Surreal was how D’ total performer Darren Espanto described the moment he signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN in an event dubbed “Keep Shining: The Darren Espanto Network Contract Signing.”

“This is something that I never would’ve imagine kasi s’yempre bilang bata po pangarap ko lang ‘to, nakikita ko yung mga artista dati na may sini-sign silang kontrata tapos ngayon isa na po ako sa mga artists na iyon. It’s very surreal to me,” said the homegrown Kapamilya singer.

He thanked ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN head of TV production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, and Star Magic handler Edith Farinas who were all present at the contract signing event.

“Maraming salamat po sa tiwala po ninyo throughout all these years. It means a lot to me that you trusted me with these projects,” Darren said.

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, the young star emphasized the importance of never giving up on achieving his dreams.

“Be ready for this rollercoaster ride of a journey. It’s not always going to be ups, there’s going to be downs. May mga pagsubok kang pagdadaanan pero s’yempre pangarap natin ‘to so you just have to fight through it, wag kang susuko,” he shared.

After his “The Voice Kids” season 1 stint where he placed as first runner-up, Darren has become one of the most sought-after singers of his generation.

He has released two studio albums “Darren” and “Be With Me” which both went platinum. He also has several hits under his belt such as “In Love Ako Sayo,” “7 Minutes,” and “Stuck.”

The “ASAP Natin ‘To” mainstay has also dabbled into acting with starring roles in the blockbuster film “The Hows of Us” and in the iWantTFC original series “Lyric and Beat.” He also served as one of the judges of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season 6.