Following the successful run of Studio A Productions’ Tulog Na Musical, which starred Marietta “Pokwang” Subong in the lead role, two of the country’s most formidable vocal forces are set to make their theatrical debut in Inday: The Musical—Ehla Nympha and Katrina Velarde.
Like many industry neophytes stepping onto a dramatic stage for the first time, Nympha and Velarde admit they had initial reservations about taking on the project. While both are thoroughly confident in their vocal prowess, transitioning into a professional theater production presented an entirely uncharted path to navigate.
Ehla, the grand winner of The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2, confesses that she experienced a flutter of nerves at the onset.
“Gagawin ko ba ito? It’s not that I can’t do it—hindi kasi ako nag-train for this,” she shares.
“At first, kinabahan po talaga ako since this will be my very first musical theater gig. Alam n’yo naman na di po ako actor, singer po ako. I just trusted the process. Hindi ko rin ina-anticipate
kung anong klaseng training ang pagdadaanan ko. I just trusted them. So far, so good. I’m enjoying and happy to be Inday.”
Katrina, widely celebrated as “The Vocal Supreme,” experienced similar doubts before committing to the role.
“I was hesitant, but naisip ko, bakit hindi?” she reflects.
“It will be a big challenge for me especially since I haven’t really done professional musical theater, but I’m excited but at the same time nervous.”
In this upcoming staging, Nympha is set to portray Laya/Inday, while Velarde steps into the role of Elara/Orvaya.
Looking ahead, the 22-year-old, Ehla expresses high aspirations for her theatrical transition:
“Hopefully, dito sa mga natutunan ko, marami pang dumating na opportunities. I hope that this will pave the way for me to become a real theater actor.”
Although Katrina, now 31, participated in theatrical productions during her youth, doing so outside a professional framework leaves her entirely open to learning the discipline anew. “I’m hoping that through this experience it will open many doors for me. I want to challenge myself and be a better performer.” The headlining duo will be joined by a talented ensemble of Studio A Productions staples, including Eunice Somintac as Aya and Cherry Morena as Hira/Lira, alongside Basty Batistis,
Chris Fong, Jude Gamaliel, Nicollo Gutierrez, Jeremy Manite, Aina Salazar, Primitivo Moscare, and Cary Faith Rodolfo.
Shifting the tone toward memory, mystery, and movement, the production is billed as an immersive stage experience exploring love, family dynamics, and buried pasts. Inday invites theatergoers into a narrative space where forgotten memories resurface and long-held secrets refuse to remain hidden.
Built around the classic catalog of OPM icons The Boyfriends—published through PolyEast Music Entertainment—the musical weaves romantic nostalgia with dark, ritualistic undertones.
At its core, the narrative poses a poignant question: the memories people choose to hold onto, and the ones that ultimately hold onto them.
The book and lyrics are penned by Danna Bernardino, featuring original music by JeremyBManite and arrangements by Jason Tung. The creative and production team is rounded out by Anthony Ramirez for costume design, All About Home for production and set design, and
Teacher Georcelle of G-Force for choreography.
Inday: The Musical is scheduled for a limited three-day engagement on October 16, 17, and 18, 2026, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza along Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Ticket reservations are currently open through Studio A Productions’ official communication channels.
