In September 2024, ABS-CBN singer-host Darren Espanto took to Instagram to share his “big boy purchase”—a sleek black Cadillac Escalade.
This full-size luxury SUV is a top-tier model.
Its price? A whopping PHP 19 million.
Read: Darren Espanto flexes new Cadillac worth PHP19M
At a recent endorsement launch, just as Darren was about to leave after speaking with the press, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) casually asked him if he paid that car in full.
He said yes.
But beyond its jaw-dropping price tag, what made the purchase even more interesing was the sentimental reason behind it.
It was part of his childhood.
The singer revealed, “I felt happy because it was our family car when I was growing up."
Darren and his younger sister, Lynelle, grew up in Canada, where their parents have been working as nurses.
Referring to their old family Cadillac, he continued, “’Tapos parang ang tagal po naming naghintay for it to have kinda remodeled.
“Kasi medyo hindi na namin siya nagustuhan nung later years.
“Tapos, ayun po, recently, it started to have a lot of innovations, also sa interior.
“So that’s why I asked my parents if [I could] buy another one again.
“So ayun po, nasa Canada siya, for my family and I din naman.”
The 23-year-old Kapamilya star admitted that he still consults his parents when making big purchases.
"Kapag alam kong medyo may kamahalan, tine-text ko yung parents ko, tinatawagan ko...
"Most of the time, they know naman what my limit is kapag nagsa-shopping," he said.
Is he an impulsive buyer?
He replied, “When I see something that I want, I’ll try and save up for it or I’ll buy it when I see it."
Darren’s Cadillac is undeniably a significant purchase, but for him, it represents more than just a status symbol.
It stands as a testament to how far he has come—from a 10-year-old kontesero competing in singing contests to one of the most recognized artists in the Philippines today.
Darren carved his own path in the industry after finishing as the first runner-up on The Voice Kids Philippines in 2014.
Though he didn’t take home the grand prize, his remarkable talent opened doors to a thriving career in show business.
Now, a decade later, he has established himself as a powerhouse performer.
Beyond his endorsements and international gigs, he is a regular co-host on Kapamilya shows, including the daily noontime program It’s Showtime and the Sunday variety show ASAP.
"I am very grateful for all the blessings that come my way, sa lahat po ng opportunities,” he said.
He also makes it a point to give back—a value his parents instilled in him from a young age.
The singer explained, “Kasi yun din yung tinuro ng magulang ko—to be able to share what you have, share your blessings to others.
“So I find [ways] to save money while also being able to share my blessings—sa family members ko, with my friends, to those who need po, along with my Darrenatics,” referring to his fandom.
“May mga charities po kami na tinutulungan.”
In addition, Darren has been setting aside money for investments.
"May mga bagay po akong pinag-iipunan, whether it be a new car that I have my eye on or lupa, mga ganun… so ayun po, to also invest."
Read: Darren Espanto defends AC Bonifacio amid online bashing
DARREN ON HIS COFFEE AND HIS ME-TIME
Darren sat down for an interview with members of the press during his launch as the new face of City Cafe, 7-Eleven’s coffee brand.
The event took place at 7-Eleven’s 4000th store in Megaworld Newport, Pasay City, on March 26, 2025.
Speaking about his new endorsement, he shared, “I drink coffee so much that I’ve been manifesting for a project like this, and then, 'tapos dumating po, 7-Eleven.”
Darren prefers his coffee iced, making it his go-to pick-me-up before starting his day.
“I have my coffee fix in the morning, okay na po ako…
“Usually before Showtime, or if I have stuff after Showtime, that’s when I’ll drink coffee...mostly to stay awake and be energized.”
He technically works seven days a week, does he have a free day?
“Yung mga araw na Showtime lang nasa sched tapos wala nang iba after, I consider it free day.
“So minsan, yayayain ko yung mga co-host from Showtime to eat outside or manood ng sine, yung mga ganun po.
“Pag weekends naman tapos walang events, I spend time in my house with my family. Yung me-time ko talaga, just quiet, before I face more events and schedules the next day.”