Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Darrren Espanto

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

Darren Espanto looked back on his journey from being a shy kid in Canada to becoming one of the country’s most recognizable performers in the latest episode of “Oh My Gan!” The singer recalled that joining “The Voice Kids” was an unexpected turn in his life, sharing that his family first discovered the auditions through his grandmother in the Philippines.“It was really unexpected kasi parang nanonood pa lang kami ng adult edition doon sa TFC sa Canada,” he said.According to Espanto, his relatives in Manila personally lined up at Resorts World Manila just to ask how he could audition from Canada. After sending a virtual audition, he eventually earned a spot in the blind auditions.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778136406225Darren.JPG" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Darren Espanto. Screen grab: YouTube/ABS-CBN News</div>Turning 25 this May, Espanto said he has come to appreciate the strict upbringing of his parents, who are both registered nurses in Canada.“Ngayon mo talaga mare-realize na sa mid-20s ka na na sobrang buti na lang gano’n yung magulang ko growing up,” he said. “I really appreciate the way they taught me how to live on my own independently.”He also shared that his younger sister Lynelle is now studying in the Philippines, giving him a more active role as an older brother.“Ang dami kong inaasikaso ngayon sa mga school project niya,” Espanto said, adding that he helps her with school-related needs whenever his schedule allows.The singer said his parents trusted him with his sister because they saw his independence and maturity.“Nakita nila sa akin &#x27;yung independence. Siguro &#x27;yung kaya ko rin namang mabuhay mag-isa,” he shared.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cuuhOF0kWaA?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></div>Espanto also admitted that one of his priorities this year is saving up for his family, especially for a bigger home in the Philippines.“Gusto ko &#x27;yung pag uuwi sila dito sa Philippines, we also have a family home here,” he said. “Gusto ko &#x27;yun, &#x27;yung parang mag-ipon para sa family ko.”Despite his success, Espanto said he remains guided by the lessons his parents taught him, especially humility, discipline, and giving back.“Feeling ko bine-bless ako to be able to bless others as well,” he said.<div> </div><div>Settling down</div>In the interview, Espanto was asked about the current state of his heart.“I would never close doors to love. Pero ngayon, parang di ko naman siya priority,” he said, confirming that he is currently single.“It’s not like I’m looking to be in a relationship right away,” he added.He said the pandemic made him realize the importance of genuine personal connections, including friendships that may change over time. “There are friends na also seasonal and I totally understand that,” he said.Still, Espanto admitted that he wants to settle down and have his own family someday. “I wanna have kids. I wanna have a wife and stuff like that. I just don’t know when,” he said.The singer shared that when he was younger, he thought he would settle down by his mid-20s. But now, he said his perspective has changed.“I feel like my generation is so career-driven also,” he said. “We’re also scared to lose what we have now.”When asked about the legacy he wants to leave behind, Espanto said he hopes his artistry and character will be remembered.“I’d like my work to speak for itself later on,” he said. “Kahit wala na ako sa mundo, gusto kong maalala pa din ng mga tao sa mga mabuti kong nagawa.”He added that aside from his music and performances, he also wants to be remembered as a good person.“Not just for my performances and my music, but also as a person,” he said.Espanto also said that if he becomes a father in the future, his children will also be part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Darren Espanto looked back on his journey from being a shy kid in Canada to becoming one of the country’s most recognizable performers in the latest episode of “Oh My Gan!”

Darren Espanto looked back on his journey from being a shy kid in Canada to becoming one of the country’s most recognizable performers in the latest episode of “Oh My Gan!”

Darren Espanto opens up on family, independence, and growing up in showbiz

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Celebrities

Darren Espanto opens up on family, independence, and growing up in showbiz

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 07, 2026 03:16 PM PHT

Read More:

Oh My Gan

Darren Espanto

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.