As they share their thoughts on the changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and other crisis, Edward Barber and Darren Espanto sound mature than their age. They are equipped with wisdom, resilience, and overflowing sympathy for others.
Darren has recently graduated from senior high school and is currently living in Canada with his family. He still hosts and performs for ASAP and iWant ASAP, thanks to virtual production trends. It would be not surprising, though if fans would assume that Darren might stay in Canada for good to pursue his college studies. Darren admits that thoughts about his future cross his mind more often now. “At the moment, since nasa Canada ako and naka-quarantine, I’ve mentioned to my family na paano kaya kung ituloy ko muna ‘yung studies ko dito sa Canada since wala rin talaga akong magagawa sa sitwasyon natin ngayon,” shared Darren.
But the passion for performing burns deep in his heart as well, so he hopes to just balance his career and studies. He plans to find a school that’s flexible enough to fit his ‘buhay-artista’ schedule.
Edward might not be living with the whole family at the moment but he is still close to home – his home network. He stays at a unit near the ABS-CBN compound with his mom. As he looks at the view each day, his heart becomes drenched in sadness and empathy. Edward said, “I see the compound and I know the struggles of everyone inside, so my heart bleeds red, blue, and green at the moment.”
The two artists also paid tribute to their daddies, their first heroes, for shaping them into the man they’ve become. Darren’s Daddy Lyndon instilled in him the virtue of humility and of being kind to anyone. Darren is grateful for his father’s patience, presence, and sacrifices. Loyal and trustworthy are just two of the best qualities he mentioned about his dad, who is always ready to lend an ear to anyone in need.
Edward’s Daddy Kevin is in Germany, but the distance would never erase the dutiful father’s lessons about love. Edward shared, “At a very young age, he always taught me that love is a sacrifice.” Edward witnessed his father lived up to his words by sacrificing his time with family in order to provide for their needs and the kids’ schooling. “Dati nagrereklamo ako na, ‘Oh, you’re never at home’ then, I realized especially when I went to PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) that he was making a sacrifice and not spending time with us so we could have everything that we needed,” he added.
Edward described Daddy Kevin as the strongest man on earth for always carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, in behalf of his family.