VP 2019-07 DARREN ESPANTO DIGITAL

ARREN GOES ONWARDS
AND UPWARDS
With his worldwide success, Darren continues
his journey to the top. He acknowledges his busy
schedule and hectic environment with a relaxing
moment as a way to take care of himself mentally.
He described his way of relaxation, which always
includes taking a step back from the things that
make him feel overwhelmed.
“Mentally, gusto ko lang nagre-relax kasi diba, hindi mo naman maiiwasang maoverwhelm
din and nabu-burnout talaga. Kahit sino naman, diba, sa trabaho. So, ang
ginagawa ko po talaga, I like to relax [and] unwind. Minsan, may biglaang roadtrip lang,
biglaang kain sa labas ganun. I guess [sometimes], I like to stay at home and binge watch
or hang out with friends and family. I think it’s very important to surround yourself with
positive vibes din since sobrang toxic rin ng industry minsan.”
Of course, Darren admitted that the industry can be toxic sometimes. With that
knowledge, he revealed how he deals with hate and backlash. Although he doesn’t
particularly care when someone tries to tear him down, his parents do. His mother and
father who just want the best for their 18-year-old son can’t handle the hate that their
young child has to endure.
“I do not respond to hate… Ako po talagang ever since pumasok ako sa showbiz, hindi
po talaga ako na-bother sa bashers. ‘Yung parents ko sobrang gusto na nilang awayin…
Sinasabi nila, ‘Hindi mo kasi alam ‘yung pakiramdam…’ Sabi ko naman, ‘It’s how you deal
with the situation rin.’ Atsaka if nasa showbiz ka, it’s something that’s inevitable sa career
na ito. Even if you’re not in showbiz, actually, people will still backstab you… judge you
for… a lot of things.”
With the amount of fans that he has, there are always people who would want to
become a part of the music industry. Darren hoped they think about entering this world
and he wished they push through rejections.
“For me, if you’re going to want to go into the music industry, pag-isipan mo. Pag-isipan
mo ng mabuti, isipin mo kung ano ‘yung mawawala sayo; siyempre ‘yung privacy mo. If
this is really something na gusto mo, go for it and pursue your dreams. Siyempre you will
get rejections along the way, pero that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. It
should inspire you… to do better. That’s one way to help you improve, as well. Sing your
heart out!”
Darren truly and deeply loves his fans, of course. In fact, he holds on to many
interactions with them, counting those as his favorites. He had a birthday concert at the
Mall of Asia, seeing the people who had supported him since day one.
“There’s so many that I hold on. I get to have parties with my fans so ang dami namin.
Pero my favorite will always be yung sa MoA Arena na concert ko po, kasi birthday
celebration ko. It was so nice to see everyone who supported me from The Voice.
Nandoon silang lahat and parang isang malaking birthday party lang po talaga siya. It’s
something I will always remember na ginawa ng fans ko para lang sa akin.”
When asked about his messages to his fans, Darren felt confused why they choose to
support him. However, he thanked them for the outpour of love and support they give
him. He also hoped they cherish the friendship they built within their community.
“’Uhm, bakit? Bakit ako ‘yung pinili niyong suportahan?“’
‘Yun po talaga ‘yung tinatanong ko minsan kasi ewan ko din kung anong ginawa ko para
ma-deserve ‘yung suporta nila and all their love. Pero I’d like to thank them for all the
efforts din na ginagawa nila po talaga. It’s crazy kasi dati, konti lang po sila. Ngayon,
over the years, they’ve grown. Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung mga hindi magkakakilala
nagkikita sa mga events ko. Sa next events ko, magkakabarkada na sila… Ang sayang
makita noon. They’re my inspiration, they’re the people that keep me going besides my
parents and my friends.”
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