Still Me, Still You: Darren Espanto Finds His Way Back with Ikaw Pa Rin

Three years in the making. Eight years since his last full-length album. Eleven years in the industry.

At the Ikaw Pa Rin album launch last July 4, Darren Espanto showed how he outgrown versions of himself, melodies he had held onto, and a voice he finally reclaimed. 

It felt more like a reunion between an artist and the people who’ve witnessed every version of him. A video presentation kicked off the event, looking back at Darren’s 11-year journey in the entertainment industry, spotlighting his milestones and evolution. 

Darren then performed select songs from the album, including “Bibitaw Na,” “Iyo,” “Paano Kung Tayo Na Lang?”—where he brought Angela Ken onstage—“Di Makaramdam,” and “Ako Na Nga Ang Bahala.” 

Later, a heartfelt tribute video from the Darrenatics played, bringing the artist visibly emotional before leading into the album’s press conference with VJ Samm Alvero from Myx .

A Milestone in Motion

Ikaw Pa Rin is Darren’s first full-length album under Star Music, released to celebrate his 11th year in the entertainment industry. With 13 tracks, the record is a sonic scrapbook that blends heartfelt ballads, experimental production, and multilingual storytelling.

He reflected on how much time had passed, “I got caught up in all the incredible projects—Disney, live shows, acting—and somewhere along the way, I became content with doing everything else. I didn’t notice I was putting my own music on hold.”

In an exclusive interview with PARCINQ, Darren reflected on his role in today’s thriving OPM and P-pop scene. “Parang hindi ako sanay na ako 'yung iniidolo ng mga kaedad ko na sinasabi nila na pinapanood na nila ako since bata pa sila—eh halos magkaedad lang kami. I feel like my role in the P-pop industry now is to inspire and spread good vibes through my music, and maybe offer hope to those who need it.”

Now, that wait is over.

A Tracklist All in Due Time 

The album includes five songs penned by Darren himself. “Bibitaw Na,” “Hanggang Kailan,” “Ilang Beses,” “Iyo,” and “Paano Kung Tayo Na Lang?” with the latter co-written with close friend Angela Ken. The sounds vary from soft ballads to beat-driven pop, threaded together to showcase the version of Darren, who isn’t afraid to express, explore, and evolve.

The title track, “Ikaw Pa Rin,” produced with DJ M.O.D., is a reflective bop on staying committed to someone despite the changes. The duo also collaborated for “ANNAB (Ako Na Nga Ang Bahala)”, a high-energy track with a newly released music video featuring Ashley del Mundo. 

The LP also carries a reimagined “Dati” with Belle Mariano, previously performed in her BELOVED concert, and “Duyan” a gentle duet with Star Music executive and producer Jonathan Manalo, co-written with Robert Calma. 

With Darren’s signature emotional vulnerability and vocal precision, “Paalam Muna Sandali,” the eviction theme for PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition, “Di Makaramdam,” and “Miss” rounded out the album by blending in stories of farewells, quiet strength through pain, and slow-burn longing. 

He also recorded a Chinese-Tagalog version of “Iyo,” first heard in Can’t Buy Me Love, showcasing his multilingual range and desire to expand what OPM sounds like.

Process Was Personal 

This is Darren’s first album since 2017’s D’s Christmas and the Be With Me deluxe edition. More than the gap in years, what sets Ikaw Pa Rin apart is how it reflects his creative maturity and emotional honesty, showing who he became in the process.

Darren shared how his introversion used to hold him back from expressing his full self and being compliant with others' visions. “But over the years, I’ve worked on myself personally. I’ve learned to grow in the industry because I have a lot of adjustments to step into my personality. I’m not afraid to experiment, and I’m more hands-on and verbal in what I want with my team.”

It was never about rushing a release. It was about timing and waiting for the right moment.

The album took three years to finish, with many tracks produced in tight timelines and midnight recording sessions. He revealed that some songs were born as early as 2021 but were too soon to release, believing that it’s all in due time. 

This goes to show how the title Ikaw Pa Rin really felt right. Because even after years of growing up, it still reflects him—his still Darren, who we grew up with. Just a lot taller. And a little braver. 

A Title That Transcends

Naming the album came with its own kind of creative stillness. 

“We were going through songs with the Star Music team, and someone suggested Ikaw Pa Rin. And I said, ‘That’s it.’ It made perfect sense. After all this time, I’m still here. And so are the people who’ve supported me since day one. Kayo pa rin. Para sa inyo pa rin ito.” 

In just three words, it captured everything he had gone through: the long creative drought, the emotional highs and lows, and the people who stuck around through it all.

He dedicated the album to the Darrenatics, his loyal fandom since The Voice Kids days. This was a message to the people who never left and for waiting all these years. And as he grew into his own person beyond the stage, he learned the value of mutual support in friendship. “I can say that I’m a reliable friend because I show up. I’ve learned to put my energy to those who show up for me, too.”

And true enough, they were there. Joining Darren at the event were his Kapamilya co-hosts and co-stars: Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz, Cianne Dominguez, Jackie Gonzaga, and long-time friends like Robi Domingo, AC Bonifacio, and Angela Ken. Each one beaming with pride, seeing not their co-star but their friend reach a milestone in his life. 

From Covers to Craft

Proof that Darren is a man of his word, he made sure to acknowledge the mentors who heavily contributed to his supportive environment in the industry. Those who nudged him towards reclaiming his artistry, knowing he has the tendency to shy away. 

“I used to prefer not to sing my own songs in corporate events and mall show, I usually sing songs from other artists because I thought that’s what they [the audience] prefer,” he confessed, thinking his own craft wouldn’t resonate. 

But it was icons like Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, and Jonathan Manalo who encouraged him to take ownership of his sound that reflects who he realy is, not just what he thinks what people want to hear from him. “ Ate Sarah was the one advising me to keep releasing songs, producing content that I like. I realized that as an artist, I should be showcasing my own works.”

Their guidance pushed Darren to envision a new future for him, one where his originals take center stage. “Hopefully, one day, I can do a concert where 80% of the setlist is my own music.”

Ikaw Pa Rin is the first step toward achieving that dream. For Darren, it's a promise: that no matter how much time passes or how much he evolves, he’ll keep returning to what matters most—his roots, his voice, and the people who’ve never left his side.

Still Darren, Just Deeper

Whether it was rehearsing vocals in the car from the airport to the studio, recording until 2 a.m. with Sir Jonathan, or sketching melodies on his phone, every moment in the album is lived. Felt. Earned.

In Ikaw Pa Rin, Darren isn’t reinventing himself. It’s a reminder that Darren’s voice has always been there, waiting to be heard on his terms.

And for every person who’s ever loved, left, held on, or come back—this album quietly whispers: it’s still you.