Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan emotional in ‘final messages’ to each other
Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan — collectively known as DonBelle — were in tears as they expressed how proud they were of each other, as “Tayo Sa Wakas” will be their final film as an onscreen tandem for now.
Mariano and Pangilinan earlier confirmed in an interview with Bianca Gonzalez that the Cathy Garcia-Sampana-helmed film is their last project together as a love team, making the promotional activities for their upcoming film more special for them.
“I know that we may not be working with each other in the near future, but I’ll always be here and sobrang proud ako sa’yo,” Pangilinan told Mariano, who was already teary-eyed at the time, during the media conference for the film. At the time, both of them were asked to give their “final messages” by way of thanks to each other for their seven-year partnership.
“If they ask anyone here, but I’ve really seen you grow since Day 1 and since we’ve met. I’ll always look up to you, not literally but figuratively. I’m just so blessed that I’ve spent these years with you, I wouldn’t have it other way,” he continued.
View this post on Instagram
Mariano admitted that she wants to “say a lot of things” to Pangilinan, but opted for a simple thank you.
“Thank you so much for the journey, for being there, and the support. I respect you so much and ngayon pa lang, malayo ka pa pero ang layo mo na (you’re still far from where you want to be, but you’ve come so far). And I’m just so proud of you and the man you are now,” she said.
On ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’
“Tayo Sa Wakas” talks about longtime couple Cisco (Pangilinan) and Cheska (Mariano) gearing up for a “break up trip” as they debate whether their relationship is still worth fighting for. At the time, both of them wanted different things, and they would struggle to find a middle ground.
For Pangilinan, he and Mariano decided that it’s the perfect film for them since they’ve been vocal about transitioning into more mature themes.
“It had to get to a point na tama ang material sa ganitong klaseng transition (where the material needs to be right for this kind of transition). We would talk about it project after project, and when we were given this material, [we thought] that it was very timely and it will also showcase different sides of ourselves,” he said. “It’s a mixture of our characters and more, and this is why it’s the right [project].”
The actress also explained that aside from being known as DonBelle, they want to establish themselves as good actors.
“We don’t just want to be DonBelle. We want to be Donny and Belle, I feel like this is the perfect project kasi it shows so much growth and maturity, and it required authenticity from us,” she said.
When asked about what fans can expect in their post-DonBelle stage, Mariano and Pangilinan said they want to try a lot of different things, as long as it comes down to the right material.
“Ang dami ko pang gustong ma-try, but the best thing is I don’t know what’s next. And it’s okay to not know,” the actor added.
“Tayo Sa Wakas,” which lists Mariano and Pangilinan as executive producers, hits cinemas on May 27.
The romance-drama film also stars Joross Gamboa, Emilio Daez, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and River Joseph. /edv
