Belle Mariano turned emotional during the press conference of their film ‘Tayo sa Wakas’ after Donny Pangilinan delivered a heartfelt message as they prepare to pause their love team.
The film, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, marks the pair’s final project together—for now—prompting mixed emotions among fans and the actors themselves.
During the media conference, Pangilinan expressed his gratitude and admiration for Mariano, reflecting on their years of working together.
“Well, I know that we may not be working with each other, in the near future, but I’ll always be here. And sobrang proud lang talaga ako sa iyo. And if you ask everyone here, you know, kuya Epy (Quizon), ‘Inconvenient Love’ our first series, but I’ve really seen you grow, since day one, since we met. I will always look up to you, figuratively (height) literally pala, figuratively, but in general, I’m just so so blessed that I got to spend these last years with you. I wouldn’t have it in any other way. Thank you…”
Mariano, visibly emotional, struggled to hold back tears as she responded.
“Ayoko ng tanong. Ano ba `yan, ang babaw talaga ng luha ko. Sabi ko pa naman, hindi ako iiyak. Pero, ang dami kong gustong sabihin, but thank you so much for the journey, for just being there, for the support, and I respect you so much. And ngayon pa lang, ang layo mo na, pero malayo ka pa. And I’m just so proud of you. I’m so proud of the man you are now. Okay na po. ‘Yun lang, thank you,” she said.
Pangilinan also reassured fans that their bond remains strong despite stepping away from joint projects.
“I just wanna say thank you to the fans. You guys mean the world to us. And I know a lot of you are hurting, a lot of you are sad, but please know that me and Belle, you know, we’re in a great place. And this is what’s best for everyone. We’re gonna continue to support each other. But really, thank you. This family will always stay, you know, we may not be doing project after project together, but this family will always stay.”
The tandem, popularly known as DonBelle, previously announced that ‘Tayo sa Wakas’ will be their last project together for now as they explore individual career paths.
When asked about their next steps, both actors expressed openness to new opportunities.
“Ang dami kopang gusto ma-try, basta good material, I’m all for it!” Mariano said.
“Ang dami ko pa ring gusto ma-try, but I think the best thing here is I that don’t know pa talaga what’s next. And it’s okay to not know,” Pangilinan added.
Written by Vanessa Valdez, the film follows a couple navigating a turning point in their relationship during a road trip, where they must decide whether to stay together or part ways.
‘Tayo sa Wakas’ is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on May 27, with a global release also planned.
