Pinay finalist in The Voice Kids credits karaoke for singing chops

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands — “There's always noise in this house,” says Catherine Malabanan while preparing the music sheets for her children and husband to follow during a family rehearsal of The Lord's Prayer. She's referring to music.

Catherine's daughter, Katrina Manaog, is the Filipino community's current bet in The Voice Kids Netherlands. Growing up in a musical family, Katrina sings and plays the piano, while sister Mikaela plays the violin.

Although she learned how to play the guitar from her father Jessie, Katrina says she started out her singing career in front of the karaoke, that ubiquitous item in every Pinoy household.

“We used to have a karaoke,” recounts Katrina in flawless tagalog about her singing journey during an interview with GMA News. “My grandmother would sing and I would watch. Through it, I also learned how to sing.”

The 12-year-old impressed all judges of The Voice Kids during the blind auditions on January 24 where she sang Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing.” She passed the second round of eliminations on February 7 when she beat two of her teammates in the battles round. She was then chosen to represent team Nick and Simon to the final round on February 21.

Katrina says she learned a lot from coaches Nick and Simon, especially when it comes to performing on stage. “I mostly learn how to perform, hold the mic and what they call staging,” she says.

Training

Katrina is consistently looking for excellence in her craft, even at such a young age. Apart from her current coaches and two other teachers, she also trains under Nhelley dela Rosa, another Filipina who has made her mark in the Netherlands' music industry.

Katrina admits she can't imagine life without music. “You can express your feelings with music,” she says.

One would think that it is her life's dream to be a singer but actually, she would like to combine that dream with becoming a doctor. For this, she takes her studies seriously.

“When you're a doctor, you can help more people,” the future singing doctor explains.

Katrina will take to the stage once again this coming Friday, February 21 at 8:30 p.m. for The Voice Kids Netherlands. She admits that the other finalists are all exceptional, and does not want to brag that she can win the competition but promises that she will give it her all.

“I will try my very best,” she says.

Party girl

Asked what she wants to do if she wins, Katrina says she would love to have a “party with lots of food” and, with a twinkle in her eyes, “lots of singing”.

But even if she does not take home the trophy, a party is still a good idea, according to father Jessie.

“Win or lose, Katrina has already made us proud especially the Pinoys. Actually it was enough for us that she passed the blind auditions. Winning the battles, the sing-off and joining the finals is a big bonus for us. So even if she doesn't get the first prize, a party is not a bad idea, besides, her birthday is coming up,” he tells GMA News.

The final round of The Voice Kids Netherlands will air on RTL 4. Text votes will determine who among the six finalists will take home the trophy and recording contract.

Katrina's family has posted their call for text votes on Facebook including a video of Katrina thanking everyone for their support. The video is slowly getting viral on the Facebook accounts of Filipinos in the Netherlands. — KBK, GMA News