle on one stage.
The Baklang Kanal Show Live! is not just a comedy concert. It’s a victory lap. A homecoming. And for Inah Evans, a reminder that even the hardest beginnings can still lead to the brightest lights.
The Baklang Kanal Show Live! happens on July 10, 2026 at the Music Museum, San Juan City.
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