Balancing act crucial for ‘Paghanga’ singer
Via Ortega
In her debut single “Paghanga,” young recording artist Via Ortega sings about what it’s like for Generation Z kids to have crushes in the age of social media.
“Lahat na lang sinusundan ko/ Mapa-Facebook, YouTube at SoundCloud mo,” she coos over a sunny and sprightly bubblegum pop track.” “Pa-like-like na lang sa mga status mo.”
At 13, Via doesn’t have a lot of experience about puppy love or crushes yet. But she feels that the song is age-appropriate and accessible to her fellow teenagers.
“We’re into social media—
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—so they will be able to relate,” she said at her recent single launch.
Via, who was recently discovered by Viva Records, noted: “It (social media) becomes a problem only when you focus too much on it. You have to have time for family bonding and your studies.”
“There are people helping me manage my time [between studies and singing],” added Via, who’s an incoming Grade 8 student at St. Theresa’s College.
“My parents are supportive of me.”
She has been singing since age 3 and has taken lessons under composer Vehnee Saturno, including proper diction, breathing, pitch and rhythm.
Asked what she thinks would make her stand out among other young, aspiring singers, Via said: “I think we all have the passion. I can sing with feelings.”
After “Paghanga,” Via said she hoped to have more songs—originals and covers—and perform in mall shows. Her show biz inspirations, meanwhile, are Nadine Lustre and Sarah Geronimo. “They both have unique qualities. Nadine always does her job well,” she said.
Not a few people have remarked that Via resembles Sarah when she was young. It’s flattering, admitted Via, who was part of Sarah’s recent show/endorsement launch. “I will tell her that I’m a big fan,” she said.
