Katrina Velarde says no conflict in acting, group A.K.A. Jam

MANILA, Philippines- Katrina Velarde says venturing into acting is not an issue with her singing group A.K.A. Jam.

Katrina is part of the all-girls group that competed  in the concluded “The X Factor Philippines,” and was mentored by Gary Valenciano. The group, then named Newborn Divas,” was previously  a hall of famer in the 11th season of “Talentadong Pinoy.”

“Nasabi ko agad sa kanila na may teleserye ako, na aarte na ako,” she said in an interview Wednesday, referring to her upcoming primetime TV5 musical series “Trenderas,” which will start airing on September 13.

“Masaya naman po sila para sa akin kasi siyempre po…kasi para sa kanila credit din po para sa A.K.A. Jam kasi part po ako ng group. Tsaka ngayon din po, hindi rin po kasi talaga kami pinapabayaan ng Manila Genesis, ni Tita Angeli [Valenciano].”

The “Suklay Diva,” the monicker given to her after her YouTube video became viral, was surprised to be  part of of a teleserye.

“Kala ko po no’ng una joke lang,” she relates laughing. “Kasi ‘yon pinaka-weakness ko, e, ‘yong pag-arte. So parang sinasabi ko, ‘magiging singer lang ako, ayoko umarte kasi parang ang hirap-hirap.’

“Tapos ayon nga po, bigla na lang akong tinawagan nga, may story conference na. So ayon, pinanindigan ko na lang po para di saying ang opportunity.”

Although many admire her exceptional singing talent, Katrina admits that she has bashers, but not because of her singing flaws but because of her appearance. Yet, the 19-year-old newbie is unfazed by these criticisms.

“Parang simula pagkabata ko in-accept ko na po ang sarili ko,” she said giggling. “Actually nakakailang lalo po ‘pag nag-a-upload ka ng mga video. Pero sa akin okay lang naman, at least pinuri nila ‘yong talent ko. Sa akin naman po walang problema dahil tanggap ko naman pos a sarili ko.”

So whenever someone calls her “panget,” Katrina now confidently replies, “may talent naman!”