She is a big Sarah Geronimo and Nadine Lustre fan. And even if she’s just 13, Via Ortega is determined to make her own name. Just like her idols, she wants to be known as a multitalented artist.
Last week, the Gen Z singer had her first event with the entertainment press. It didn’t seem to be a baptism of fire as she answered all the questions of showbiz reporters with ease. She was polite and punctuated her statements with a big smile.
“Did you know that you look like your idol Sarah G? Don’t you think it’s going to be a disadvantage?” asked one senior reporter.
“A lot of people tell me that I look like her. I use it as an inspiration to pursue my dream,” she replied, “I’m not trying to be my idols but they inspire me to work and to be at my best. My idols are already big names. While I’m just beginning with my journey, I know that big dreams can be achieved by doing small things. That’s what I’m doing right now.”
During the event, before being “grilled” by the writers, the teen singer performed two songs—“Tala” by her idol Sarah G and “Paghanga,” her debut single written for her by fellow Viva Artist Ruth Anna Mendoza.
According to Via, it’s a song that a lot of people her age could definitely relate to.
“It’s about a girl who couldn’t admit her real feelings for her crush. I think a lot of young people can relate to that,” the singer said adding that she doesn’t have any crushes yet.
A Viva Records discovery, the label believes that Via is an artist to look out for. A label executive first saw Via perform and was convinced that the teen had a real knack for performing.
Via owes that to her training. She has been taking up voice lessons since she was 3 years old under veteran songwriter Vehnee Saturno. The same time during her training, she was cast as the lead character in a school musical (Fina And The Vitas).
Eventually, she achieved much at such a young age, yet she remains humble and recognizes that she’s still starting out on her journey as a singer in the local music industry.
Since she has signed with Viva last October 2018, the entertainment company has been helping her out to further hone her talent through workshops.
The teen talent is very eager to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry. For that, she has Viva Records to help her out. But the drive to get there is all hers.
“ I think I just need to go with the flow and step by step lang,” she said.
Via’s song “Paghanga” is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms.