Nicole Laurel Asensio is at it again. The singer-actress, who first made a name as the feisty vocalist of local Filipino band General Luna, has continuously reinvented her career over the years and is coming full circle as she returns to the theater scene.

Asensio has long been away from the stage, even as she started her career in plays and musicals as a young thespian. On June 8, she officially made her theater comeback in the ongoing staging of the musical production 'Ibarra.' Of all the roles, Asensio portrays the immensely challenging role of Sisa, which is not only a huge undertaking but one that has deep meaning for the actress.

'Ibarra is not my first musical production, but it is the first one I have had the honor of being part of in 13 years. My last theater production was 'Rent,' where I played the role of Mimi. To be back on the theater stage is quite the thrill,' Asensio told The Sunday Times Magazine.

This latest musical adaptation of Jose Rizal's 'Noli Me Tangere' under Tanghalang Una Obra has been mounted in time to celebrate the 125th year of Philippine Independence, which the country observes tomorrow, June 12. Its limited run continues at the GSIS Theater until June 18.