Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano are happy with the trust and confidence that ABS-CBN gave them by grooming them as the network's next big love team.
The birth of the new love team came at a challenging time, not just because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also because of the shutdown of ABS-CBN.
Their love team’s debut TV show, He’s Into Her, premiered in May 2021 with only A2Z Channel 11 as its free TV platform. But its main platform was ABS-CBN’s digital machinery via iWant TFC.
Because of the show's consistent top ranking in iWant TFC's top shows, it eventually merited a second season, which is about to end its run.
He's Into Her also trended on social media every time a new episode premiered on iWant TFC.
For all their unexpected blessings, the DonBelle love team expressed their gratitude for their big break.
Donny said, “We’re very happy that they gave us the trust.
“I know it’s hard also to invest in something that you’re not sure of, so the fact that they chose us to be the lead of this series, a big series, sobrang nagpapasalamat kami.
“The fact that they saw our potential and what it could possibly be is a great blessing and we’re just glad that this was the outcome.
“We couldn’t have imagined this the first day that they told us na, yun nga, magiging part kami ng He’s Into Her. So, ayun lang, we couldn’t have imagined this.”
Belle added, “We didn’t expect this but we are grateful.”
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other media reporters spoke to Donny and Belle after the press conference proper of He’s Into Her 2’s finale general assembly at the Dolphy Theater on July 29, 2022.
HE’S INTO HER’S LAST HURRAH
When He’s Into Her’s first season ended in 2021, the producers surprised the show's fans with the announcement of its second season in 2022.
Now that He’s Into Her’s second season is about to end, writer Vanessa Valdez and director Chad Vidanes are firm in saying that the show will no longer extend to a third season.
He’s Into Her’s finale is about to end its run on August 3 on iWant TFC and August 7 on A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.
After the finale, the cast is set to gear up for their concert titled HIH: All-Access which will happen on August 27 at the Araneta Coliseum.
According to Donny and Belle, the decision didn't come as a surprise, nor do they hope for another installment because they were already informed that it’s the last for He’s Into Her.
Donny explained, “I think when they pitched us the second season, the understanding was hanggang doon lang.
“So, I think we kind of prepared for it but you can never really prepare for an ending naman talaga, especially when it’s been close to your heart for a couple of years now.
“So, I feel when the concert comes, doon mas lalo yung emotions talaga kasi makikita namin yung supporters namin.”
Belle added that they also had the same situation during the first season.
“Noong season one, ganito rin, di ba, na parang nag-expect tayo na hanggang season one lang.
“So, you’ll never really know. But as far as we know, hanggang season two lang talaga.”
Belle and Donny were also asked what they will miss with each other’s characters.
In the story, Belle played the role of Maxpein, a strong woman who was bullied by the school’s heartthrob, Deib. Deib is Donny’s character.
Eventually, the two characters fell in love and dealt with even bigger problems in their relationship during the second season.
According to Donny, he is really impressed with Maxpein’s ability to stay firm with her beliefs.
“She stands for what she believes in and she never gives up, that’s the biggest thing.
“Who would’ve thought that a student like her, who is basically an outsider at the time kasi bago siya, siya pala ang rason kung bakit nag-change ang buong school.
“Starting with Deib, the other students, it was all her.
"So if ever you think your influence is not big enough, if you start with one person, it will keep going, it’s a chain, domino effect.”
For Belle, she will miss Deib’s efforts and sweetness to Max and the people he loves.
Belle said, “Pinaka mami-miss ko sa kanya, yung grabe yung effort niya kay Max, grabe yung effort niya sa mga taong mahal niya sa buhay na kahit minsan, even if it’s hard for him, he’s just always there.”
DONBELLE’S NEXT PROJECT
On Wednesday, July 16, Star Cinema announced that DonBelle will be headlining a Star Cinema movie.
It is the first Star Cinema movie that will be shown in cinemas during the pandemic.
At the presscon, Belle and Donny did not divulge details about their movie yet.
Belle hinted, “Well, actually, ito na lang masasabi ko, yung susunod naming gagawing project, mas mature naman."
Laughing, Donny clarified, “Pero hindi naman mature roles!”
Belle added, “Appropriate for our age. Yes, [mature] pagdating sa acting.”
Donny promised, “Iba ito, iba ito. Very different.”