Darren Espanto

DARREN ESPANTO INVITED TO GRACE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN NEW YORK!

(New York, NY) - "Scenes In The City" have it in good authority to share this hot piece of news- that The Voice Kids Philippines' Almost Grand Winner, Darren Espanto, 13, is being invited to grace the Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City this coming June. The Big Apple is home to more than 3.4 million Filipinos in the United States.

Following the tradition of the celebration being on the first Sunday of June, the 2015 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City will take place on June 7, 2015, at Madison Avenue. This annual event geared towards raising cultural awareness and embracing Filipino pride and heritage, attracts more than 100,000 (the largest Independence Day event for Filipinos in terms of attendance, held outside the Philippines) people celebrating merrily along the streets of Manhattan.

As of press time, the only obstacle from making this a reality, we have learned in utmost confidentiality, is Darren's super busy schedule (whirlwind shows around the Philippine Islands, Australia Canada, United States, Middle East and if you haven't noticed lately, his almost daily stints at Kris Aquino, The Queen of All Media's Kris TV), that precludes his Manager, MCA Universal, from issuing a clear approval.

If plans do not miscarry, this will be the second time Darren will be making a big mark in New York. He first conquered the Big Apple last October 25, 2014 when he performed to a couple of standing ovation numbers during the TOFA (honoring New York's Finest Fil-Ams) finale at the world famous Carnegie Hall, despite being under the weather.

Darren, you are one lucky and talented 13 year old!

Darren Lyndon Gonzales Espanto (born May 24, 2001) is a Filipino-Canadian singer. Born inCalgary, Canada to Filipino parents, at ten years old, he won the Masters Finals of Pinoy Singing Sensation in Edmonton. He made his first television appearance at the age of ten when he joinedYTV's reality television The Next Star in 2012, he became the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6.

He rose to fame after joining The Voice Kids of the Philippines, and has been since established as "The Total Performer". He is the youngest artist in the world who had a first major solo concert at the age of 13. The youngest artist who had a concert tour. He is also the youngest artist who had 5 single records at the age of 12. The youngest artist to have an all original solo album.^[5] The youngest artist in the world whose two songs placed number 1 and 2 in the iTunes Chart Single category less than 10 hours after it has been uploaded. Most of Espanto's shows and concerts are always sold out. In August 2014, Espanto became part of ABS-CBN's Star Magic.

Espanto released his first full-length self-titled studio album, Darren, in December 2014. It debuted number 1 on Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store and Astro Chart, and is now a certified Gold.

On January 18, 2015, he sang Tell The World of His Love for Pope Francis before thousands of audience during the Inter-Faith meeting and Encounter of Youth at the University of Sto. Tomas. As Espanto sang, Pope Francis held hands with children onstage.

Early Life

Espanto was born on May 24, 2001 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is the first child of Filipino nurses Marinel (née Gonzales) and Lyndon Espanto, who emigrated from Nueva Vizcaya. Philippines, He also has a younger sister named Lynelle Anne G. Espanto. Despite living in Canada, his parents taught him Filipino language, particularly Tagalog, and he remains fluent with it. He said, "When I went home from school, when I'm still speaking English they will tell me 'you are not in the school anymore, you're in the house, you should speak Tagalog' so that's how I became fluent in Tagalog."

Espanto started singing at the age of two. In a Manila Bulletin interview, Espanto stated that: "When I was little, I would listen to some songs and I'd try to copy the tune to it." As a toddler, Espanto serenaded his parents with the tunes from The Lion King or Sleeping Beauty in their home, which led to his relatives to discover his singing potential and urge him to pursue and hone his raw talent. His parents were supportive of his dreams and talents, his father taught him the basics of singing, and his mother who was a choreographer during high school days, helped him infused dance into his singing performance.

Education

At age 12, Darren Espanto attended Grade 6 at St. Jude Elementary in Calgary, but went to the Philippines in 2014 for The Voice Kids. After getting through the auditions, he returned to Canada to write his advanced test in St. Cyril as he will come back to the Philippines. During this time, his father was with him, while his mother stayed in Canada with his little sister, Lynelle Espanto.

He, along with the other "The Voice Kids" finalists received a ₱350,000 scholarship from Eton International School.

Influences

Espanto cites music inspirations as varied as Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. Espanto stated in an interview with push.com.ph that he is truly being inspired by a lot of Filipino singers, "I idolized Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, Lani Misalucha, coach Sarah Geronimo.

At the age of 10 Espanto won during the Masters Finals of Pinoy Singing Sensation on November 19, 2011, singing Alone by Celine Dion.

2012–2013: The Next Star

In 2012, ten-year-old Espanto auditioned for YTV's reality television The Next Star Season 5, singing Bruno Mars' "Grenade". One of the judges, Keshia Chanté, got emotional and told him that his voice was 'unbelievable' and 'controlled'. Judge Mark Spicoluk, on the other hand, stated that he 'lacked stage presence'. Nevertheless, after Chante asked him if he was ready, she and Tara Oram said yes, earning him the 'golden ticket'.

He continued to be selected onto its Top 6, singing pop songs such as Rihanna's "Only Girl (in the World)"^[17]and Maroon 5's "Payphone" among others. He also had his own single and music video entitled "Gotta Give A Little Extra", as well as two other singles, "Now"^[19] and "Oh Oh Santa" with the other five finalists. Ultimately, he lost to the 14-year-old Brooklyn Roebuck, after singing his own single during the finals. He was the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6.

In 2013, Espanto had his first series as a guest in YTV's Life with Boys.

2014: The Voice Kids

During ABS-CBN's The Voice Kids Season 1 auditions aired on June 1, 2014, Espanto performed Jessie J's "Domino", which he formerly sang during The Next Star at age 11. Coaches Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac both pressed their buttons for him, vocalizing that he 'can be groomed to be a recording artist, a total package'. Although Espanto revealed that he was Manalac's front act during one of his concerts in Canada, he still picked Geronimo stating that she could help him a lot in the music industry.

Espanto eventually advanced to the finals after singing Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" during the live semi-finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. He was the second one to receive the highest votes, after Lyca Gairanod. Salonga, one of the coaches commented that Espanto is a phenomenal while his mentor Geronimo stated that he was 'a winner and a complete package'.

In the finale during the first round which was a power ballad theme, Espanto performed Basil Valdez's song "Ngayon" which received a standing ovation including the three coaches. Salonga left a warning to older performers; "To every person Darren idolized, this is a warning to all of you: this kid will outshine you someday". Once again, Geronimo praised him and said that despite his talent, Espanto never showed superiority and instead, listened to his coach. On the final round of the competition, Espanto accompanied himself with a piano during his performance of "You Are My Song" while having a duet with the original singer Martin Nievera, which received a standing ovation. At the end of the competition, he once again came in second after Lyca Gairanod.

2014 – present: After The Voice Kids

On July 31, 2014, in an interview with ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe, Espanto said that he will not go back to Canada, Alberta to pursue his showbiz career in the Philippines, while his parents will go back to Canada temporarily due to work. In a separate interview with entertainment site Push, Espanto said he also wants to try acting and do a project with his coach and mentor, Sarah Geronimo. In August, Espanto officially became a part of ABS-CBN's training and management center Star Magic.

On September 11, 2014, Espanto's rendition of Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time topped the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store, while his rendition of Justin Bieber's Somebody To Love placed second. His two covers surpassed foreign acts in the chart such as Taylor Swift, John Legend, The Script and Adam Levine. In his past interviews, Espanto said it is his dream to make it big in the music industry and he is grateful that a lot of doors have opened for him after "The Voice Kids".

On October 4, 2014, Espanto staged his first solo concert at the Music Museum entitled: "Darren Espanto: The Total Performance Concert". In this concert he did not only show off his vocal chops but also his dancing skills. A repeat of the concert will be staged on December 19, 2014. And a concert tour.

On October 25, 2014, Espanto, at age 13, made his Carnegie Hall debut as the headliner at the Fourth The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York Awards, which celebrate Filipino American History Month in New York City. During the finale, he sang Whitney Houstons "One Moment in Time" and Beyonce Knowles, "Listen". Espanto received a rousing double standing ovation.

On November 18, 2014, Espanto once again ruled the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store, His rendition of O Little Town of Bethlehem topped the chart, while his rendition of Jessie J's Domino place 2nd. The only 2 local songs to be included on the top 15.

On a report by the Manila Standard Today on November 29, 2014, Espanto signed a record and management deal with MCA Music Inc.

On December 6, 2014, during The Voice Kid's All In Concert at the Philippine International Convention Center, Espanto released his first solo album " Darren" under MCA Music Inc.. Another launch was held on December 10, 2014 at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City. His album has also debuted at number 1 at the Philippine charts of Apple's iTunes store upon its release on December 8, 2014.

On January 13, 2015, it was announced that Espanto will be singing during Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines. He will be singing Trina Belamide's "Tell The World of His Love" during the Encounter with the Youth in the University of Santo Tomas. In the interview, he said that he is very happy to sing for the Pope as he is a symbol of kindness, spreading the message of mercy and compassion. On January 18, 2015, he sang for the Pope before thousands of audience during the Inter-Faith meeting and Encounter of Youth at the University of Sto. Tomas. As Darren sang, Pope Francis held hands with children onstage, spending extra time with the little ones.

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