Kapamilya actress Belle Mariano shared heartfelt insights about her relationship with loveteam partner Donny Pangilinan, describing him as a constant source of support both on and off screen.
In her guest appearance on ABS-CBN News’ podcast ‘Oh My Gan!’, Belle opened up about how their bond has grown stronger over time.
“I would say he is a person I can call whenever I’m feeling down. Talagang he is a blessing, not just to me but also to our supporters,” she said.
The actress admitted that their closeness did not come instantly, but developed naturally through the years.
“Noong una, nahihiya akong kausapin siya (but) we are so close now. He is the person I can confide in. He is someone accountable,” she shared.
Belle also acknowledged Donny’s significant role in her journey as an artist.
“He is a blessing in a way na I wouldn’t be here without him too, and our supporters too. DonBelle is not DonBelle without Donny. So, he really is a blessing. With our connection, we are really close. Ano naman kami, open naman. He is really someone special to me,” she added.
Despite their strong partnership, Belle said she remains excited to continue working with Donny and witnessing his growth.
“Of course, I want to, and I’m always open to, working with Donny,” she said.
“It’s such a pleasure. Like nakakatuwa, I can see him grow too. Five years ago, ibang-iba pa itsura namin and now we are here. Nakakatuwa na I see him grow too. Sabi ko para akong fan niya rin na I can see him and witness him grow,” she added.
Fans are also eagerly anticipating the pair’s upcoming film ‘Tayo sa Wakas’, which Belle described as more emotionally mature and challenging.
“Emotionally wise, mas mature, mas may paninindigan. Ayoko kasi mag-spoil and we haven’t actually started shooting, but I would say it’s very challenging,” she said.
She admitted feeling pressure to deliver something new for their audience, but emphasized that it is a positive kind of pressure.
“Parang siguro the pressure more is on our role, the movie, how can we make it different. Even the project of the announcement of ‘Tayo sa Wakas,’ it was actually Donny’s idea. He was the one who conceptualized the whole thing. We are very hands on ‘cause we want to put good content out there that our supporters would enjoy,” she explained.
“It’s good pressure ‘cause we are happy that we are making other people happy, most especially our supporters,” she added.
Beyond her projects, Belle also spoke about handling social media criticism, noting the importance of discernment.
“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.
She acknowledged that online negativity is unavoidable but stressed the importance of self-awareness.
“The bashing, I feel like never-ending naman ang bashing sa social media diba… by the end of the day, just know who you are,” she shared.
Belle also encouraged responsible use of social media, reminding users of their influence.
“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.
The actress ended by expressing gratitude to their supporters, whom she considers more like family.
“Yung supporters namin ni Donny, they are so nice, they’re the nicest and we are both very grateful for them… parang more than supporters, para silang nagiging family na (rin) namin,” she said.
