Darren Espanto Unveiled as Newest Member of ‘It’s Showtime’ Family
DARREN ESPANTO – Kapamilya actor and singer Darren Espanto was officially introduced as the latest addition to ‘It’s Showtime’ family.
A historical moment in Philippine television occurred as the noontime program It’s Showtime finalized a contract with GMA Network. The event took place today (March 20) at GMA Network’s Studio 7.
Attending the contract signing were GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
Also present were ABS-CBN Chairman Mark L. Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer Karlo L. Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer Ma. Socorro V. Vidanes, and Group Chief Financial Officer Ricardo B. Tan Jr.
The hosts of It’s Showtime, including Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta, Karylle, Ryan Bang, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Amy Perez, Ion Perez, MC, Lassy, Darren Espanto, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez, were all smiles during the event.
Darren Espanto couldn’t contain his excitement when his official inclusion in the “It’s Showtime” family was announced alongside the ABS-CBN and GMA-7 deal.
“Sobra ‘yung hard launch ko. Dito pa talaga sa GMA network so ayun, nakakakilabot. It’s official, I’m part of the ‘Showtime’ family na talaga… so wala nang atrasan ito, totoo na siya,” Darren expressed in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
When asked about fitting in with the “It’s Showtime” family, Darren mentioned that they never pressured him into a certain hosting style; instead, they allowed him to be himself.
“Very welcoming naman po sila. Hindi po nila pinaparamdam sa akin na dapat kinakabahan ako dapat ganito ‘yung pag-host. They just let me do my thing and even off-cam, parang pamilya lang din that’s why it was easier for me to be able to connect with them and jive with them,” Darren said.
Regarding the challenges of balancing his commitments, Darren mentioned that he sometimes misses episodes due to his filming schedule for “Can’t Buy Me Love,” but he tries to catch up whenever possible.
“Minsan tina-try kong humabol sa [Tawag ng Tanghalan] segment na lang, but once ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ has finished, mas may time na rin po ako and be able to be present everyday sa Showtime,” he added.
Watch the video below: