Diva in the making
IT HAS been a fruitful year so far for so-called “Suklay Diva” Katrina Velarde.
Katrina opened 2017 by scoring another mega viral hit in her standout performance on Wish 107.5, particularly of Michael Bolton’s anthemic ballad “Go The Distance.” When uploaded on the station’s YouTube channel, it reached the three million views and 5,000 plus online engagements.
She recently had a back-to-back, jampacked show with fellow belter Dessa at Historia Bar. A repeat of the show at a bigger venue is now in the works. Katrina was also the featured artist in Music Hall’s Pop Variety Night where she performed before a full house crowd.
The singer is part of the ensemble of singers that headlines the season finale of Gary Valenciano’s “Gary V Presents” concert franchise series. During the opening weekend of “Gary V Presents” last May 12 and 13, Katrina blew the audiences away with her show-stopping duet with Gary of the Al Jarreau-classic, “Spain.”
As a recording artist, Katrina signed with Viva Records. Her first solo single, composed and arranged by Vehnee Saturno, is the popular “Lason Mong Halik.”
On TV, Katrina was recently part of GMA-7’s “Superstar Duets.” She was the singing partner of the show’s grand champion Nar Cabico.
Katrina is also the grand winner of “#Like” – a singing contest featuring some of the country’s best male and female vocalists.
Katrina also wowed Willie Revillame during her recent live guesting on his afternoon variety show “Wowowin” with her stirring versions of “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin” and “I Have Nothing.”
“I am so grateful for the blessings that have come my way. I treasure every opportunity,” she said. “I am thrilled with the projects that Manila Genesis and Viva are planning for me. I just hope we all continue to support OPM and all our singers here in the Philippines.”
Katrina is also one of the featured artists in Gary’s upcoming North American tour, which kicks off May 27 at M Resort in Henderson, Nevada. The tour will then be staged at Pechanga Resort And Casino on June 3 with Katrina and another special guest Kiana Valenciano; and at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on June 10 with special guests Katrina, Sam Concepcion, and Kiana.
Catch Katrina live tonight in the season finale of “Gary V Presents” at The Theatre of Solaire.