Darren Espanto is celebrating his 11th year in the entertainment industry with the launch of his long-awaited album ‘Ikaw Pa Rin,’ his first full-length release in nearly a decade.
The album, unveiled during a media event held in Quezon City on Friday, marks a significant milestone for the young singer, who first captured the public’s attention as a finalist in ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’ in 2014.
“This is dedicated to the Darrenatics,” said Darren. “When we were coming up with the album title, I couldn’t think of anything. Then the Star Music team suggested ‘Ikaw Pa Rin’ after going through the songs. It made sense—after 11 years, they’re still here supporting me. My last album was back in 2017.”
The 13-track record includes: ‘Bibitaw Na,’ ‘Hanggang Kailan,’ ‘Paano Kung Tayo Na Lang?’ (featuring Angela Ken), ‘Dati’ (with Belle Mariano), ‘Ilang Beses,’ ‘Ikaw Pa Rin,’ ‘ANNAB,’ ‘Di Makaramdam,’ ‘Miss,’ ‘Paalam Muna Sandali,’ ‘Duyan,’ ‘Iyo’ (Chinese-Tagalog version), and a bonus version of ‘Ikaw Pa Rin’ with DJ M.O.D.
Several tracks are collaborations—Belle Mariano joins Darren on a reimagined version of ‘Dati,’ first performed at her Beloved concert, while DJ M.O.D lends his production expertise to the title track and ‘ANNAB,’ which also features ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ alum Ashley del Mundo in the music video. ABS-CBN Music head Jonathan Manalo co-wrote ‘Duyan’ with Robert Calma.
Darren penned five of the songs himself, showcasing a more personal and evolved side to his artistry. This shift toward original music, he revealed, was inspired by two of OPM’s biggest icons: Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Sarah Geronimo.
“When I’d get invited to mall shows or corporate gigs, I would mostly sing covers. I thought that’s what people wanted. But as an artist, you should be singing your own songs. That’s what Sir Jonathan, Mama Reg, and Ate Sarah told me,” he shared.
Geronimo, Darren’s former coach on ‘The Voice Kids,’ played a particularly pivotal role in pushing him to explore songwriting and self-produced content.
“She was the one who told me to keep releasing songs, producing content, and creating things I truly enjoy,” Darren said. “She inspired me to start writing music. As an artist, you have to shape your own path. That really stuck with me.”
“Now, one of my goals is to someday hold a concert where 80% of the setlist is made up of my original songs. I’m on the road to making that happen.”
The album launch event was a star-studded affair, attended by Darren’s fans, family, and close friends. Among those who came to show support were ‘It’s Showtime’ hosts Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz, Cianne Dominguez, and Jackie Gonzaga, as well as Robi Domingo, Angela Ken, and dancer-singer AC Bonifacio.
‘Ikaw Pa Rin’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, with physical album copies to be released soon.
