Barring recent controversies, Darren Espanto, who just turned 14 last May 24, is ready for his biggest challenge – his solo birthday show at the 16,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena titled “Darren Espanto: D Birthday Concert.”

This is not just an ordinary concert for the runner-up of “The Voice of the Philippines: Kids.” The young singer is set to be the youngest ever to hold a solo major concert at the Mall of Asia Arena just years after Lady Gaga performed at its inaugural.

Understandably, Darren is both excited and thrilled. “I’m nervous because it is the first time that I will perform in a concert in such a huge venue. But in everything I do, I give all my best so I’m sure everyone will get their money’s worth during the concert,” said the teen, who has been preparing for months for the concert this Friday, May 29.

Even before his stint in “The Voice of the Philippines: Kids,” Darren has received a lot of good notice for being “the total package” – a powerful singer at an early age and also a good dancer. He has dreamt of making something special happen and performing in the Philippines. Less than a year after flying in from Canada, a lot of that “something special” has been happening: a record deal with a major label, solo album now certified gold, sold-out shows and now a major birthday concert.

“I am thankful to all ‘Darrenatics’ who supported me since my journey in ‘The Voice of the Philippines: Kids.’ Not everyone is given opportunities like these and I will continue to work hard and make beautiful music to all my fans,” Darren said.

Joining him are Robi Domingo, “The Voice of the Philippines” champions Mitoy Yonting and Jason Dy and runner-up Alisah Bonaobra, G-Force and “Asia’s Got Talent” grand winner El Gamma Penumbra.

Tickets are available at P4,230 for VIP, P3,700 for Patron, P2,640 for Lower Box, P1,270 for Upper Box and P430 for General Admission at SM Tickets at 4702222 or smtickets.com. For VVIP tickets worth P4,760, contact Liza Ong through mobile – 09989741153 or through [email protected].

“Darren Espanto D Birthday Concert” is presented by Talk N’ Text, Spinnr and MCA Music in cooperation with Brood Shoes distributed by Sports House. Special thanks to MUM Make-up Madness, Bangs Prime Salon by Tony and Jackey, Aficionado German Perfumes, C3 Events Place, Cravings, Clarence, Erase Certified Beauty, Eton International School and Placenta. With media partners: ABS-CBN, MYX, MOR 101.9, 106.7 Energy FM and Mellow 94.7. “Darren”, the album is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) on CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets. You can download Darren’s album on spinnr.ph.

For more, contact Sammy Samaniego at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991, (0917) 8565174.