Ysabel Mariz Austria

Inside Donny Pangilinan’s reel revelations on love and ambition in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’

Article (news)

Xian Oquendo

<p>The road to “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/4/30/all-about-tayo-sa-wakas-2029" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tayo Sa Wakas</a>” continues, and for this stop, Donny Pangilinan gets a little more personal and reflective. </p><p>In the latest episode of “Reel Revelations”, a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ABSstarcinema" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Star Cinema</a> exclusive video series on behind-the-scenes memories and heartfelt deep-dives, Donny opened up about the lessons, realizations, and emotional weight that came with portraying Cisco Serrano — a character whose ambition, struggles, and vulnerability make him one of Donny’s most layered <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/20/a-trip-down-donny-pangilinan-s-starring-roles-leading-up-to-tayo-sa-wakas-1125" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">roles</a> yet. </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V1XCdkAiI48?si=iIWcQRGcoqhPQXFW" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>From defining Cisco’s complexities and the deeper meaning behind the film to reflecting on working closely with director <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/21/want-to-be-a-director-here-are-7-words-of-wisdom-from-cathy-garcia-sampana-through-the-years-1435" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cathy Garcia-Sampana</a>, here are the revelations Donny shared.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Defining Cisco as ambitious and driven </strong></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779703520871Donny Pangilinan in Tayo Sa Wakas Reel Revelations 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>For Donny, Cisco is someone fueled by dreams. </p><p>The actor described his character as a marketing professional with big aspirations — someone deeply motivated to succeed, but whose drive can sometimes come with consequences. </p><p>“I think he&#x27;s also one of those people that can kind of get lost in wanting so much power and wanting to be the best of the best, sometimes to a fault,” Donny explained. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Working with Cathy Garcia-Sampana </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779703534412Donny Pangilinan in Tayo Sa Wakas Reel Revelations 2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>While “Tayo Sa Wakas” marks Donny’s first time working with Cathy Garcia-Sampana in a film setting, their team-up is not exactly unfamiliar territory. </p><p>Before their new movie, Donny and his co-star Belle Mariano already worked with the acclaimed director in the teleserye “Can’t Buy Me Love” (2023-2024). But according to Donny, “Tayo Sa Wakas” was an entirely new experience, especially because he and Belle were able to contribute beyond acting. </p><p>“Na-feel talaga namin na parte kami ni Belle dito. Hindi lang as artista, pero even part of the creatives, giving our own inputs,” he shared. </p><p>For Donny, Direk Cathy was more than just the “captain of the ship.” Throughout the process of making the film, he said she also felt like “family” — something he remains deeply grateful for. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Why “Tayo Sa Wakas” feels different </strong></div><div> <img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779703550652Donny Pangilinan in Tayo Sa Wakas Reel Revelations 3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>When asked what makes “Tayo Sa Wakas” special, Donny described the film as something of a “culmination” for him and Belle. </p><p>“Lahat ng ginawa namin got us warmed up to be able to do this type of project,” he reflected, referring to their previous movies and shows together. </p><p>Unlike the younger characters they portrayed in the past, Donny noted that “Tayo Sa Wakas” places him and Belle in a more mature phase of life. </p><p>“Hindi lang kami high school students, we&#x27;re not just starting to work. We&#x27;re really working professionals,” he explained, alluding to Cisco and Cheska (Belle) as a powerhouse duo navigating both career and love. </p><p>With more emotionally complex themes, higher stakes, and difficult questions about relationships, “Tayo Sa Wakas” signals a new chapter not just for Cisco and Cheska, but for Donny and Belle as actors, too. </p><div> </div><div><strong>The lesson Donny hopes audiences take away </strong></div><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779703565169Donny Pangilinan in Tayo Sa Wakas Reel Revelations 4.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Despite all the heartbreak, conflict, and difficult choices at the center of the film, Donny believes “Tayo Sa Wakas” ultimately carries a hopeful message. </p><p>Donny, without hesitation, shared what the movie aims to teach audiences: “That there is always hope with love.” </p><p>“Ang sarap magmahal, kahit ano pang mangyari, ‘di ba? Love will always be worth it,” he added tenderly, perfectly summing up the heart of the story.</p><div> </div><p>If Donny’s reflections are any indication, “Tayo Sa Wakas” is shaping up to be a story that embraces both the beauty and affliction of love. Be reminded that there is always hope in love as the film arrives in cinemas on May 27, 2026. </p><p>Get your tickets now for “Tayo Sa Wakas” at <a href="http://tayosawakas.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tayosawakas.com</a>!🎟️ </p><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V8B_Aopk78g?si=NhxGygkUoKSlc8so" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1kcUHGLlnI?si=sRZzXVAySvxbG2xX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED ARTICLES: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/21/-tayo-sa-wakas-second-trailer-breaks-us-even-more-with-these-new-details-1928" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Tayo Sa Wakas’ second trailer breaks us even more with these new details</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/7/what-makes-tayo-sa-wakas-journey-with-donny-belle-special-for-writer-vanessa-r-valdez-1933" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What makes ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’ journey with Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano special for writer Vanessa R. 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<p><b>Inside Donny Pangilinan’s reel revelations on love and ambition in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’</b></p>