‘Legit Dabarkads’ Carren Eistrup: The Cebuana who followed TVJ to TV5

After she was hailed as Bida Next grand winner, Carren Eistrup earned a coveted spot as the newest and youngest addition to the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga!”

She was welcomed to the official roster last February 4, a day before her 14th birthday. This was also three months before EB parted ways with its producer, Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE).

Clarifying reports that she was forced to leave EB under its controversial new management, Carren will be among the so-called ‘Legit Dabarkads’ joining the iconic TVJ who will debut their new show -- with a yet-to-be revealed title -- on TV5 this Saturday, July 1.

Here are seven things to know about noontime television’s latest darling:

1.) Her name has a backstory

Carren Emol Eistrup Frederiksen, better known as Carren Eistrup, is a Filipino-Danish who hails from Cebu City. Her first name is a combination of Carsten and Renelda, who are her parents. She was supposed to have a second name, Kaye, but her folks were told it would no longer fit into her birth certificate. Kaye though has stuck as her nickname.

2.) She was raised by a single mom

Carren and her two elder brothers were solely raised by their mom. It was eleven years ago when she last saw her father who lives in Denmark.

She has said in a vlog interview with GenE! NewsPH that her communication with her dad is “very rare.” After learning of her entry into showbiz, he congratulated her via chat.

3.) She’s loved music since she was four years old

It was her mom who discovered her talent in singing at the tender age of four. She was enrolled in a bunch of music workshops to hone her skills. The first song she rehearsed was Frozen’s “Let it Go” by Idina Menzel. She started playing the piano at seven and later on, learned the guitar too.

She opened a YouTube channel where she posts her song covers. At the height of the pandemic, she began livestreaming on the music platform where she enjoys singing and interacting with fans.

4.) She is little Miley Cyrus

Eight-year-old Carren came to light in “Little Big Shots PH”, where the show’s host Billy Crawford could not help but notice her uncanny resemblance to Miley Cyrus.

While being a pop star’s lookalike gives her the advantage of being noticed, she wishes to be known as herself and to have her own image. Nonetheless, Carren appreciates those who tell her that she looks like the American singer-songwriter, given that she is a fan of her music. Her favorite Miley hits  are “Flowers” and “The Climb.”

5.) She is open to an acting career

Carren previously told her mom that she was not yet prepared to become an actress as she wanted to focus on her studies. But now, she is nothing short of ready.

“Gusto ko na po talaga ngayon. I think it’s time,” Carren had told GMA News.

Carren, who is under the management of Merlion Entertainment, is eager to continue her public speaking and acting workshops.

6.) She is an academic achiever

Recently, Carren finished Grade 9 at Starland International School with high honors. Her award haul includes Little Teacher in English, Consistent English Communicator, and Active Participant in All School Activities. Since elementary, she has been a consistent academic awardee and a student leader. This proves that she can manage her work and studies, even excelling in both.

7.) She is a competition enthusiast

Her first competition was a beauty pageant in 2016. At seven years old, she joined Little Miss Calendar Girls where she showcased her musical chops and emerged the winner. In the same year, she joined Bidang Bata and Santa Kids, where she was also hailed winner in both tilts.

Prior to “Bida Next”, Carren first appeared in Eat Bulaga! as a contender of the talent competition “Hype Kang Bata Ka!” where she finished as grand finalist. In 2018, she joined the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), an international competition held at Long Beach, California. She concluded her journey as a semi-finalist, collecting eight gold medals and seven division championship plaques in total.