Live TV banter can go from funny to "wait, was that a diss" in three seconds flat. That's exactly what happened between Brent Manalo and Darren Espanto.
Photo: PEP.phWhat happened between Brent Manalo and Darren Espanto?
During the "Miss Q and A" segment on September 4, Brent and Darren showed off their dance moves to Brandon Beal's "Twerk It Like Miley." Brent playfully teased Darren for his dance skills coming from The Voice, and Darren shot back by joking that Brent didn't have much going on inside the PBB house. The comment surprised co-hosts Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, and the studio audience, leading to gasps on live TV.
Did Darren Espanto apologize to Brent Manalo?
Actually, si Darren, even though hindi niya kailangang mag-apologize, nag-apologize pa rin siya sa akin.
Brent shared that Darren still said sorry even though he didn't have to, and Brent told him it wasn't necessary since they were both fine. Darren also quickly clarified on air that it was just a joke between friends.
Nagbibiruan lang naman kami... Big Winner natin to, no? Kaya proud kami sa yo, Bro
Is there really no rift between them?
According to Brent, definitely not. He said their off camera banter is actually rowdier than what viewers see, and that everyone on the It's Showtime family is used to this kind of teasing.
Mas malala pa nga behind the cam, siguro nagkagulatan lang kami na live on cam namin nasabi yung mga yon. Pero wala, walang tampuhan, walang anything.
Why did some netizens bring up Brent's PBB stint again?
The viral clip reopened old chatter about Brent's controversial 2025 PBB win and his past tension with fellow housemate Kira Balinger. Brent had already addressed this on X back on September 6, asking critics for a little grace and saying his opportunities came from years of waiting and hard work, not a handout.
We've all had that one joke among friends that landed differently once other people were watching. Do you think Darren's joke crossed a line, or was it truly just harmless banter between friends? Let us know in the comments.
Quick answers
Is there a rift between Brent Manalo and Darren Espanto?
No. Brent Manalo said their on air banter was just a joke and that off camera, they actually tease each other even more.
What did Darren Espanto say to Brent Manalo on It's Showtime?
During a September 4 segment, Darren joked that Brent didn't have much going on inside the PBB house, which surprised the audience before he clarified he was joking.
Did Darren Espanto apologize to Brent Manalo?
Yes, according to Brent, Darren apologized even though Brent said it wasn't necessary since they were on good terms.
Updated September 17, 2026. Sources and photo credits: PEP.ph. All photos belong to their respective owners.