YouTube Sensation Katrina Velarde, The Suklay Diva, Plays The Title Role In TV5's 'Bitter Ella' On 'Wattpad Presents'

AFTER STARRING in the musical drama “Trenderas”, Katrina Velarde, the girl known as the Suklay Diva on youtube, can’t believe that TV5 gave her a solo starring role in the new “Wattpad Presents” episode, “Bitter Ella”. “I really want to thank TV5 management sa pagtitiwala nila sa akin,” she says. “Wala naman talaga sa plano ko ang umarte dahil maging singer naman talaga ang pangarap, pero siempre, hindi ko naman puedeng palampasin ang malaking opportunity na ibinibigay ng TV5 para umarte rin.”

Katrina was only 6 years old when her parents started taking her to join amateur singing contests. “Tuwing mananalo ako, malaking financial help para sa family namin,” she says.Her leading man in “Bitter Ella” is Phytos Ramirez who also started as a child actor in Star Circle Quest for Kids of ABS-CBN. He didn’t win as it was Nash Aguas who emerged as winner. But unlike Nash who’s vertically challenged, Phytos is now a 6-footer. He did a lot of movies as a child actor like “Abakada Ina” with Lorna Tolentino, “Tatarin” with Dina Bonnevie, “Masikip sa Dibdib” with Rufa Mae Quinto and “Feng Shui 1” with Kris Aquino. He’s now under contract with GMA Artist Center but they allow him to do shows with other networks.

In “Bitter Ella”, Katrina plays a modern Cinderella who lives in the slums who does not believe a Prince Charming will come into her life one day. Instead, she doesn’t believe in true love at all. “Very pessimistic si Ella, bitter talaga sa buhay kaya bagay sa kanya ang titulong Bitter Ella,” says Katrina.

In contrast, Pythos is Ashley, the handsome campus crush who charms everyone, but he is surprised when his good looks do not at all work with Ella, who doesn’t even give a damn about him at all. Pythos will be intrigued and woo her. Will he be able to replace the bitterness in Ella’s heart with optimism and a brighter attitude in life? Find out the answer in “Bitter Ella” from March 2 to 6, 9 PM, on TV5.