Darren Espanto’s soaring career by Marjorie S. Duran November 3, 2014 (updated) Share this: Darren Espanto (Photo by Marjorie Duran) Darren Espanto (Photo by Marjorie Duran) Months after starting a music career in the country, Canada-raised “The Voice Kids” finalist Darren Espanto continues to capture hearts with his powerful voice and charisma. Darren earned standing ovations from the audience for his version of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” and Beyoncé’s “Listen” at the 4th annual The Outstanding Filipino-Americans (TOFA) held at Carnegie Hall, New York on Oct. 25. Prior, on Oct. 4, he held a sold-out solo concert at the Music Museum. “I was so happy na naka-perform ako nang maayos kasi po noon, parang nag-trigger na ’yung sipon ko, I was coughing. (Buti na lang) ’yung mga Pilipino na nakita ko doon, very welcoming sila,” he said of his TOFA stint… TOFA is an award-giving body that recognizes the achievements of organizations and individuals who have raised the profile of the Filipino-American community. Among those who were previously tapped to perform at the event were Lea Salonga, Charice and Lani Misalucha. Darren considers himself lucky to be part of the event, claiming, “They chose between myself and Jed Madela but because of his schedule, ako ang napili mag-perform.” Bright future ahead Things are looking up for Darren. He is set to release his solo album and his North American tour is in full swing till next month. “Very excited (ako) na may solo album pero kinakabahan kasi ’di ko po alam kung bibili ’yung tao pero sana suportahan,” he said. Darren’s homecoming concert gives him the opportunity to see relatives in Canada and he is excited about it. “Nami-miss ko na po parents and kapatid ko kasi long distance relationship talaga kami pero magkikita-kita kami pagbalik ko sa Canada,” he shares. “Excited na ako makabalik sa hometown ko.” Aspirations, Comparisons Darren dreams of holding a solo world tour and the chance to pursue a career in theatre acting. Does he miss his old life? “Medyo. Dati puwede (akong) pumunta sa mall or outside, ngayon puro indoors na lang or meetings…” Tagged as the “Total Performer,” Darren has been compared him to the likes of Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera. “I think kasi ballad ako tsaka sumasayaw at nagpa-pop din ako kaya ako nakukumpara. Parang ‘wow’ lang ang masasabi ko.” He admits, however, that he still has a long way to go before reaching the status of the two veteran singers whom he “highly respects.” Make peace not war Darren appreciates his army of fans that consistently support him. He wishes, though, that they stop warring with the followers of “The Voice Kids” champ Lyca Gairanod on social media. “Sana po hindi na mag-away kasi kami ay parang magkapatid lang…(para) bati-bati at happy family lahat…” He hopes that instead of fighting, followers should just support them both, particularly in their upcoming concert along with “Voice Kids” runners-up Juan Karlos Labajo and Darlene Vibares. Dubbed “The Voice Kids All-In: The Concert,” it will be held on Dec. 6, 8 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). They will sing some songs from their album “The Voice Kids” under MCA Music.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:29:30 +0000
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