Dannyka Manangan

ON THIS DAY: Belle Mariano's journey from child hopeful to one of her generation's brightest stars

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Kapamilya actress Belle Mariano was born 24 years ago, on June 10,  2002. She has become one of the most sought-after stars of her generation with hit television series, blockbuster films, chart-topping music, sold-out concerts, and a loyal fanbase.</p><p> Long before she had a name in the industry, Belle started her career at a young age. She first entered the entertainment industry through commercials before joining ABS-CBN&#x27;s kiddie gag show <em>Goin&#x27; Bulilit</em> in 2012. She remained part of the show until graduating in 2015, a period she later described as instrumental in building her confidence while allowing her to enjoy her childhood despite being in the spotlight.</p><div><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ohCvTa9JIA" title="Goin&#x27; Bulilit: The Road to Graduation (Belle Mariano)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><p><strong> </strong>Even before becoming a Bulilit, Belle had already started taking acting projects. She made her television debut in<em> Lorenzo&#x27;s Time</em> and appeared in projects such as <em>Princess and I, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Juan dela Cruz</em>, and <em>Maria Mercedes.</em> </p><p>In this period, Belle was cast in younger roles of leads or even as their younger siblings, providing her with opportunities to hone her skills as an actress.</p><p> She continued to take on supporting or minor roles, including Rachel Tuazon in <em>FPJ&#x27;s Ang Probinsyano</em>. She also appeared in films such as <em>Can&#x27;t Help Falling in Love</em> and <em>Love You to the Stars and Back</em>. </p><div><strong></strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781079516139OTD_22-BelleMariano.png" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><strong></strong></div><p><strong> </strong>A turning point in Belle&#x27;s career came in 2020 when she became part of the pioneer batch of Rise Artists Studio, ABS-CBN&#x27;s talent management arm under ABS-CBN Films with Star Magic. </p><p>She later landed one of her earliest major roles in the prequel film <em>Four Sisters Before the Wedding,</em> portraying the younger version of Gabbie Salazar. The film introduced a more mature side of Belle as an actress.</p><div><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yX-vmjIRdyk" title="Gabbie “Ang crush ng crush ng bayan” Salazar | ‘Four Sisters Before the Wedding’ Movie Clip" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <strong></strong></div><p><strong> </strong>Belle’s transformation from a promising child actress to a rising star happened when she starred as Maxpein “Max” del Valle in the highly successful Wattpad adaptation <em>He’s Into Her</em> in 2021. The series also marked the beginning of her onscreen pairing with Kapamilya actor Donny Pangilinan.</p><div><strong></strong> <iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l_tg5r270W0" title="He&#x27;s Into Her Official Trailer | Donny Pangilinan &amp; Belle Mariano" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><p> In the same year, Belle released her debut song “Kung Ako Nalang.” She followed up with “Sigurado,” which was also included in the soundtrack of her series and eventually released her debut album<em> Daylight.</em></p><p> After the success of her series and the overwhelming demand for her and Donny’s onscreen pairing, Belle was cast in their first movie, Love Is Color Blind, in 2021. This would be followed by their second movie, <em>An Inconvenient Love,</em> in 2022.</p><p> That same year, Belle achieved a historic milestone when she became the first Filipino actress to receive the Outstanding Asian Star Award at the Seoul International Drama Awards for her performance in <em>He’s Into Her.</em> Belle personally attended the award show held at the KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea.</p><div><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PBDt4wXBHL4" title="Seoul Drama Awards Part 1 | #BelleAndBeyond" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><p><strong> </strong>Beyond acting, her music career also continued to grow. In 2023, she successfully mounted her first solo concert, Beloved. She also received the Listeners&#x27; Choice Award at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music and later expanded her discography through her albums <em>Believe, Somber,</em> and <em>Like U</em>.</p><div><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MPPZAJINx8" title="Belle Mariano: BELIEVE! Concert Highlights" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <strong></strong></div><p> Belle’s success continued with numerous brand endorsements and ambassadorships as well as major projects, including the hit series <em>Can&#x27;t Buy Me Love</em> and <em>How to Spot a Red Flag.</em></p><div><em> </em><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KtIHraOeajg" title="Irene is happy that Wilson supported Caroline&#x27;s decision | Can&#x27;t Buy Me Love" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><p> In 2025, she took on more diverse roles, including her memorable appearance as Takako Rai in <em>Incognito</em> and being Geri Ann in the blockbuster film, <em>Meet, Greet &amp; Bye </em>alongside Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano. </p><div> <strong></strong><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAT2bQxDyVM" title="&#x27;Meet, Greet &amp; Bye&#x27; | Official Teaser" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><p> The same year also saw her venture into business with the launch of beauty brand Talee alongside her sister Daniela.</p><p> Most recently, Belle reunited with Donny for the emotionally charged film <a href="https://tayosawakas.com/"><em><strong>Tayo Sa Wakas</strong></em></a>. Though the film marked their final collaboration &quot;for now,&quot; Belle described it as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her career, showcasing the growth and maturity they have developed as actors in the past years.</p><div><iframe width="815" height="458" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1kcUHGLlnI" title="&#x27;Tayo Sa Wakas&#x27; Official Trailer | Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <strong></strong></div><p> From appearing in commercials and children&#x27;s television shows to becoming one of the most influential stars of her generation, Belle has made her name in the entertainment industry as a phenomenal star.</p><p> Happy birthday, Belle!</p>