‘The Voice Kids’ headline show, miss their coaches

TOP FOUR finalists (clockwise, from top, left) Darlene Vibares, Darren Espanto, Lyca Gairanod and Juan Karlos Labajo. THE VOICE FACEBOOK PHOTOS

Soon after ABS-CBN’s “The Voice Kids” concluded, work started pouring in for the reality talent competition’s top four finalists Lyca Gairanod (grand winner), Darren Espanto (runner-up), Juan Karlos Labajo (third place) and Darlene Vibares (fourth).

Aside from being regular performers in the noontime variety show “ASAP 19,” playing gigs here and abroad, as well as releasing their debut compilation record, “The Voice Kids: The Album,” the young singers will headline their first major concert next month, fulfilling yet another one of their dreams.

They pray it doesn’t stop there.

‘Impossible’ dreams

Darren and Juan Karlos, both 13, hope to get into television and the movies. “Once I’ve established myself as a singer, I’d like to try acting,” Darren told the Inquirer at a press conference for “The Voice Kids: All-In Concert,” which is set Dec. 6 at the Philippine International Convention Center’s Plenary Hall.

Juan Karlos, known for energetic but smooth performances, confided that he has a list of “impossible” dreams. “I’d like to have a solo concert, a teleserye, a movie and maybe also win best actor,” he said, laughing. “Pero sana maging posible.”

Ten-year-olds Lyca and Darlene, on the other hand, wish to maintain a successful career in the biz to help their respective families. “I’d like to finish school, and for my siblings to achieve that as well,” said Darlene, who has impressed “The Voice” fans with her powerful voice and bubbly personality.

Lyca, whose humble background and fierce take on throat-busting Aegis songs won over viewers’ hearts, has the very same wish. “I also like to go to school,” said the contest winner, who has been compared with superstar Nora Aunor. She’d like to meet the actress by the way, saying, “I’ve seen her only on TV.”

Professionals

Although they’re all working now as professional singers, the kids miss the days they were in the contest—and their coaches. Lyca and Darren were mentored by Sarah Geronimo, Darlene by Lea Salonga, Juan Karlos by Bamboo.

Asked for the most important piece of advice Coach Sarah gave her, Lyca said: “She told me not to be nervous onstage—to just take it slow and enjoy the experience. She also said I should sing from the heart.”

Darren, who performed at the recent 4th Outstanding Filipino-Americans awards rites at Carnegie Hall in New York, said Coach Sarah consoled him when he lost to Lyca by assuring him, “You don’t need to win a contest to fulfill your dreams.”

“She always tells me to believe in myself,” he said, “and keep my feet on the ground.”

Juan Karlos said Coach Bamboo instilled in him the importance of humility. “Coach also said it’s very important to listen to my mentors, and treat others well.”

“Coach Lea told me to expect the worst and hope for the best, and to never forget anyone who helps me,” said Darlene, who also said she missed playing with the other contestants backstage.

Meanwhile, all four promised to give their fans “something new” in the concert. Joining the kids are “The Voice of the Philippines” first winner Mitoy Yonting and runner-up Klarisse de Guzman.

For tickets, call SM Tickets at 470-2222.

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