Claudia treads another path in showbiz
HER family name undoubtedly spells showbiz royalty.
However, while the other Barrettos who joined showbiz earlier made their respective mark in acting, young singer-songwriter Claudia Barretto opted to shine in the music industry.
With Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter. Taylor Swift as her strongest inspiration, Claudia loved songwriting since she was a kid.
“People always wondered if it was a deliberate choice to veer away from acting,” Claudia said. “It just felt like music was the only thing I wanted to truly pursue.”
Claudia tied the knot early this April with her longtime partner, Basti Lorenzo.
From her teenage years to starting a new life as husband and wife, Claudia has kept much of her relationship away from the prying eyes of the public.
“We’re just like every other couple,” said Claudia, the daughter of Marjorie Barretto and younger sister of Julia.
“We go out. We go on dates. We hang out at each other’s house. Our relationship was super normal.
“Every stage, like when he first started asking me out when I started liking him, I was very vocal about it and I told my mom everything.”
When the couple guested on “Magandang Buhay,” Claudia opened more about Basti for providing her emotional support especially when she doubts herself as a performer.
“Even when I don’t think I’m doing well, he thinks I’m super, super good,” Claudia said.
Claudia insisted she was really drawn to music and singing. “Not to set myself apart. Growing up, I was always drawn to singing. It just came so naturally. It has always been my passion. It was just natural that I just gravitated to music.”
She also dreams of doing musical collaborations with local artists. “Honestly, I think we have some of the most talented music artists in the Philippines,” Claudia maintained. “Everyone sings. Everyone is musical.
“I’m open to collaborating with anyone who wants to collaborate with me.
At the same time, I’m also exploring different music right now. It’s a fair balance between music on my own and collaboration with other musicians.”
Coming from a family of esteemed showbiz personalities, Claudia first entered showbiz as a pop and R&B artist in 2017, when she released her debut single, “Stay,” written by Moira de la Torre.
Claudia subsequently came out with earlier singles like “You,’ “Finally Found It” and “Sinking,” which she herself wrote. Then, in 2018, she released a self-titled EP (extended play) and another one in 2020.
She represented the Philippines in the Thai film, “Friend Zone” and sang in Filipino for its music video where she was joined by other young musicians from China, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
“My entrance into the industry is not very traditional,” Claudia admitted. “I have family members before me, but we have different passions. I just use it as motivation to do good.
I try to emulate the hard work that they put in, so I will also deserve the attention.”
Claudia started her new journey as a solo artist when she joined Viva Records’ stellar roster of talents.
“I’ll just be more mobile. I’ll be able to do more of what I love and do more as a new artist. Viva and I are very compatible. I’m very hopeful and excited to work with Viva more closely.”
With her new partnership with Viva, Claudia feels she’s opening doors to different opportunities. “I never say never,” she declared. “Of course my passion still lies in music. I want more of what I do to have something to do with music.
“What’s most different right now is that I really just want to work hard to improve my performances, my music, and the way I express myself. It’s all about improvement for me and I think Viva is a very good fit. I’m just so excited.”
The young talent will also welcome film opportunities and is open to delve into acting. “Wherever life takes me,” Claudia said.
“If the opportunity comes and I’m prepared to act, maybe I’ll give it a shot. If not, I’m okay doing whatever it is that I feel called to do.”
Even in her future acting endeavors, Claudia is not closing her doors. She still wants the type of projects that are closely associated with her music.
“When I think about acting opportunities, usually what comes to mind is hopefully in a music video. I can do a short film that’s based around the story of the songs that I write. Right now, that’s where my head is at.
“Of course, I’m open to different ideas and trying out new things, especially now that I feel like I’m more prepared to take on more responsibilities when it comes to my career. My dream is be able to act in some of my music videos to make it more wholistic.”
Claudia simply trusts the people around her. “I trust Viva and I trust their guidance,” she granted. “Whatever they think will help me and will be good for me, it will be wise to follow those who know more than I do,” she granted.
So young and accomplished, Claudia is apparently bracing herself for bigger things to happen in her singing career.
