Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto marks a major milestone in his music journey with the release of his brand-new full-length album “Ikaw Pa Rin”—his first under Star Music—in celebration of his 11th anniversary in the industry.
The 13-track LP is a testament to Darren’s evolution as a singer, songwriter, and collaborator, featuring a mix of heartfelt ballads, upbeat tracks, and powerful duets. True to form, Darren showcases his songwriting chops, having penned five original tracks on the album: “Bibitaw Na,” “Hanggang Kailan,” “Ilang Beses,” “Iyo,” and “Paano Kung Tayo Na Lang?”—a touching collaboration with fellow artist Angela Ken.
Title Track with a Twist of Nostalgia and Pop Energy
The album’s lead single “Ikaw Pa Rin” sets the tone with its infectious blend of pop and emotional storytelling. A collaboration with DJ M.O.D., the track delves into the familiar theme of choosing love despite the odds, delivered with a modern flair that merges Darren’s signature vocals and DJ M.O.D.’s fresh beats.
The duo also reunites on the high-energy track “ANNAB,” now with an official music video starring Ashley del Mundo, available for streaming on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel.
Unmissable Collabs with Belle Mariano and Jonathan Manalo
Among the standout collaborations is the reimagined version of “Dati” featuring Belle Mariano, which they first performed during Belle’s “BELOVED” concert. The pairing brings a refreshing dynamic to the track, blending emotional resonance with undeniable chemistry.
Another track, “Duyan,” features Darren’s moving duet with ABS-CBN Music executive Jonathan Manalo, who co-wrote the song with Robert Calma. The song adds depth to the album, with rich harmonies and evocative lyrics.
Songs Fans Already Love, Now Part of the Album
The album also includes fan-favorite singles such as:
- “Paalam Muna Sandali” – the official eviction theme song of “PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition”
- “Iyo” (Chinese-Tagalog Version) – first featured in the hit series “Can’t Buy Me Love”
Completing the album’s lineup are the emotionally-charged tracks “Di Makaramdam” and “Miss”, which highlight Darren’s vocal range and emotional depth—reminding fans why he continues to captivate listeners more than a decade after The Voice Kids Philippines, where he first rose to fame as a finalist in 2014.
Now Streaming – And Coming Soon in Physical Format
“Ikaw Pa Rin” is now available on all major music streaming platforms. A physical album release is also in the works, giving fans something tangible to celebrate Darren’s incredible 11-year journey.
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