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MetroStyle: Belle Mariano for "Tayo Sa Wakas"

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MetroStyle: Belle Mariano for "Tayo Sa Wakas" 

Lance Joseph Martinez

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779762272007METRO COVER BELLE MARIANO Tayo Sa Wakas final solo.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Belle Mariano, as photographed by Artu Nepomuceno</div><div> </div>Now considered one of the biggest stars in Philippine showbiz, Belle Mariano has steadily built an impressive career—from becoming the face of major brands and starring in television commercials, to leading hit TV series, successful films, and even releasing her own album.But long before reaching the level of success she enjoys today, Belle’s journey in the entertainment industry was far from easy. Despite spending more than 14 years under the ABS-CBN banner since entering showbiz at just nine years old, she only officially signed her first-ever network contract in August 2025 during the “KapamILYa Forever: Born To Shine” event.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779763802012emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16767 res.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>On Belle: Custom gown by AJ JAVIER</div><div> </div>“All throughout the years, what I really went through, there are times na magiging mahirap talaga. But then you rise above it, so it makes you a stronger person, and I think those experiences molded me into who I am today. So I would say it&#x27;s growth. Being a Kapamilya for me is growth, and I&#x27;m so grateful to be in this family,” Belle told METRO last year. Another significant part of her growth has been DonBelle, her love team with Donny, which began on the series He’s Into Her. Belle reflected on the challenges she faced during that period, particularly when she was first announced to play Maxpein in the series. She revealed that the initial reaction online was far from supportive, which made the experience even more difficult at the time.“People really didn’t like the idea of me portraying Maxpein’s role,” she revealed.She noted that this was the very role she had auditioned for, so while landing the part initially brought joy and excitement, it was soon met with added expectations after seeing the negative comments online.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779764118774emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16714 res.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div style="text-align:center"> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779764064695emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16731 res.png" style="width:960px;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div>Still, Belle shared that these experiences ultimately helped shape her resilience, strengthening her as an actress and contributing to her convincing portrayal of a strong character like Maxpein.As she opened up further, Belle admitted that those early days were especially challenging, as she was still finding her footing in the industry and adjusting to the pressures that came with her rising career. Looking back, however, she now recognizes how pivotal that period was in shaping both her growth and confidence as an actress.Despite the hurdles along the way, both Belle and Donny eventually experienced a breakthrough that not only defined their individual careers but also solidified DonBelle as one of the most followed love teams of their generation.Although Belle has already carved out a distinct identity beyond the DonBelle love team, it cannot be denied how much of her early mainstream success was shaped alongside Donny. Their pairing helped propel both of them into wider recognition in Philippine showbiz.But as both stars have often emphasized, that success did not come from the love team alone. It was built through challenges, discipline, and consistent hard work. Growth, for them, has been a process that extended beyond the camera and into their individual journeys as artists.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779764353254emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16851 res.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>On Belle: Custom gown by JOSEPH</div><div style="text-align:center"> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779764415515emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16625 res.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div>For Donny, working with Belle over the years has given him a clear view of her evolution as both a performer and an individual. “When I first worked with her, magaling na siyang artista. Sobrang galing na niya, but she never stops looking for opportunities, for growth, and for her to learn more.”Now, that growth takes on a more emotional turn as Belle and Donny prepare for what is being described as their most heartbreaking and mature project together, Tayo Sa Wakas, set to premiere on May 27, and announced as their final project as a pairing.The film follows Cheska and Cisco, former partners in both life and career, who are forced to confront how their ambitions eventually pushed them onto opposing paths. As distance grows between them, they embark on a final “break-up trip,” where they must decide whether to let go or give their love one last chance.When asked about Belle’s character, Donny described Cheska this way. He added, “Sobrang supportive lang niya. She’s the type of person who will root for you, cheer you on.”He also noted how Cheska and Belle share similarities in being supportive partners to the people they care about.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779764556414emed_metrostyle donny pangilinan and belle mariano tayo sa wakas for metro_MetroS050826-16568 res.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>For Belle, the project carries multiple layers of meaning as it reflects not only the story they are telling on screen but also their personal growth as on-screen partners.“Ang daming layers na it’s up to you or what state you are in for you to relate to it. Whether that’s finding love for yourself or finding your true love. We don’t know whatever state you are in life, but it talks so much about love and how to love someone, and ultimately how to love yourself,” she said.Summing up her experience, Belle shared that one of the most meaningful aspects of being part of DonBelle is having a constant source of support within the industry. “No matter how far or near we are from each other, whether we pursue different paths, I know we’re here for one another, and that’s what I’m very proud of,” she concluded.In the end, beyond DonBelle and their shared projects, Belle has continued to establish herself as a household name in the Philippine entertainment industry, with a career shaped by both collaboration and individual growth throughout her journey.<div> </div><div>Tayo Sa Wakas hits cinemas nationwide on May 27.</div><div> </div>Metro Head: Christina LopezEditor-in-Chief: Geolette EsguerraSittings Editors: Grace Libero-Cruz and Kate Paras-SantiagoManaging Editor: Rick FormalejoCreative Director: Randz ManucomPhotographer: Artu NepomucenoStylists: (Belle) Adrianne Concepcion, assisted by Via Abarra, Cent Bermas, Wyn Masongsong | (Donny) John Lozano, assisted by Bea Yabut, Arar PascualMakeup Artist and Hair Stylist: (Belle) Jake Galvez, assisted by Diana Mae; RJ Dela Cruz, assisted by Mel Nadal | (Donny) Jam PareñoFashion Associate: Carla BuyoCover Story Writer: Lance Joseph MartinezEditorial Assistant: Chloe Eve NillarShoot Assistants: Arci Claveria and Kiana NaranjoVideography: LitLab (Carlo Bautista, Miggy Mercado, Miguel Gutierrez, Philipp Balbuena, Eve Baswel, Claire Ley, Lance Lascano, Tyrone Taotao, Jonas Ibanez, Princess Perez, Maurene Ignacio, Anna Correo, Team Batman, Angelito Saberon, JBSA WORKS Equipment Rentals, Sam Africa)Production Design: AdSet - Manny TarrojaAssistant Production Designer: Regie AlcaydeSetmen: Alexander Hapayan, Romy Dela Cruz, Philip Andres, and Vincent SalvanteLayout by Alfred AmadoShot on Location at Las Casas Quezon CityFood sponsor: Nono’s Flower sponsor: Spruce Design PHSpecial thanks to Star Cinema (Mico Del Rosario, Keia Inciong, Neil Juliano, Shereign Ulit, Dhar Chavez, Ella Argenal) and Star Magic (Laurenti Dyogi, Edith Fariñas, April Del Rosario, Yanie Camante, Elsyd Aragones)

Beyond DonBelle, her pairing with Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano has continued to establish herself as a household name in the Philippine entertainment industry, with a career shaped by both collaboration and individual growth throughout her journey.

Beyond DonBelle, her pairing with Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano has continued to establish herself as a household name in the Philippine entertainment industry, with a career shaped by both collaboration and individual growth throughout her journey.

Belle Mariano Peels Back the Layers of Herself and Her Character in 'Tayo Sa Wakas'

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Belle Mariano Peels Back the Layers of Herself and Her Character in 'Tayo Sa Wakas'

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published May 26, 2026 12:00 PM PHT

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Updated May 26, 2026 12:31 PM PHT

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