Being called "Baklang Kanal" is rarely a compliment.

The phrase often conjures images of someone loud, uncouth, vulgar, trashy and rough around the edges.

Most people would probably take offense.

Not Inah Evans.

In fact, the 37-year-old comedian embraced the label, turned it into a personal brand and used it to propel himself from the impoverished streets of Sampaloc, Manila to national consciousness.

Today, Inah is steadily enjoying the rewards of his hard-earned success. From building a massive following online through comedy content, he has expanded into television projects, including the GMA Afternoon Prime series "Born to Shine." 

The secret?

Being unapologetically himself.

"Ever since naman kasi, lagi akong tinatawag na baklang kanal until it became my moniker," Inah recalled. "So inangkin ko na talaga 'yan. Kaya nga yung vlog ko, ang title, "The Baklang Kanal Show." 

But unlike many internet personalities who manufacture a persona, Inah insists the nickname reflects his real-life roots.

"To be honest, oo. Kasi galing talaga ako sa gutter," he admitted. "Napakahirap namin na hindi kami nakakakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw."

The poverty was so severe that he often wondered whether his family would ever escape their circumstances.

"Literal na umaga't hapon, masisinghot mo ang kanal."

Ironically, the nickname that would later define his career started as an observation from a friend.

"Hindi naman niya mini-mean yung 'baklang kanal' as derogatory," he explained. "Parang sinasabi niya na sobrang loud ako, which is true."

Instead of rejecting it, Inah saw an opportunity.

"Nung narinig ko 'yon, sabi ko, puwede kong gamitin ito to my advantage."

He redefined the phrase into something empowering.

"Yung baklang kanal, nire-redefine ko into something unapologetic, loud, real, raw, kasi yun naman kasi talaga ako."

That mindset has guided him throughout life.

"Everything na ibinabato sa akin, mga insecurity, ginagamit ko talaga as stepping stone to get to where I want to be."

Comedy, he admitted, was born from a deep desire for acceptance.

"Bata pa lang ako, may nakakapansin na meron akong ability to make people happy. Elementary pa lang, jester na ako. Feeling ko, para ma-belong ako, dapat funny ako." 

A major turning point came when comedy superstar Vice Ganda discovered his content online.

"Nung napanood niya yung vlog ko, tinawagan niya ako, then minanage niya ako," Inah said. "Because of that, na-establish ko yung footing ko sa industry."

Now, Inah Evans is preparing for the biggest milestone of his career yet: his first major solo live show, "The Baklang Kanal Show" set for July 10 at the Music Museum.

Looking back, he remains grateful to his parents for pushing him toward education despite their struggles.

"Mabuti na lang hindi kami nag-rugby noong mga bata pa kami," he said with a laugh. "Buti na lang yung nanay at tatay ko, pinush kami mag-aral, magpursige."

For Inah Evans, "Baklang Kanal" is no longer an insult.

It's proof that sometimes the very thing people use to put you down can become the foundation of your success.