Darren Espanto undaunted by intrigue

PERFORMING in a big venue daunts Darren Espanto.

Teen singer Darren Espanto may have just gotten his first real taste of show biz intrigue.

Seasoned composer Vehnee Saturno recently took to Facebook to air his displeasure over Darren’s failure to give him due credit, after the “The Voice Kids” first runnerup received a gold record award for his self-titled debut album, in the ABS-CBN Sunday variety show, “ASAP.”

Vehnee, reportedly one of Darren’s discoverers, wrote and produced four songs in the 14-year-old pop singer’s debut record, including the carrier single, “In Love Ako Sa’yo.”

In a press conference for his show, “Darren Espanto D Birthday Concert,” the Filipino-Canadian neophyte described the situation as “unfortunate,” but added that all is well between him and the prolific songwriter.

“We prepared a long list of people to thank. It’s just that we were pressed for time,” he explained. “My label (MCA Music) has talked to him and things were already taken care of.”

Gratitude

Darren also took the chance to acknowledge and express his gratitude for Vehnee’s contributions to his music career, and invited him to his concert, which will be held tonight at the SM Mall of Asia

Arena.

“I want to thank him for being one of the composers responsible for crafting my album,” said Darren, who celebrated his birth anniversary on May 24.

Meanwhile, Darren admitted that he was initially daunted by the prospect of performing in such a big venue. “I felt a bit of pressure, because I didn’t expect to hold my first solo concert there,” related the celeb, who’s reportedly the youngest artist to headline a show at the Arena. “But now I’m very excited and overwhelmed.”

Joining Darren are Robi Domingo, “The Voice of the Philippines” Season 2 winner and runnerup Jason Dy and Alisah Bonaobra, “The Voice” Season 1 champ Mitoy Yonting, as well as “Asia’s Got Talent” champ El Gamma Penumbra. “The fans can expect to hear new medleys and mash-ups. It’s going to be like a party,” he said.

For tickets, call SM Tickets at 4702222.

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