Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Darren Espanto

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

Darren Espanto admitted that he never expected his “Maui Wowie” performance to become a viral moment, but he is grateful for how it introduced him to a new generation of fans.In his guesting on “Oh My Gan!” Espanto said the song was assigned to him for an “ASAP” production because it was trending on TikTok.“I didn’t think much of it ‘cause I didn’t know the song,” he said.He later found out that “Maui Wowie” by Kid Cudi was released in 2008 and had only recently resurfaced as a trend online.Espanto explained that he sang the song an octave higher because the original key was too low for him.“Darrenfied na &#x27;Maui Wowie.&#x27; Kasi nga &#x27;yung song mababa sa akin. Kaya ko siya kinanta nang an octave higher,” he said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778137028706Darren3.JPG" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Darren Espanto. Screen grab: YouTube/ABS-CBN News</div>The performance quickly spread online, with personalities and fans creating their own edits and covers. Espanto said even his endorsements joined the trend.“Yung 7/11, Chowking, BeauteDerm, related na siya sa &#x27;Maui Wowie.&#x27; Tawang-tawa ako kasi ang bilis din nila,” he shared.The singer also revealed that some corporate events even requested for him to perform the viral number, complete with monkey bars similar to his “ASAP” performance.“People see me on the street… hindi na siya nawawala. Sinisigaw ng tao &#x27;Maui Wowie.&#x27; Lalo na &#x27;yung mga bata,” he said.<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>Despite the impact of the viral moment, Espanto said the more pivotal moment in his career was joining “It’s Showtime.”“I feel like joining ‘It’s Showtime’ isa &#x27;yun sa pinaka-pivotal moments sa career ko talaga,” he said, adding that the noontime show allowed him to connect more deeply with ordinary Filipinos.“Mas namulat &#x27;yung mata ko after joining ‘It’s Showtime,’” he said.He also described the “Showtime” family as genuine, saying the hosts and staff communicate openly when misunderstandings happen.“Talagang pamilya siya. And it’s not just plastikan eh. It’s like kung na-offend kita, may magso-sorry agad,” Espanto said.

Darren Espanto admitted that he never expected his “Maui Wowie” performance to become a viral moment, but he is grateful for how it introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Darren Espanto admitted that he never expected his “Maui Wowie” performance to become a viral moment, but he is grateful for how it introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Darren Espanto reflects on ‘Maui Wowie’ virality, ‘Showtime’ impact

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Darren Espanto reflects on ‘Maui Wowie’ virality, ‘Showtime’ impact

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 07, 2026 05:29 PM PHT

Read More:

Oh My Gan

Darren Espanto

Maui Wowie

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