Darren Espanto Of The Voice Kids And His Album!

He sings, he dances – a total performer in the making. Darren Espanto stood out among the first harvest of young belters and crooners of The Voice Kids. He flew all the way from Canada to make something special happen – to be the artist the country will be proud of. It was evident that even at an early age, Darren picked up melodies easily and sang along to different types of songs. His family helped him nurture his talent until he was able to discover that he’s more than just a singer. His grandma agreed and encouraged Darren’s family to try out for The Voice Kids. It wasn’t an easy decision to travel all the way to Manila but all their efforts were worth the journey. A turn from Coach Sarah Geronimo was all it took for the young performer to clinch second spot in the final. Even if he didn’t win the grand prize, everyone definitely noticed. 

During and after the competition, Darren raked in fans from all over the world, consistent in the trending topics list, and with millions of online views – he is an instant star. And he is just extremely grateful of the support of his family and fans. “I am lucky po because I have this talent. They [My family] always tell me that it is a blessing and I should be thankful of it,” The 13-year old teen from Calgary has more reasons to be appreciative of all the wonderful surprises that come his way. He has already checked sold out concerts, tours around the world, and an album (The Voice Kids The Album) off his long list of achievements. “I am very flattered po kasi nabigyan na po ng katuparan yung dream ko.” Add to this his first ever solo record under MCA Music simply titled “Darren”. It features the carrier single “In Love Ako Sa ‘Yo” composed by Vehnee Saturno. The hitmaker composer also contributed 3 more songs that fit Darren like “My Girl”, “Ewan Ko” and “Ah! Basta Gusto Kita”. Not to be missed are the tracks written by foreign composer like Keith Martin & Deon Hairston (“You Are The Only One”); Adrian Rezza, Lucas Rezza and Carvin Winans (“I Believe In Me”) as well as Filipino-American Brad Go (“Makin’ Moves”) and Filipino composer Kennard Faraon (“Stuck). Also included is the studio version of “Domino”, a song he performed during the blind audition. The packaging comes off as like a magazine with different pictures of Darren and a mini-standee inside.

“This is my gift to all my fans that supported me throughout my The Voice Kids journey and I hope it will also open up to new supporters and listeners,” Darren said. Darren is close to fulfilling his international career but there’s something about home that keeps him more driven to perform here. “Canada naman po will always be there. For now, sa Philippines na po muna ako,” He wants to use his singing as means of giving back to all the young Pinoy dreamers to pursue performing just like he did. “Gusto ko po makapagbigay pa ng maraming inspirasyon sa mga katulad kong bata. Makapagpasaya ng todo-todo,” With talent like Darren’s, the world seemed to fit in the palm of his hands. It’s exciting to see him grow into the likes of Gary Valenciano or even like his idol Michael Jackson. 

But he is geared to become the artist he’s dreaming to be. It won’t be long until Darren Espanto becomes a household name, proudly representing the country in the world stage. “Darren” is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) on CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets. It is also available through digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes and streaming via spinnr.ph, Deezer and Spotify. “Darren”, the press conference is presented by Jollibee. 

For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991, (0917) 8565174 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com. For more information about Darren, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic.

Yes! There Is Such A Thing That Is Called Perfect Coke!

Philippines tastes the #PerfectCoke for the first time - truly a #SarapNgFirst
The past couple of weeks have been a guessing game for many Filipinos as beverage company Coca-Cola teased about “tasting Coke® for the first time again” through social media, TV, and several billboards along major highways. Many wondered how this could possibly happen as the popular drink has been in the Philippines for more than 100 years.

On February 15th, Sunday, we got the answer. Coca-Cola revealed that there is a way to enjoy an even better tasting and more refreshing Coke, as if having Coke for the first time! The secret? Chill your Coca-Cola bottle up to 3˚ Celsius and voilà! You now have a perfectly chilled Coca-Cola!
Jasmin Vinculado, Vice President for Marketing of Coca-Cola Philippines engaged the crowd with Coca-Cola trivia that gained oohs and aahs - “What’s the first word that comes to mind when asked about the taste of Coca-Cola? Some will say a bit spicy, others will say refreshing, or it may even be described as having a bite in the throat. No matter who you ask, there is not one word to describe the taste of Coca-Cola. This is what we call flavor amplitude – because flavors are well blended and balanced, it triggers all five primary tastes that creates the “bloom” in the mouth that is hard to describe. Basta masarap!”
So what exactly is the Perfect Coke experience? It is drinking from a Coca-Cola bottle chilled to perfection. Normally we get to taste Coke at 4 degrees Celsius or even warmer. But drinking it at 3 degrees takes the experience to a whole new level. It brings out that great Coca-Cola taste, like you’ve never tasted it before.
This was launched to the public through a simultaneous event done across the country – with key venues in Abreeza Mall Davao, Ayala Center Cebu, and Glorietta Mall in Makati. The afternoon was made more fun by performances from the Coke Ambassadors. Julia Montes & Jerome Ponce joined the celebration in Abreeza, Joseph Marco & Janella Salvador fired up Cebu, and Miles Ocampo & Manolo Pedrosa doubled the happiness in Glorietta.

Gigantic coolers – the first of its kind in the Philippines – were filled with ice and Coca-Cola bottles and were set up on each site. These came with giant thermometers showing the coolers’ temperatures, which started at 10˚ Celsius.

The highlight of the event was when the Coke Ambassadors, together with key Coke representatives in each venue, poured buckets of ice in the coolers – which made the temperature drop to 3˚ Celsius. It was a eureka moment as the audience realized that the key to getting the perfect Coke is simply by chilling it to 3˚.
The ambassadors and Coke officials then gave away samples of perfectly chilled Coca-Cola to the audience. True enough, Coke chilled to perfection is nothing like you’ve ever had before. Even avid Coke drinkers must be wondering how they’ve never had Coca-Cola this good.
Diego Granizo, the newly appointed General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, says this is the company’s way of re-connecting with the consumers. “We want them to re-discover the thrill, chill, and refreshing feeling of drinking a bottle of Coke, as if it’s their first time again,” he says.

In able to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible, Coca-Cola also introduced the new Coke Happy Cycles. After the simultaneous launch, these coolers on wheels were sent out to the streets and have since been going around barangays to serve perfectly chilled Coke.
For more details on the #PerfectCoke and how to chill one on your own, check out the official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Feel free to post about your #SarapNgFirst time taste of the #PerfectCoke experiences online.

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