Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto marks his 11th year in the industry with the release of his long-awaited album “Ikaw pa rin”— his first full-length record in nearly a decade.
“Dedicated sa Darrenatics. When we were coming up with the album title, wala ako maisip. Tas star music team went through all the songs, and nag suggest what if ikaw pa rin. Kasi 8 years na wala ako nireleae. And after 11 years andito pa rin sila. 2017 last release ko,” Darren said in an interview held in Quezon City, Friday.
The album contains 13 tracks “Bibitaw Na,” “Hangang Kailan,” “Pano Kung Tayo na Lang,” “Dati (Feat. Belle Mariano),” “Ilang Beses,” “Ikaw Pa rin,” “ANNAB,” “Di Makaramdam,” “Miss,” “Paalam Muna Sandali,” “Duyan,” “Iyo (Chinese-Tagalog version.)
According to the singer, Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo inspired him to release more original songs.
“Pag inimbitahan ako for a corporate event or mall show, puro covers kinakanta ko. Feeling ko doon mas mag-enioy tao. doon mas makarelate tao,” he explained. “Not knowing na dapat as an artist, you should be singing your own songs. Ayan isa sa sinabi sakin nina Sir Jonathan, Mama Reg, Ate Sara din.”
Darren said Geronimo, his former The Voice Kids coach, consistently encouraged him to diversify his craft, hone his artistry, and pursue new creative heights.
“She was the one who told me to keep releasing songs, producing content, and creating things I truly enjoy. She became one of my inspirations to start writing music. As an artist, you have to shape your own path. That really stuck with me,” he said. “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.”
Joining Darren at the launch were his fans, family, and friends—including “It’s Showtime” hosts Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz, Cianne Dominguez, Jackie Gonzaga, Kapamilya host Robi Domingo, and other celeibrity besties AC Bonifacio and Angela Ken.