MANILA, Philippines – As we head into the second season of The Voice Kids, pop star and mentor Sarah Geronimo says she isn’t too happy about comparisons between season 1 winner Lyca Gairanod and runner-up Darren Espanto.

“Oo kasi naging coach nila ako. At parte ako nung isyu na iyon. Parang na misinterpret ako ng mga tao eh sa pag-campaign ko sa mga bata. 

(Yes [bothered by comparisons], because I was their coach. I’m part of their issue. It looks like people have misinterpreted my campaigning for the kids.) 

“Paulit-ulit akong nagsasabi kung gaano ako ka-proud sa achievements ni Darren, sa achievements ni Lyca, kung paano ako naniniwala sa talento ni Lyca. Kasi hindi naman siya lang all about hirap ng buhay. Pinakita din naman ng bata na deserving siya, na may talent din yung tao,” Sarah said.

(I’m always constantly saying how proud I am of Darren’s achivements, of Lyca’s achievements, how I believe in Lyca’s talent. Because her story is not just about her hard life. This child showed she was derserving to win, that she has talent.)

Lyca emerged as the winner in season 1, though many fans who were unhappy about the results expressed dismay that she won because of sympathy votes with regard to Lyca’s difficult start in life. (READ: Lyca Gairanod’s triumphant ‘Voice Kids PH’ journey)

Meanwhile, Darren Espanto was the crowd favorite to win. He’s since released an album and performed in numerous concerts, including his very own at the MOA Arena last May. (READ: IN PHOTOS: Darren Espanto performs at 2015 birthday concert)

From the press interview of The Voice. Sarah on Darren and Lyca. pic.twitter.com/K79FV4lgrQ

— alexa villano (@alexavillano) June 3, 2015

As for the the upcoming season of The Voice Kids, Sarah said that she is happy about winning two seasons of The Voice, and is game to win more. (Sarah’s pick Jason Dy was the winner of The Voice of the Philippines 2.)

“Totoo na masaya na ako na nakapanalo ako ng dalawa. Pero syempre nandidito pa rin tayo. We’re in it to win it. Kasi hindi naman ito para sa akin kung hindi para sa mga bata,” she said.

(It’s true that i’m happy I won twice. But of course, we’re still here. Were in it to win it. I am not doing this for me, this is for the kids.)

Earlier Sarah shares her thoughts after winning two seasons of The Voice. #TheVoiceKids2PH #TVK2NgayongJune6Na pic.twitter.com/xOeLuQ4Rln

— alexa villano (@alexavillano) June 3, 2015

Sarah said that this season, she gave pointers to the kids, telling them to focus on teamwork and not only on winning. 

Settling down?

Aside from questions about Darren and Lyca, Sarah also talked about her relationship and the possibility of settling down soon.

It was recently reported that Sarah said she wanted to settle down in 5 years. Apparently it started while they were talking at a taping for The Voice.

“Sinabi ko ‘yon, na in 5 years, gusto ko nang magpakasal. Medyo matagal-tagal pa rin ‘yon!” she said.

(I said in 5 years that I want to get married. That’s still quite far away!)

But asked how serious she was with what she said, Sarah replied: “Half-meant.

“Siyempre, hindi mo naman madidiktahan na dapat 32 [years old], magpakasal ka. Paano kung mas maaga pala?” 

(Of course you cannot dictate that you should marry at 32. What if you marry earlier than that?)

When asked if there is any wedding song she would love to hear in her wedding, Sarah said: “Masyado nang [in] advance. Wala pa akong groom, boyfriend pa lang.” (That’s too far ahead. I still have no groom, just a boyfriend.)

Sarah is currently in a relationship with actor Matteo Guidicelli.

Asked if she sees Matteo as the one, Sarah said: “Marami pa po kasi kaming kailangang ayusin, ‘di ba, bilang mga tao. Ang hirap ng pagpapakasal. Ang dami kong naririnig na stories.” (We still have so many things to fix as people. It is very hard to get married. I’ve heard so many stories.)

“May mga sitwasyon na hindi talaga biro ang pagpapakasal. Kaya yung iba, mas pinipili na mag-isa na lang sila. Pero siyempre, kung ano pa rin ang kaloob ng Diyos,” Sarah said.

(It’s not a joke to get married. That’s why there are those who choose to be be alone. But of course, whatever God gives me, I will accept it.)

Hosted by Luis Manzano, Yeng Constantino, and Robi Domingo, The Voice Kids airs starting June 6. –Rappler.com