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Darren Espanto shares the highlights of his 2023 including “Can’t Buy Me Love” stint

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Liezel dela Cruz

As 2023 comes to a close in just a month, Darren Espanto reflects on what the year has been like for him. By far, it’s a busy and blessed one as he’s able to juggle singing, hosting, and acting.This year, he released his self-written single under Star Records, titled “Bibitaw Na,” which describes healing from a toxic relationship. He says in this episode of Kapamilya Chat that the song was inspired by his friends’ real experiences and shows he was able to watch. It was an easy process writing this, which was quite a surprise, since he usually struggles with composing Tagalog songs.Also this year, he signed his <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starmagic/articles-photos/darren-proud-maging-kapamilya-16329">first exclusive contract with ABS-CBN</a>, which guarantees a broadened artistic horizon for him. Darren is proving his versatility by venturing into teleserye acting via “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/cantbuymelove">Can’t Buy Me Love</a>” were he plays Stephen Tanhueco, the business scion with a not-so-hidden crush on Caroline portrayed by Belle Mariano. He admits that has was initially reluctant about playing Stephen because of his serious personality and that he was given another series to consider.“Lagi siyang sumusunod lang sa magulang niya, so he has no control over his life. So, parang nabubuhos niya kay Caroline ‘yung pagiging controlling. Tapos, siyempre, si Stephen, he’s still hoping that Caroline will notice him as just more than a best friend,” he describes his on-screen character.Although hesitant at first, he realized that he resonates with Stephen in some ways, and most especially, his friends Belle and Donny Pangilinan themselves convinced him to accept the project, certain that they’ll have fun working on set. “Dahil sina Donny at Belle na ang nag-push sa akin, ‘yun, kinuha ko na po [ang role],” he says.True enough, Darren enjoys every bit of his acting stint even his intense arguments with Belle’s character. The good thing is that they can easily let go of their characters and collaborate in scenes because they’re good friends.According to him, his favorite part about taping is getting the food props for free and sharing light-hearted moments with his co-stars. Aside from DonBelle, he also jibes really well with Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings.Asked what he notices about DonBelle on set, he revealed, “Siyempre magka-holding hands.” Jokes aside, he sees the love team’s professionalism, as well as of their other co-stars. “Para lang kaming isang pamilya lang talaga, isang barkada na nagyayayaan kumain. Kapag dinner breaks, magkakasama po kaming lahat. Everyone is helping ach other out. Kapag may mabibigat po na eksena, parang, andiyan lang kami for each other or for everyone to guide along the process of the scene.,” he says of his “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/cantbuymelove">Can’t Buy Me Love</a>” family.

Darren shares that DonBelle themselves convinced him to accept the role of Stephen in “Can’t Buy me Love.”