Belle Mariano is ready to embrace growth and new opportunities outside her popular love team with Donny Pangilinan as she ventures into projects that highlight her versatility as an actress.
During her contract renewal with ABS-CBN on August 18, 2025, the Kapamilya star opened up about her upcoming film Meet, Greet & Bye, which features her alongside Maricel Soriano, Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, and Juan Karlos Labajo.
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Belle admitted she initially felt nervous about working with such seasoned actors but shared that their support made the experience fulfilling.
She said: "Sobrang saya ng set namin, sa totoo lang. Even on and off camera, para talaga kaming naging pamilya.
"When we first met each other, of course kinakabahan ako, kasi naman si Diamond Star [Maricel], si Papa P, Joshua, JK—they’re so good at what they do and they inspire me to do better in what I do.
"I’m so happy kasi more than just friends, we actually became a family. It’s so nice to be able to work with these amazing actors.”
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Belle beyond DonBelle
For Belle, this project is "career-changing" as it marks her first major work outside her love team with Donny, collectively known as DonBelle.
Although she loves working with Donny, this opportunity allows her to grow as an actress—something she has always been open to exploring.
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"I feel like this one is far different from the previous ones I’ve done. Yun nga, it’s my first project outside of a love team," she shared.
"Siyempre may takot at first kasi I’m so used to working with Donny.
"I love working with Donny, so may kaba, pero at the same time, I said, ‘Wow, this is something new.’”
The actress also stressed her openness to learning and evolving in her craft.
"I want to grow. I’m always open to growth, and I’m always open to learning more.
"Both of us have been vocal about it—that we’re always there to support each other and champion each other in terms of career growth, whether that’s together or apart."
Read: Belle Mariano admits to feeling real kilig with Donny Pangilinan
Belle, who recently headlined the hit series Can’t Buy Me Love and How to Spot a Red Flag with Donny, said the Meet, Greet & Bye excites her as it gives her the chance to show a different side of her as an actress.
Meanwhile, Donny is set to headline the upcoming ABS-CBN series Roja, which also stars Kyle Echarri, Maymay Entrata, Raymond Bagatsing, Joel Torre, Janice de Belen, and Lorna Tolentino.
Belle turns emotional at contract renewal
During the contract renewal, Belle turned emotional as she reflected on her fourteen years in showbiz—from her beginnings as a child actress to becoming one of today’s most bankable young stars.
"Don’t let your fear stop you from pursuing what you love doing. Yes, you will fall but you will also rise. Just keep believing and have the heart and faith in you because you will achieve great things and you are capable of many things,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to ABS-CBN for being her home throughout her journey.
"I’d just like to thank each and every one of you who champions me.
"Maraming salamat po to our ABS-CBN bosses, thank you for making ABS-CBN a home for me.
"To everyone who’s been supportive of my journey, I dedicate all these years to you."