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

May 9 ------ 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.

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 ma-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 'yung independence. Siguro 'yung kaya ko rin namang mabuhay mag-isa,” he shared.

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 'yung pag uuwi sila dito sa Philippines, we also have a family home here,” he said. “Gusto ko 'yun, '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.

Settling down

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.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com