He sings, he dances – a total performer in the making. Darren Espanto stood out among the first harvest of young belters and crooners of The Voice Kids. He flew all the way from Canada to make something special happen – to be the artist the country will be proud of. It was evident that even at an early age, Darren picked up melodies easily and sang along to different types of songs. His family helped him nurture his talent until he was able to discover that he’s more than just a singer. His grandma agreed and encouraged Darren’s family to try out for The Voice Kids. It wasn’t an easy decision to travel all the way to Manila but all their efforts were worth the journey. A turn from Coach Sarah Geronimo was all it took for the young performer to clinch second spot in the final. Even if he didn’t win the grand prize, everyone definitely noticed.
During and after the competition, Darren raked in fans from all over the world, consistent in the trending topics list, and with millions of online views – he is an instant star. And he is just extremely grateful of the support of his family and fans. “I am lucky po because I have this talent. They [My family] always tell me that it is a blessing and I should be thankful of it,” The 13-year old teen from Calgary has more reasons to be appreciative of all the wonderful surprises that come his way. He has already checked sold out concerts, tours around the world, and an album (The Voice Kids The Album) off his long list of achievements. “I am very flattered po kasi nabigyan na po ng katuparan yung dream ko.” Add to this his first ever solo record under MCA Music simply titled “Darren”. It features the carrier single “In Love Ako Sa ‘Yo” composed by Vehnee Saturno. The hitmaker composer also contributed 3 more songs that fit Darren like “My Girl”, “Ewan Ko” and “Ah! Basta Gusto Kita”. Not to be missed are the tracks written by foreign composer like Keith Martin & Deon Hairston (“You Are The Only One”); Adrian Rezza, Lucas Rezza and Carvin Winans (“I Believe In Me”) as well as Filipino-American Brad Go (“Makin’ Moves”) and Filipino composer Kennard Faraon (“Stuck). Also included is the studio version of “Domino”, a song he performed during the blind audition. The packaging comes off as like a magazine with different pictures of Darren and a mini-standee inside.
“This is my gift to all my fans that supported me throughout my The Voice Kids journey and I hope it will also open up to new supporters and listeners,” Darren said. Darren is close to fulfilling his international career but there’s something about home that keeps him more driven to perform here. “Canada naman po will always be there. For now, sa Philippines na po muna ako,” He wants to use his singing as means of giving back to all the young Pinoy dreamers to pursue performing just like he did. “Gusto ko po makapagbigay pa ng maraming inspirasyon sa mga katulad kong bata. Makapagpasaya ng todo-todo,” With talent like Darren’s, the world seemed to fit in the palm of his hands. It’s exciting to see him grow into the likes of Gary Valenciano or even like his idol Michael Jackson.
But he is geared to become the artist he’s dreaming to be. It won’t be long until Darren Espanto becomes a household name, proudly representing the country in the world stage. “Darren” is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) on CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets. It is also available through digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes and streaming via spinnr.ph, Deezer and Spotify. “Darren”, the press conference is presented by Jollibee.
For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991, (0917) 8565174 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com. For more information about Darren, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic.
After competing and trending in the ABS-CBN talent search "The Voice Kids", they are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the music and entertainment industry. they continue to capture the hearts of hte audiences via their album "The Voice Kids The Album" under MCA Music, which continues to do well in record stores and digital downloads. They have also been busy being one of the most-in-demand artists for shows her and abroad as well as being mainstays of ABS-CBN show ASAP and most of them included in the network's teleseryes.
Indeed the careers of The Voice Kids Grand Champion Lyca Gairanod along with runners up Darren Espanto, Juan Karlos Labajo and Darlene Vibares are on the rise as they hold their first major concert entitled "The Voice Kids All-In the Concert" to be held on December 6, 8pm at Philippine International Convention Center(PICC) Plenary Hall. Be blown away as they deliver surprise performances and will be joined by special guests. The Voice of the Philippines Grand Champion Mitoy Yonting, The Voice of the Philippines runner-up Klarisse De Guzman and The Voice of the Philippines Semifinalists Tonton Cabiles and Edray Teodoro.
Lyca Gairanod is the little girl that could - her small frame and big voice has surprised Filipinos all over the world after her trending The Voice Kids blind audition. Many thought she's just another young biritera but her story and her charm has made everyone fall in love with her more.
Since his blind audition that saw him perform Jessie J's "Domino", Darren Espanto has been tagged as the "Total Performer" comparing him to the likes of local acts Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.
He's a ball of energy with the Charm that can win you over in an instant. Juan Karlos Labajo became an instant favorite among The Voice Kids roster because of his smooth voice, his undeniable wit, and sense of humor.
Darlene Vibares from Team Lea has been called the "girl on fire" with her voice and inspired by the song of the same title by Alicia Keys. Her energy during performances is undeniable which endeared her to audiences aside from her bubbly personality.
Tickets are available at P4500, P3500, P3000, P2000 and P1000 at SM Tickets at 4702222 or www.smtickets.com. The Voice Kids All-In the Concert is supported by Jollibee (Official Press Con venue partner) and media partners-MYX, MOR 101.9, Philippine Concerts, www.pep.ph and Businessworld.
"The Voice Kids The Album" is now out in CD's as well under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) at Astroplus, Astrovision and Odyssey outlets; for downloads at iTunes and streaming via Deezer, Spotify and Guvera. Its Deluxe Edition which includes the songs "Isang Lahi" by Lyca Giaranod and "Domino" by Darren Espanto is exclusively available for download and streaming at spinnr.ph. For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 loc 107. 09178565174 and 09209682991. you can also check updates by visiting www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.
