The media conference for How To Spot A Red Flag, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano's latest Viu series, was an unforgettable event filled with heartwarming behind-the-scenes stories, playful moments, and a lot of kilig.
As the duo—known as DonBelle—delve into a romantic comedy about love, self-discovery, and navigating the red flags of relationships, they revealed that their genuine chemistry goes beyond the screen.
Donny is 26 years old, while Belle is 22.
Underlining that his connection with Belle is not a mere act, Donny explained: "Yung kilig hindi nare-rehearse yun siyempre.
"To be honest dati nung nagsa-start pa kami, hindi namin nage-gets yung emotions ng isa’t isa, yung ibibigay ng isang character sa isang eksena, how will you give and take.
"But after working with each other… whatever happens na lang sa eksena yun na lang yung mangyari."
Echoing Donny's sentiment, Belle added, "You can’t fake it. Hindi mo naman puwedeng ipeke yung kilig.
"Totoo, kinikilig ako sa scenes namin. We do rehearse yung mga actions, yung mga lines namin, but then I think what makes it natural is how we react."
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DONBELLE CO-STARS ON THE DUO'S CHEMISTRY
Mylene Dizon, one of the veteran stars in the series, shared nothing but praises for the couple’s authenticity.
"Of course, alam ko sila yung pinakasikat ngayon. A lot of people look up to them.
"But to work with them, I was actually very surprised because the chemistry that [they] have on-screen is not just on-screen," said Mylene.
Continuing, Mylene said of the duo's chemistry: “It’s so true that’s why I think it works all the time pag magkasama [sila] at may mga project [sila], because I think it’s very natural for [them] to actually care for each other.”
This promoted fans in the audience to scream in excitement.
Esnyr, another co-star in the series, expressed his gratitude in working alongside DonBelle.
"It’s always an honor working with them.
Actually, na-realize ko na yung pinaka-first movie ko is with them; and right now ang pinaka-first series ko is also with them kaya parang first time pa rin siya.
"And, of course, [I am] super grateful to have worked with them, together with these veteran actors and actresses."
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FUN MOMENTS AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES KILIG
The media conference wasn’t just about discussing the project, it was also an opportunity for DonBelle to share some of their favorite behind-the-scene moments.
During one fun segment, Donny and Belle were asked about a particular photo that brought back memories of their time on set.
The photo captured a playful moment, sparking laughter between the two as they recalled how much fun they had during filming.
Meanwhile, Christian Vasquez, who plays a supporting role in the series, also recalled a moment where he was quietly observing Donny and Belle during script reading.
"Nakaupo ako doon tapos nandoon silang dalawa, nagsi-script reading.
"Tapos tinitignan ko lang silang dalawa, nararamdaman ko na parang ang sarap maging ganyan yung age.
"Kasi kahit na nags-script reading lang sila, nakikita na nagtitinginan sila.”
In another fun exchange, Angel Aquino confessed that she's a "shipper" of DonBelle love team.
She went on to describe a moment on set where Belle’s character visited Donny’s character’s house, and after a take, the two shared a look that was unmistakably sweet.
"Malalasahan mo talaga. Malalasahan mo yung tamis. Tapos ang sabi ko, ‘Naging kayo ba?,’” Angel remarked.
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A ROMANTIC COMEDY WITH REAL CHEMISTRY
How To Spot A Red Flag promises to deliver the perfect balance of light-hearted moments, sincere emotions, and kilig that DonBelle is known for.
Set against the stunning backdrop of La Union, the story follows the blossoming romance between Donny and Belle's characters.
While navigating their feelings for each other, they also deal with the idea of "red flags" or warning signs that hint at deeper issues or incompatibilities in a relationship.
Describe the casting process for the series, director Dwein Baltazar said, "Pumasok ako [na] halos buo na [yung casting].
"At sobrang-sobrang excited [ako] nung nalaman kong it’s gonna be DonBelle, kasi sila yung ating biggest love team ngayon."
Referring to Mylene Dizon and Angel Aquino, respectively, Direk Dwein added, "Siyempre, kasama sila Ate My, sila Ms. A na gusuong-gusto ko nang makatrabaho ever since, at lahat po ng [cast]."
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HANDLING RED FLAGS IN REAL LIFE
Still based on the presscon, Donny and Belle shared their thoughts on how they would handle red flags in the people they encounter in real life.
"I think you have to be upfront," said Belle.
"Kung hindi ka nagiging comfortable sa kung paano ka niya tratuhin, be honest with him or her.
"Wag na tayong magpabebe. Just say what you like and what you don’t like.
"I think it would be a good help for them to reflect on what they do."
Donny, for his part, listed some hacks to avoid complications in a relationship.
He elaborated: "I think very important muna yung mag-uusap muna kayong dalawa kung ano ba yung do's and don’ts niyong dalawa or non-negotiables, para you are on the same page.
"Minsan sa pag-ibig madaling ma-blinded.
"Kailangan may mga tao rin sa paligid niyo na nagsasabi ng, ‘Donny, parang iba to,’ or something na hindi niyo nakikita at first pero iyon pala red flag na.
"So, always be open-minded… just be true to what you feel as well."
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WHAT SETS THIS PROJECT APART?
For Donny and Belle, How To Spot A Red Flag stands out from their previous work because it marks their first foray into the romantic comedy genre.
Director Dwein Baltazar highlighted that fans of the pair have been eagerly anticipating a lighter, more playful project from them.
“Siyempre, ito ata yung matagal nang inaabangan ng buong fandom na very light lang siya, romantic-comedy.
"Som para siyang breathe of fresh air para sa ating mga nakaabang."
Donny was also looking forward for viewers to see the locations of the episodes.
"I think it was the setting, when it was gonna be on the beach and we’re all gonna be there.
"Na-imagine ko na yung buong set namin, kung ano yung magiging dynamics ng lahat."
For Belle, it was the opportunity to try new things:
"First time kong makapunta ng La Union. Ang dami kong nasubukan doon. First time ko mag-surf.
"Parang na-inlove ako sa lugar, so parang mas naging intact ako sa character kong si Cha."