FACE TO FACE WITH THE WONDER BOY
February 17 was particularly a noteworthy day for the invited press & social media bloggers. Each was given ample time to chit-chat with the 13 year-old DARREN ESPANTO up-close & personal for the launching of his 1st solo album. Such rare event led to our re-discovery of his inner self as he gamely spill cute “secrets” to our delight. Darren not doubt, is full of life, and a gem waiting to be explored. He is more than an exceptional singing gift and a charm that made his minions of followers went gaga.
THE BOY BEHIND THE VOICE
But at the back of his angelic singing voice and a flawless, smiling face is a humble boy who gets bored & tired, gone craze’ over dota games, hyper and can make his mother shake head over broken rules. But the zeal and sense of professionalism he shows towards his chosen craft is incredibly amazing given a raw age. He would listen intensely, look straight into your eyes, absorbs your narratives, and respond to your questions with honesty & depth, wit & confidence regardless of their intensity. He is pretty insightful and speaks english and tagalog in good accent. He owns the stage when he sings, and dances like nobody’s watching. A true-blue performer at that.
WHAT DOES HE MISSES THESE DAYS?
Beside the formal schooling, “I miss sleeping longer in the morning” he admits in candid. He sorely longs for his dad and lil’ sis too way back in Canada. The boy from Calgary knew what sacrifices exactly means when he opted to make a name here in the Philippines. His life has never been the same again after earning a top spot in the Voice-PH and enter the concert scenes here and abroad. He is busy as a bee, misses his favorite thing and love of his life, but nevertheless, he feel so happy for all the blessings and unwavering opportunities he is getting.
ON ATTITUDE & PROMINENCE
He became, as we all knew, an instant celebrity – a favorite one . His rising popularity and taste of success maybe sinking in his senses and hard to ignore, especially upon witnessing those frantic fans screaming for his name, But his mom, who prefers to shun away from the camera instilled humility in his heart, and taught him to always acknowledge all the people who magnifies his star, thus giving him a space in the industry. A value so evident to his demeanor and countenance he exudes. The boy loves to smile – and his smiles are genuine.
A LOOK AT HIS SELF-TITLED ALBUM (A dream come true)
Soon after a collaborated album with fellow VoicePH kid singers, that was a hit last year, a follow up album of his own was launched and released, under the label of MCA Universal Music PH. It has a 9-tracts plus a bonus one. It’s an all original pieces, and the tagalog songs are written by the award-winning Sir Vehnee Saturno. He demo his carrier single, “In Love Ako Sayo” in our very front and it cuts beautifully.
And who is the luck girl he is in love with?... He was caught off-guard, yet he counter with a smile – “my mom”. But for our benefit he spilled, he has a crush on someone from the ‘biz. – and that’s another story 🙂
“Darren” can be downloaded digitally via Spinner.ph & iTunes. Streaming via Deezer and Spotify. Released under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). CD’s available in Odyssey and AstroPlus stores.
Sidenote: Darren has no official Twitter account, yet he has an Instagram: darrenespanto1
