"He's Into Her" Stars Donny Pangilinan And Belle Mariano On Love And Lessons Learned While Filming
The new loveteam on the block shares fun tidbits during their time working together in new series “He’s Into Her”
Good things come to those who wait, and this rings especially true for new loveteam on the block Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano. With the new iWantTFC series, an adaptation of a bestselling Wattpad novel of the same name by Maxine Lat Calibuso (Maxinejiji), He’s Into Her is finally coming to our screens.
During the He’s Into Her “General Assembly,” these fresh-faced leads shared how it took them two years to complete the project. From joining the initial go-see back in 2019 to snagging the roles and working on the project despite the ongoing pandemic, they’re happy that it’s finally coming to life. The 10-episode He’s Into Her series is directed by Chad Vidanes.
“What excites me most of all is just the fact that it's been so long, and we're finally all here,” Donny says. But of course, the thrill comes with a bout of fear as well. For the most part, the emotion stems from pressure—but the good kind.
“What scares me is, what if hindi ko ma-reach 'yung expectations ng tao?” Belle ponders. “Pero mas excited pa rin ako, kasi natutunan kong magtiwala sa sarili ko, na kaya ko 'to, na kaya 'to ng buong cast. I will pull this off.”
Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano (or DonBelle) play the roles of Deib and Max in the series—the former, the Mr. Popular in school, while the latter, the transfer student who becomes his "target." But as they continue to fight and challenge each other, both recognize that there’s more to their connection than the initial distaste for one another.
In these characters, Donny and Belle also recognized different sides of themselves, and overcame the roadblocks that accompanied the portrayals of their characters. There’s also the inevitable “getting to know” each other—and in the gallery below, find this onscreen couple’s discoveries, thoughts on love, and other fun tidbits they learned while filming He’s Into Her.
Scroll through the gallery below:
DonBelle on "He's Into Her"
DonBelle on "He's Into Her"
On first impressions
Both admitted that the first few days working together were awkward, as they’re the type who need a bit of time before opening up. But eventually, the pair saw each other’s fun quirks: Donny shares how Belle is outgoing and very easy to work with, while Belle reveals that he’s approachable and very nice.
Photo Credit: @cvovidanes
On building their chemistry
Donny says, “May awkwardness sa start. But it just took a couple of days to get used to working with each other and for the chemistry to get better.”
Photo Credit: @cvovidanes
On the actors’ strengths
"He’s Into Her" director Chad Vidanes points out the two’s dedication as their strength. “They always ask in depth about their characters. They read in between the lines—hindi lang sila nagme-memorize ng script,” he says.
Photo Credit: @iwanttfc
On their similarities with Deib and Max
Belle shared that she and Max are both family-oriented and honest to people. “Hindi kami takot na ipakita ‘yung true colors namin sa tao,” the actress explains. Meanwhile, Donny reveals, “It’s the fact that he also has other things that people don't see sometimes. There's this other side to Deib that I could relate with.”
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Lifestyle
On portraying their characters
Far from her girly and kikay personality, Belle mentioned that she liked the challenge of bringing out her character Max’s tough cookie side. On the other hand, Donny spills that he really got into “Deib’s zone” even off the set.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
On thei takeaways about love from "He’s Into Her"
He says, “Love can come unexpected, when you least expect it from the person you least expect it from.” While she says, “Kailangan mo munang maging honest sa sarili mo and mahalin ang sarili mo bago ka maging capable na magmahal ng ibang tao.”
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News
On their personal growth during the pandemic
“One year without leaving your home really pushes you to try new things and really think about life,” Donny muses. His leading lady, on the other hand, says that she learned to be more independent. “And mas naging malalim ‘yung pagkakaintindi ko sa pag-arte,” she adds.
Photo Credit: @v_r_v
On what they learned from "He’s Into Her"
Belle thinks that self-love is the most important of all. “It’s being honest sa sarili mo and being yourself. Kahit gaano pa kapangit ‘yung pinagdaan mo, you're still worthy of love,” she smiles. For Donny, it’s about being brave. “Do not be afraid to do things that weren't normal to you before. Don't be afraid to change for the better.”
Photo Credit: @v_r_v
He’s Into Her will premiere on iWantTFC on May 28, 2021 and on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z on May 30, 2021. It also stars Kaori Oinuma, Rhys Miguel, Joao Constancia, Criza Taa, Jeremiah Lisbo, Vivoree Esclito, Dalia Varde, Limer Veloso, Jim Morales, Melizza Jimenez, Ashley Del Mundo, Gello Marquez, Sophie Reyes, and Patrick Quiroz.
Lead photos from @donny and @belle_mariano
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023
