Darren embodies the essence of a talented pop star. Possessing a youthful charm that melts hearts and a high voice that rivals the sweetest melodies, his career has thrived under the spotlight’s harsh glare, much like a resilient tree reaching for the sun amidst towering buildings. His story chronicles a decade-long journey marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering pursuit of his artistic passion.
A SEED TAKES ROOT: THE VOICE KIDS AND BEYOND
Darren’s journey to fame began on the stage of The Voice Kids Philippines, where his renditions of Jessie J’s ‘Domino’ and Basil Valdez’s ‘Ngayon’ struck a chord with audiences nationwide and beyond. Despite not winning the title, his mature and emotionally charged performances set the stage for a successful career. By the age of 14, the singer, then known as Darren Espanto, had already held his first major concert, a remarkable achievement that marked his transition from a reality TV hopeful to a professional recording artist.
Recounting this pivotal moment, Darren shares with a touch of nostalgia, “I was like, wow I didn’t win but I pulled this off. You know? I didn’t really expect it. Tapos yun nga po, parang, that’s one of the moments where I was like, oh wow Darren, we made it. I wasn’t expecting much after The Voice Kids but then everything just kind of kept going.” This early triumph, a testament to his talent and hard work, became the fertile soil that nurtured his budding talent and fueled the pride of his ever-growing fanbase.
WEATHERING THE STORM: THE GROWING PAINS OF ADOLESCENCE
The teenage years are tumultuous for anyone, but the challenges can be even more daunting for a young artist thrust into the public eye. As Darren navigated through adolescence, the natural changes in his voice brought moments of uncertainty.
“I was like oh my gosh, I am putting songs into a lower key. I stopped singing songs that I would usually sing before. Kasi takot akong magkamali, takot akong pumiyok. Takot ako na, alam mo yun, ma-judge talaga for one wrong performance so I played it safe.” he confides.
This period was akin to a harsh wind threatening to topple the progress he had made. However, Darren was fortunate to have a support system as strong as the roots of an ancient tree. His vocal coaches and the team at the musical variety show ASAP became his guiding light, offering unwavering support and encouragement as he navigated through this period of vocal metamorphosis. Their presence, a testament to the vital role a strong support system plays in any artist’s life, underscores the importance of such a system in the often wobbly waters of the entertainment industry.
Despite the external challenges, Darren’s passion for music remained. He describes the support system that helped him weather this storm, “My vocal coaches and the team at ASAP really guided me through it. They encouraged me to keep singing, even if it meant lowering the keys or shifting to different styles.”
This support helped him regain confidence and improve his skills, enabling him to stay focused on his passion during the unstable period of adolescence and flourishing fame.
LOVE SPROUTS: THE FERTILE GROUND OF INSPIRATION
Love isn’t just a recurring theme in Darren’s music; it’s the essence that nourishes his artistic spirit. “Love is a feeling that’s universal,” he muses. “You don’t feel love just from humans eh. Syempre kung may mga pets ka, you feel love from your pets. You could feel love from just by watching a movie or a text you get. So, it’s really a universal feeling. It’s something that is impossible not to feel”, he shares.
This perspective on love translates into his desire for a patient and understanding partner who serves as his rock and a source of comfort. Darren elaborates on the qualities he seeks in a partner “I don’t look for anything specific in someone for me to love them. Parang it’s more of the energy that I get – how we are able to connect to one another, to relate to another. It’s really the vibe but also personality-wise like yung mga traits, someone who respects my family, someone who respects me also. and someone who you know, can just be there for me. Parang caring and stuff. Kasi sa mundo natin, especially in Showbiz, actually not even in Showbiz just in general. May mga times na mapapagod and mapapagod tayo and sometimes you just wanna go home to that one person na tinatawag mong pahinga mo. So that’s also one of the things that I look for, when looking for love. Naks.” This transparency about his needs and desires paints a picture of a young man entering adulthood with a clear head and heart.
He emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy, the sunshine and rain that nurture a lasting relationship.
“You have to have a lot of patience when it comes to someone that you love,” he advises. “Kasi not everyday is gonna be the same as yesterday. Na kung kahapon super okay kayo, kahapon tawa lang kayo nang tawa the next day baka one of you needs a picker- upper. You know? Like one of you needs to be the one to bring light to the situation baka may pinagdaanan siya that day or ako. Tas syempre di mo naman pwedeng sabayan so you have to be patient. Kailangan mo maging understanding.”
BRANCHING OUT: EXPLORING NEW AVENUES AND ARTISTIC HORIZONS
Darren’s career is flourishing like a vibrant garden, brimming with opportunities. He credits this newfound vibrancy to his willingness to embrace diverse projects. Hosting the variety show “It’s Showtime” has allowed him to showcase his comedic talents, revealing a more relaxed and relatable side. His foray into acting, particularly in the teleserye “Can’t Buy Me Love,” highlights his adventurous spirit and eagerness to explore new creative avenues.
Reflecting on his first acting project, “The Hows of Us” with the phenomenal KathNiel love team, he recalls feeling a healthy dose of nervousness but ultimately considers it a significant learning experience. This openness to growth keeps his career booming and yielding unexpected artistic fruits.
REAPING THE REWARDS: A DECADE OF PERSEVERANCE CULMINATES IN CELEBRATION
As Darren prepares for his highly anticipated 10th-anniversary concert with several Kapamilya Stars joining him, including two of his co-hosts in It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda and Ogie Alcasid, he is also joined by his former The Voice Kids coach, Sarah Geronimo, together with Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, Pop Ballad Royalty, Erik Santos, and The Voice Kids batch mate, Lyca Gairanod, coinciding with his 23rd birthday, a sense of deep gratitude washes over him. “It feels surreal that it’s been ten years since The Voice Kids,” he says, with a hint of wonder in his voice.
“I don’t really feel like it’s been 10 years but at the same time looking back, I can definitely say that I’ve been doing a lot even though I haven’t felt that way. There’s a lot of stuff that I have been able to achieve that I would’ve never imagined to achieve before when I was a kid. So, it feels surreal and I am very grateful that I’m still here today. Even after 10 years, after The Voice Kids.”
BASKING IN HIS WINNING SEASON
Darren’s story inspires aspiring artists to persevere and never give up on their dreams. Although he may not have been the first pick during his competition, he peaked at his highest potential. Over time, he has continued to grow and flourish, bearing new fruits before our eyes.
When asked how he wants to be seen, Darren shared, “I wanna be seen as someone who inspires others. Also someone people can get inspiration from. Whether it’s through my songs, or watching my shows, or Showtime. Mga ganon. That’s how I wanna be seen. More than my music, I wanna be seen for who I am as a person. Yung personality ko off-cam. Like, mas parang yun yung gusto kong marinig sa tao in terms of comments na positibo.”
Darren’s career is a testament to the idea that we define the eras of our lives through our actions and choices. Whether in our careers or love lives, may we always choose to bask in our winning season.
Want the full interview? Listen to the complete discussion on The Zeen Zone podcast, available on all streaming platforms. View excerpts from the interview on Zeen Magazine’s YouTube channel.
The Zeen Team
Creative Head and Editor-in-Chief | Mark Ghosn
Asst. Creative Director | Earl Taruc
Graphic Designer | Loris Trinidad
Digital Content Producer | Thea Salvador
Editorial Assistant | Earl Taruc, Ristichen
Sales Executive | Anne Magtoto
Social Media Manager | Mhan Gabriel Ramos
Creative Direction | Richie Bondoc
Photography | Cha Tanglao
Multimedia Editor | Yanyan Gervero
Videography | ProdAxia, Alexer Buenaventura
Glam Team
Hair and Makeup Styling | Mycke Arcano
Darren is wearing an Ivory Double Breasted Suit with Hand Made Beaded Lemon by Richie Bondoc
Darren Espanto’s Management Team
ABS-CBN Star Music
Roxy Liquigan
Jonathan Manalo
Franz Garcia
Mela Ballano
Andie Arellano
Meg Diaz
Simone Dimalibot
ABS-CBN PR
Sheryl Baltazar
Star Magic
Laurenti Dyogi
Edith Fariñas
Yanie Camante
