Donny Pangilinan (left) and Belle Mariano. Image: Shaira Luna via Netflix
For Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, their “Can’t Buy Me Love” characters Caroline and Bingo will always be a part of them even when they find themselves taking on different projects.
Mariano and Pangilinan — also known as DonBelle — were emotional as they looked back at how far they’ve come since they started filming their first teleserye, which aired its final episode on a streaming platform on Tuesday, May 7.
“Si Bingo, ayoko siyang bitawan kasi may nakilala akong bagong kaibigan at bagong tao sa buhay ko (I don’t want to let Bingo go because I met a new friend and new companion in my life),” Pangilinan said at a finale press conference weeks before the final episode was aired.
The actress, on the other hand, had been reminding herself to not cry in several moments. This led Mariano to share that she found a kindred spirit in Caroline after taking on the role for eight months.
“She’s always going to be a part of me. Kung anong pinagdaanan niya, pinagdaanan ko rin (Whatever she had been through, I experienced it too) along the way with her,” she said.
Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan. Image: X/@StarCreativesTV
Belle and Donny to Caroline and Bingo
Throughout its run, Caroline and Bingo went through hell and back, starting from the tragedy of their mothers until finding themselves in a tug-of-war between their families. But those were the least of their problems as they battled their inner demons and outside forces forcing them apart.
Mariano was left in a daze when INQUIRER.net asked her what she wanted to tell Caroline after bringing her story to life. “Where do I begin?” she said for a moment before tearing up again.
“I have so much to tell her. I’ll start with, Caroline, ang galing mo,” she said in between tears. “You’re so strong. I can’t understand at first bakit ka ganyan. But along the way, natutunan kitang mahalin (I can’t understand at first why you turned out to be that way. But along the way, I learned to love you).”
READ: Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan ‘proud’ of each other’s growth as artists
The actress also said she’s glad that Caroline found love throughout the series’ run, and learned to open her heart to people who love her for who she is.
“I’m so glad na nakahanap ka ng tao sa buhay mo na magmamahal sa’yo at ipaalala sa’yo na kamahal-mahal kang tao kahit feel mong mag-isa ka,” said Mariano. “Alalahanin mo na hindi ka mag-isa. Nandyan ‘yung pamilya mo, nandyan ang Tius, nandyan si Papa, at nandyan si Bingo.”
(I’m so glad you found people who truly love you and are willing to remind you that you’re loved, even if you feel like you’re alone. Remember that you’re not alone. Your family is there for you. The Tius are there for you. Your dad is there for you. And Bingo is there for you.)
For his part, Pangilinan reflected for a moment on what his character had been through for the past eight months.
“Isa lang ang sasabihin ko sa pinagdaanan niya at sa dami ng nawala sa buhay niya. Ang sasabihin ko lang sa kanya — you are enough,” he said. (Despite everything he went through and lost in his life, I only want to tell him this — you are enough.)
“Can’t Buy Me Love” also starred Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kaila Estrada, Albie Casiño, Joao Costancia, Rowell Santiago, Agot Isidro, Nova Villa, Ruffa Gutierrez and Ina Raymundo.
Also part of the cast were Darren Espanto, Karina Bautista, Alora Sasam, Ketchup Eusebio, Chie Filomeno and Vivoree Esclito.
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