Once a young boy with extraordinary vocal ability, Darren Espanto has developed into one of this generation’s most amazing singers and personalities. On TFC’s talk-magazine show, “BRGY,” host Bianca Gonzalez facilitates a conversation looking back at Darren’s career journey, from his participation in “The Voice Kids Philippines” to his “Ikaw Pa Rin” album, which commemorates his 11th anniversary in the music and entertainment industry.
Bianca begins by bringing up Darren’s comedic side in his performance for “ASAP in England” alongside Donny Pangilinan, Kyle Echarri, Robi Domingo, and Edward Barber. Initially a heartthrob moment for Darren, Donny, and Kyle—Robi and Edward hilariously join the set in bicep-flaunting tops and patterned boxer shorts.
WATCH: Donny, Kyle, Darren, Edward, Robi steal the show as ASAP’s newest boy group | ASAP In England
Following suit, the three of them tore off their trousers to reveal the same kind of boxers and introduced themselves as “Wrong Direction,” a parody group of the iconic British boyband One Direction. “I never imagined myself, like, you know. 11 years in the industry, I’d be on the ‘ASAP’ stage in my boxers… I had so much fun with them,” Darren expressed.
A series of fill-in-the-blanks questions followed, with Darren cheerfully responding to the first one, which mentioned his background as a Filipino who was raised in Calgary, Canada, but still upholds Filipino values. “[For] Filipinos talaga, number one ‘yung manners sa household,” he shared.
Darren continued by talking about his upbringing in the Filipino community in Canada and how he was able to adopt their quality of “resilience.” He was often introduced to Filipino culture through fiestas and ceremonies in Calgary, where he learned the Philippine national songs “Bayan Ko” and “Lupang Hinirang.”
Prior to becoming a skilled performer, Darren recalled pivotal events that ignited his passion for singing. He was 8 years old when he was invited by the producers of an AEGIS concert and was crying over the news. “I was so scared to sing in public,” he explained.
As he sang “To Love You More” by Celine Dion, the young Darren gave it his all, but he was once more shaken by the audience’s anticipation for him to sing another song. His mother guided him to sing “If Only” by Sarah Geronimo, who later served as his mentor on “The Voice Kids Philippines.”
Another instance was when, at the age of ten, he won a local singing competition that lasted for one month. He had thought, “Maybe I wanna keep doing this.”
Starting with the question of whether Darren has won a kid’s singing competition, the “Most Researched Questions” segment delves deeper into Darren’s singing career. “Unfortunately not, but a lot of people assume that I was,” he answered, referencing his runner-up win in “The Voice Kids Philippines.”
Bianca didn’t hesitate to ask if the experience was a “bubog” for him. “When you’re a kid, hindi siya maiiwasan na maging bubog sa’yo, but then so much happened afterwards that I’ve never expected to happen,” he said.
He also highlighted one of his goals in his bucket list, which was to sing on the “ASAP” stage. “My only goal was to sing on the ‘ASAP’ stage, that happened before the grand finals. [After that] you know what, I’m okay with going home.”
Darren also mentioned fellow celebrities Klarisse de Guzman, Morissette Amon, and Robi Domingo, who also experienced near-wins in reality TV competitions. “You don’t always have to be a winner to succeed,” he expressed.
When asked if he ever missed out on normal teenage life, he assured that he definitely has a good balance between career and personal life, thanks to the efforts of his parents. “Kapag may chance, my parents would make an effort to bring me back to Canada during the summer or the holiday season,” he disclosed.
When asked whether he gets along with other artists, Darren then answers honestly. “After 11 years of being in the industry. I’ve learned to reciprocate energy if you’re not kind to me. Why would I be kind to you?” he expressed. He also commented on the common piece of advice to be kind to one’s haters, “Hindi, nakakapagod ‘yun.”
“I usually get along with everyone, especially with other artists,” Darren clarified. His closest friends include Robi Domingo, who dubbed Darren his MVP; Alexa, who constantly refers to Darren and others as “beh”; AC Bonifacio, who is his original “bes”; Ryan Bang, who is his best friend; and Kim Chiu, who is his best “bestie.”
Erik Santos once questioned him about why he wasn’t performing his own songs, and when Darren chose to sing “In Love Ako Sa ‘Yo” at another event, the audience singing his lyrics back rekindled his passion.
After eight years, Darren finally released his second album, “Ikaw Pa Rin.” Working with producer Jonathan Manalo, he was able to cross another item off his bucket list. “I’ve been able to write five of them [collaborations] on the album as well,” he added, having worked with DJ M.O.D, Belle Mariano, Robert Calma, and Angela Ken.
D’ Total Performer also mentioned how he got to sing the new eviction theme song of “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” called “Paalam Muna Sandali.” He detailed, “Mas natutuloy talaga ‘pag hindi planado kasi I was in Paris when they had to submit the eviction song already.”
Producer Jonathan Manalo waited for Darren’s return to the Philippines instead of finding a new artist to sing the song.
In jest, Darren added that another reason it was a big project for him was because his best friend, AC Bonifacio, was one of the “PBB Collab” housemates during the season. “‘Pag na-evict siya gusto ko ako pa rin narinig niya [nang] una,” he joked. Alongside Julie Anne San Jose, he performed the opening theme song for the same season, “Sikat Ang Pinoy.”
In sharing his future plans for music, the “It’s Showtime” host hopes to release more soon.
As the interview came to an end, Darren responded to the ‘question of the day’ about the constants in his life. “My family. They really keep my feet on the ground, and I feel so human when I'm with them.”