What Katrina Velarde is made of

MANILA, Philippines — The title of her concert might be read as a claim to fame (SiKat Ako). But it meant to just introduce herself: Si Kat ako (I am Kat). 

Katrina Velarde successfully showcased what she is made of as a singer: The one with powerful, pleasing-to-the-ear vocals. 

The Suklay Diva commenced the musical treat by singing Baby One More Time, Fighter, Waka Waka and Make It Happen that set a fun, upbeat mood matching her bubbly personality. 

In the next breath, she somehow revealed the narrative structure of her concert. One could liken it to a diary, full of personal anecdotes, told through songs. Katrina remembered her singing contest days by performing winning pieces such as Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, To Love You More and One Moment in Time. Her voice effortlessly handled the demands of those ditties by Lani Misalucha, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.

Kat shared that there was a point in her life where she got tired of singing. She must have felt that all her efforts were not enough to jumpstart a recording career. So she took a different path and tried her hand at dance sport. Katrina danced to the tune of Jennifer Lopez’s signature song Let’s Get Loud and recalled, “Lalong walang nangyari sa career ko (It didn’t even help take off my career).” The singer went back to her first love: Singing. As we all know, Katrina had her stint at the Music Hall. 

After her take on Wency Cornejo’s Habang May Buhay, Katrina was joined by Leah Patricio, Rachel Gabreza and the Dessa, who were all amateur singing veterans. They brought the disco party feel by performing I’m Every Woman and I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, Katrina did heartfelt renditions of Love of My Life by Queen, Til My Heartaches End (Ella May Saison) and Hanggang Ngayon (Kyla).

With Gary Valenciano

From covers, she sang Lason Mong Halik, her original song written by Vehnee Saturno. But the classic (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow captured Katrina’s singing talent characterized by vocal control and dynamics. She had a connection with the song (actually with all her songs). The audience easily granted her a standing ovation. 

Highlights of the evening were performances with Gary Valenciano in Spain and Sana Maulit Muli (she was able to keep up with the former, vocal-and-energy-wise, especially the vocal ad-libs and improvisation in Spain); AKA Jam fellow members Monique Lualhati and Alyssa Quijano (in Independent Woman, Bills Bills Bills, Say My Name and Jumpin’ Jumpin’; and Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong and Michael Pangilinan, also known as BuDaKhel (the Mariah Carey-BoyzIIMen’s One Sweet Day). The trio also serenaded everyone with Ed Sheeran’s Perfect.

Katrina’s biggest surprise came when Regine Velasquez joined her on stage for Araw-Gabi. They were both sensational in narrating a tale of loving truly.

“Congratulations, lahat ng tao na nandito ay pumunta para panoorin at makita ka (these people came here to watch you)… (I wish you) more success, keep singing,” said Regine to Katrina after their performance. “Marami talagang humahanga sa’yo (Many admire you). For sure, marami din ang na-i-inspire sa’yo, hindi lang sa galing mong kumanta, kundi dahil (sa) you’re a very good person (you inspire many people not just by your singing but by the kind of person you are)… You’re very hardworking. Isang maipapayo ko sa’yo, sweetheart, don’t be afraid to be successful.”

Katrina also shared her knack for voice impersonation (from Britney Spears, Mariah to Celine). 

The concert ended on a higher note when Katrina performed hits like Go The Distance, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing and Dangerously In Love that brought out again the belter in her.  Katrina had everyone in the palm of her hand as they navigated the struggles and triumphs of an aspiring singer. They saw Katrina as “A woman who never stopped to chase her dreams,” “An online star who captured the hearts of many” and “A powerful diva who lives as an inspiration.”  

From now on, Katrina should not just be known as the Suklay Diva, but a diva with a clear voice of a storyteller.