Darren Espanto of ‘The Voice Kids’ wows audience in 2014 TOFA awards

MANILA, Philippines – Things are looking up for The Voice Kids runner-up Darren Espanto.

After holding a sold-out performance on October 4 at the Music Museum, Espanto wowed the audience at the 4th annual Outstanding Filipino-Americans (TOFA) in New York, Saturday, October 25, at the Carnegie Hall.

Espanto performed his version of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” and “Listen” that earned a standing ovation from the audience.

Many of Espanto’s fans praised the singer for his performance, saying the Filipino-Canadian singer has what it takes to do well in the music industry.

13 y/o child, MADE HISTORY. Darren Espanto At TOFANY Awards Darren Espanto Live At Carnegie Hall

— DARRENatics BTS-QA (@DARRENaticsBTQA) October 26, 2014

Oh yeah! Karapat-dapat kang ipagmalake big D! Haha :)) *very proud* Darren Espanto At TOFANY Awards

— judith_alyssa (@judith_alyssa) October 26, 2014

Maraming magagaling pero hindi lahat nabibigyan ng STANDING OVATION. Darren Espanto At TOFANY Awards

— Teyang (@synfromhevn) October 26, 2014

Congratulations Darren. We’re so proud of you. 🙂 Darren Espanto At TOFANY Awards pic.twitter.com/ZG6LKWJ0qV

— Team Darren Espanto (@darren_edsel01) October 26, 2014

Among those recognized in this year’s event were journalist Sheila Coronel, fashion designer Josie Natori, composer Robert Lopez, Team Takbo, and activist Geena Rocero. They were honored for their outstanding work for Filipinos in the US.

TOFA is an awards event held in New York during the Filipino-American History month celebration in October. Established in 2011, it recognizes and celebrates the achievements of groups and individuals who have raised the profile of the Filipino-American community. – Rappler.com