Kapamilya actress Belle Mariano said she has learned to navigate the culture of online criticism, admitting that bashing on social media has become a constant—but one she no longer allows to affect her personally.
In an interview on ‘Oh My Gan!’ hosted by Ganiel Krishnan, Mariano shared that she has developed what she calls the “Art of Dedma,” choosing to filter which comments are worth paying attention to.
“I have read some and parang paano ko iibahin yung role kong next. I reflect, sometimes if it matters like parang dini-differentiate ko na yung mga kapag troll iyan or bashers, hayaan mo na sila.
“Or if it’s someone na genuine yung comment, that’s what I take into heart and I reflect on it,” she said.
Mariano acknowledged that social media can be both beneficial and harmful, describing it as a “double-edge sword.”
“Given social media, I think there’s two sides, double-edge sword siya for me, there’s good and the bad.
“So parang feeling ko, you just really need to learn how to differentiate what’s good for you and what’s not and at the same time, parang ako kasi hindi ko hinahayaan yung life ko outside showbiz na ma-affect.
“I value my time with my family, my friends, and yung supporters namin ni Donny,” she said, referring to her on-screen partner Donny Pangilinan.
Despite being in the public eye, Mariano admitted that negative comments remain prevalent online.
“The bashing, I feel like never-ending naman ang bashing sa social media, di ba? Parang everyone has to say something about someone, pero parang by the end of the day, just know who you are.
“Just like it’s easier said than done pero kasi by the end of the day kung kilala mo naman yung sarili mo, these people or trolls or whatever shouldn’t matter,” she added.
The actress also emphasized the importance of responsible social media use, urging users to be mindful of their impact on others.
“Plus, I feel like right now with the whole social media thing, I feel like we have to be more responsible in what we put out there and maybe that’s one message also that I want to share with everyone,” she said.
Mariano further expressed hope for a healthier online environment, especially among fans, noting how negativity can escalate when people are pitted against each other.
“It becomes toxic if nakakatapak na ng ibang tao. Every now and then, may nadadaanan ako parang kunyari nag-aaway pitting me against someone or pitting us against someone.
“That’s what I was saying earlier na we all have the power and capability to change someone’s lives on social media. That’s why we have to be responsible for how we respond.
“Everyone is a role model in the social media world so it’s just important that we remind ourselves to put good content out there instead of spreading negativity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mariano also shared that she continues to grow as an actress by considering constructive feedback, especially as she prepares for upcoming projects, including Tayo Sa Wakas with Pangilinan.
“May kaba pa rin as in right now we are gonna do Tayo Sa Wakas with Donny, parang kabado talaga kasi syempre, the struggle is you want to differentiate your characters from one another. Matakot ka kapag wala na yung kaba,” she said.
Beyond the challenges, Mariano expressed gratitude for her supporters, noting the strong bond she shares with fans of her and Pangilinan.
“Yung supporters namin ni Donny, they are so nice, they’re the nicest and we are both very grateful for them. Grabe yung support nila na parang more than supporters, para silang nagiging family na (rin) namin kasi kilala na namin yung mga names nila tapos tuwing nag ga-gathering kami nakakatuwa kasi hindi lang sila yung ‘we are gonna support Belle’ (but also) friends din sila.
“So, nakakatuwa na nakikita ko iyon. Parang ako whenever I see that, nakakamove kasi these people actually support you and you want to just do your best more for them,” Mariano said.
