Written by Lorenzo dela Cruz | June 21, 2025

photos by Lorenzo dela Cruz

On a hot June weekend in Houston, the Showstoppers Tour arrived at the Immanuel Center and delivered exactly what the name promised: vocal moments, high-energy performances, and a heartfelt tribute to Filipino artistry. Headlined by two of the Philippines’ most celebrated voices—Darren Espanto and Morissette—the evening was a showcase of talent, culture, and community.

Before the main event, the night opened with a series of performances spotlighting local Filipino talent of all ages, from child acts to older vocalist and dancers, the stage was open for all. The final pre-show act featured Nar Cabico, a rising star in the Philippines known for his calming voice, peaceful nature, and emotionally stirring music. With roots in theater and television, Nar delivered two original ballads in tribute to Father’s Day, showcasing his incredible vocal range and tone.

As the lights dimmed, a wave of anticipation swept across the venue. Soon, Darren and Morissette stormed the stage together, igniting the show with a fiery duet of “Water” by Tyla.

Darren Espanto, who first rose to fame on The Voice Kids Philippines, has since evolved into one of the country’s premier pop and R&B performers. Known for his choreography and vocal smoothness, Darren took control of the stage and crowd alike. With sharp, clean movements he turned the Immanuel Center aisles into a dance floor. His blend of vocal prowess and charisma proved why he’s become a staple of modern OPM (Original Pilipino Music).

Following Darren’s explosive solo set, the spotlight turned to Morissette—or as fans know her, “Asia’s Phoenix.” With a powerful yet tender voice, Morissette brought gravity to the stage. She slowed the tempo down, giving the audience a moment to breathe and feel as she ushered one’s ears through the ocean that is her musicality. Between songs, she opened up about navigating her new marriage and the importance of this Houston show, calling it a “momentous night for Filipinos in Texas.”

Both artists embraced the crowd with open arms— quite literally. Each artist made their way through the audience, singing face-to-face with fans, and posing for selfies.

Together again on stage, Darren and Morissette delivered a series of covers—from “APT.” by Rosé & Bruno Mars and “Die With a Smile” by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga, emphasis on the Bruno Mars here. Their chemistry throughout was magnetic. Each cover felt like a conversation between two artists who knew exactly how to deliver a stunning performance no matter what the genre.

My personal highlight of the night came in the form of their section of Broadway covers. The duo shared their mutual love for musicals, and as a theater kid myself, my ears were “salivating” at what they were about to consume. The two dove into classics like “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. The final harmony on “Defying Gravity” was so jaw-dropping, I literally let out an audible “Damn!” with an accompanied mean mug in reaction to what I was witnessing.

As the night drew to a close, the two called the audience to the front of the stage and launched into a high-octane encore featuring Sia’s “Chandelier,” the Black Eyed Peas’ “Let’s Get It Started,” and Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You.” By this point, the room was in borderline hysterics—fans reaching out, jumping, dancing, and belting along with reckless abandon. It was a last hurrah to the night that just occurred.

The Showstoppers Tour is more than a concert series—it’s a celebration of Filipino excellence in the global music space. It’s about bringing the power of OPM to diaspora communities, and highlighting lesser represented Asian artistry. For many in attendance, those few hours in Houston, were a few hours being truly at back home. A tiny piece of the motherland brought to this, not so foreign land, for them to cherish and enjoy. If you have the chance to see these two live, take that opportunity and never look back.