How social media has helped ‘Suklay Diva’ Katrina find her niche

Katrina Velarde

After going viral a couple of years ago for uploading a video of herself belting out a Beyoncé ballad using a comb as a pretend microphone, Katrina Velarde has been getting online recognition anew—this time, for her uncanny vocal impersonations of popular Filipino and international music artists.

“I do these videos mostly for fun and for my personal enjoyment. But I’m glad that people appreciate them,” related Katrina, who can imitate the vocal affectations of such singers as Britney Spears, Shakira, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera and Jessie J.

“I started with Christina, then I tried other singers. I really study their styles kasi mahirap ma-bash!” she told the Inquirer before a recent bar gig at The Music Hall, where she performs regularly. “But luckily, the positive comments far outweigh the negative ones.”

Katrina’s videos have gotten the attention of foreign YouTube “reactors”—online content creators who film themselves while they give their two cents on various pop culture creations. “I’m grateful they took time to watch, react and upload their videos. They give me exposure to audiences from their respective countries,” she said.

The singer, who was given the nickname “Suklay Diva” by netizens, is hopeful that the bit of online success she has been getting would translate to more projects. And she’s not asking for too much.

“I don’t expect anything. Unlike other singers, I don’t have lofty ambitions of becoming a big star. That’s not my aim. If it’s for you, it’s for you—I just go with the flow,” Katrina said. “If there are blessings, I accept them wholeheartedly. And if there are opportunities, I grab them.”

With her belting power, vocal agility, expansive range and versatility, she may well be one of the most underrated vocalists in the local industry. Still, she’s more than happy with what she has now. “Maybe it’s all about the right timing or exposure,” she pointed out. “Good thing there’s social media these days—a powerful platform I can explore and utilize.”

Katrina said she had been in talks for a possible solo concert next year. She’s also planning on recording original songs for an upcoming EP. “I’d like to record an R&B and pop ballad that allows me to show my strengths—my range and riffing,” she said.

Katrina, who had joined talent searches like “Little Big Star,” “Talentadong Pinoy” and “The X Factor Philippines” in the past, has made it to the Top 10 of this year’s PhilPop songwriting tilt as the interpreter of the entry “Tama Na” by finalists Michael and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez.

“This is a different kind of pressure for me, because the fate of contestants doesn’t just rest on the quality of their work, but also on the interpreter’s delivery. You have to give the song justice,” she pointed out. “Even if you haven’t experienced the things the song talks about, you have to put yourself into it and deliver a sincere performance.”