Taking on their most mature roles yet, Star Magic’s premier love team Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano took center stage at the Star Magic Spotlight Press Conference held on June 6, 2026, at the Dolphy Theatre, ABS-CBN.
The phenomenal duo, widely known as DonBelle, reflected on their highly anticipated transition from romantic comedies to heavy drama in their latest project, Tayo sa Wakas. The project marks a significant evolution for the pair, pushing them to dive into the intricate complexities of romance, grief, and moving forward.
“I feel like this is a different version of Donny and I. Sobrang challenging but I love the experience,” Belle shared, opening up about the profound impact of portraying her character, Cheska. “And you know by doing Cheska and the whole Tayo sa Wakas, I learned so much. My principles about love, my beliefs about love, it really evolved.”
Donny echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual commitment they made to honor the story and their audience. “Ito parang, may agreement kami na ibigay talaga natin lahat dito. This is also our love letter to our supporters, but not just our supporters, to everyone, sa lahat ng taong gusto ng hope and gustong magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng relasyon, or learnings about how they want to enter into a relationship in the future.”
When asked about the most prominent emotion they felt while filming Tayo sa Wakas, both stars highlighted the bittersweet nature of unconditional love. The transition required them to navigate deep emotional waters, portraying characters fiercely devoted to one another while facing heartbreaking realities.
“Maybe just the love,” Belle mused. “Ramdam na ramdam mo yung pagmamahahal ng dalawang characters sa isa’t-isa. Unconditional love.”
“Kaya din medyo masakit, kasi alam mong mahal na mahal nila yung isa’t-isa, pero hindi ibig sabihin na matutupad ang pangarap nila together all the time,” Donny added candidly. “You could still love someone and let go.”
Beyond the heavy themes of their new project, Donny touched upon the evolution of the DonBelle legacy and the reality of navigating solo projects as a love team, and offered an insightful, grounded perspective on how growth and individuality only strengthen their bond.
“Just because hindi na kayo love team for the time being, it doesn’t mean nawawala na ‘rin yung suporta niyo sa isa’t-isa. Everlasting support, and you will always have a teammate in each other,” Donny explained, to which Belle agreed.
He expressed hope that their journey could serve as a positive blueprint for the next generation of artists: “Even love teams coming up will probably look at the situation, and we want them to know that it’s okay to do other things too, you know? Life shouldn’t revolve around both of you just doing the same thing over and over again. There’s so much more to that and it can be healthy if done right, if communicated the right way. As long as you have a great support system and a God who will give you your purpose, then it’s going to be okay. Not saying it’s going to be easy, but it’s going to be okay.”
With their undeniable chemistry, willingness to take artistic risks, and mature outlook on their careers, Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan continue to prove why they are a defining force in Philippine entertainment. Experience love, loss, and healing in Tayo sa Wakas in theatres nationwide now on its second week.
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