Singer, performer, actor, and TV host Darren Espanto has expressed his full support for his best friend, AC Bonifacio, who is one of the celebrity housemates in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.

Netizens have mixed reactions toward them — some positive, some negative. However, for certain housemates like AC, the negative reception seems to be more dominant.

This backlash came after Bonifacio openly showed her true personality inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, where she has been vocal and expressive.

Darren had a witty response when asked if he thought the show would have been less dramatic had he been inside the PBB house with AC.

“Feeling ko hindi ganun kadami ang isyu niya ngayon kung nasa loob ako ng bahay kasama niya,” Espanto said during the launch of his latest endorsement with City Café by 7-Eleven.

He added, “Pero, of course, we’re all rooting for her.”

According to Darren, it’s not just AC and her family who have been affected by the issues surrounding her — he has also been dragged into the conversation.

Many people know that Darren and AC have been close friends for years.

Because of this, netizens frequently tag Darren, as well as their fellow friend and content creator Niana Guerrero, in posts criticizing AC on social media.

“Ayun nga, kami ni Niana nagte-text also, we’re checking up on AC’s mom. May mga group calls kaming ginagawa to talk about everything that’s happening inside the PBB house,” he shared.

Darren defended AC, saying that a lot of people misinterpret not just her but also other housemates.

“I feel like a lot of people just misinterpret a lot of the things that — not just AC — like, a lot of the things that the housemates say within the house, and their actions.”

“Kasi, ayun nga, tina-tag kami ni Niana sa maraming tweets tungkol kay AC na parang, ‘Hindi niyo ba kilala yung friend niyo?’”

He further explained, “Siyempre, ako, eight years ko nang best friend si AC, so I know her inside and out. So I know the backstory to what she’s doing inside the house.”

Darren admitted that the criticism toward AC affects not only her and her family but also those close to her.

“I feel like all of us get affected, even when it’s not just her family members being bashed…”

However, he clarified that supporting AC does not mean tolerating everything she does. He acknowledged that because of the nature of PBB, even minor actions or statements can be blown out of proportion.

“And I’m not saying, like, we all tolerate everything that we do, even if we’re best friends… pero siyempre, may mga limitations din.”

He emphasized, “And at the end of the day, we still support her.”

As a best friend, Darren hopes the public will give AC a chance and try to understand her better.

“The views and opinions of the housemates do not reflect the views and opinions of the best friends. Joke lang,” he said with a laugh.

“I hope people get to understand AC more. Tsaka they give her a chance, kasi feeling ko malakas din ang laban ng best friend ko.”

Before AC entered PBB, Darren and their friends were already aware of the challenges she would face inside the house.

“All of us are rooting for her,” he said.

Darren ended with a strong message of support:

“Tsaka sana mabigyan din siya ng chance to be able to showcase her talent inside the house, her personality, and how good of a person she is.”

“Ngayon, kasama siya sa mga nominees for eviction, so let’s see what happens. Either way, ayun, proud naman kami sa kanya. We support her.”