Ysabel Mariz Austria

How Belle Mariano grew right before our eyes with each milestone

Article (news)

Xian Oquendo

<p>It’s been quite an adventure so far for <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/18/a-journey-through-belle-mariano-s-filmography-before-tayo-sa-wakas-1726" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belle Mariano</a>! From her early days as a child actress to becoming one of this generation’s brightest stars, Belle has grown right before our eyes, taking on bigger roles, bolder challenges, and new milestones across television, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ABSstarcinema" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">film</a>, and music. </p><p>As she enters a more mature chapter in Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s “<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>”, now feels like the perfect time to look back at the moments that shaped Belle into the artist she is today.  </p><p>Join us in retracing the milestones that made Belle Mariano’s career an exciting one to follow!</p><div> </div><div><strong>Becoming part of the pioneer batch of Rise Artists Studio </strong></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036175467VS--YouTube-These13newstarswillRISEStarBits-1’46”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>Belle has long been familiar to audiences, beginning her career as a child star through the youth-oriented comedy show “Goin’ Bulilit”. But a major turning point in her career came when she became part of the pioneer batch of Rise Artists Studio, the talent training and management arm of ABS-CBN Films in partnership with Star Magic. </p><p>Launched in 2020, the batch included fellow rising stars such as Anthony Jennings, Kaori Oinuma, Charlie Dizon, CJ Salonga, Daniela Stranner, Gillian Vicencio, Jeremiah Lisbo, Markus Paterson, and Vivoree Esclito. </p><p>For Belle, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would soon catapult her to greater heights. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4X6uHzzSyA?si=fe5oRi3i25oRQ8vm" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Landing her first starring role in a Star Cinema film</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036229608VS--YouTube-GabbieAngcrushngcrushngbayanSalazarFourSistersBeforetheWeddingMovieClip-0’28”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Later that same year, Belle took on one of her earliest major milestones as she joined the cast of “Four Sisters Before the Wedding” (2020), the prequel to the beloved 2013 Cathy Garcia-Sampana classic “Four Sisters and a Wedding”. </p><p>Taking on the role of young Gabbie — originally portrayed by Shaina Magdayao — Belle stepped into big shoes, embodying the nurturing and dependable sister known for keeping the family together. Starring alongside Alexa Ilacad, Charlie Dizon, and Gillian Vicencio, Belle showcased her emotional depth early on in her career through this project. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f4wpCjpKoHc?si=-kgnYoK6NJVZc69O" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Transitioning from child star to leading lady</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036261368VS--YouTube-BelleMarianoshareshershowbizjourneyfrombeingachildstarStarBits-1’32”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Belle’s transition from child star to lead actress became even more apparent when she landed the role of Max in the hit series “He’s Into Her” (2021–2022), where she first teamed up with Donny Pangilinan. </p><p>The teen romcom became a defining project for Belle, introducing audiences to a more mature side of her acting as she portrayed a provincial girl navigating life, friendship, and unexpected romance in the city. More importantly, it marked the beginning of her tandem with Donny — one that would continue to evolve through the years. </p><p>During a press event for the series in 2022, Belle reflected on how long she had already been in the industry, sharing that she started as early as 10 years old through commercials. She also emphasized how she had always loved performing and entertaining people. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ksrz4TqFxDA?si=96aG4zycK7ZoRxPX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Taking on her first film with Donny Pangilinan <br/></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036299407VS--YouTube-HighlightsLoveIsColorBlindWorldPremiere-0’42”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>In 2021, Belle and Donny officially teamed up as film leads in “Love Is Color Blind”, directed by John Leo Datuin Garcia. </p><p>The film saw Belle portray Cara, a young woman who reunites with her childhood best friend Ino (Donny), who struggles with emotional trauma and colorblindness following a tragic accident.  </p><p>The role offered Belle another opportunity to showcase her emotional range in a more dramatic setting, expanding her repertoire as an actress. The project also marked the beginning of Belle and Donny’s film collaborations, which would later continue in “An Inconvenient Love” (2022). </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qnP63uAYFAU?si=12fHu4obIai2Uwah" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Earning international recognition</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036342608VS--YouTube-UnforgettableMomentsofBelleMarianosSouthKoreaTrip-2’41”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Belle’s impact soon expanded beyond the Philippines.  </p><p>In 2022, she made history after becoming the first Filipino actress to receive the Outstanding Asian Star Award at the Seoul International Drama Awards for her performance in “He’s Into Her”. </p><p>Held at the KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea, the ceremony honored only five awardees among 175 nominees across Asia — making Belle’s recognition an especially meaningful milestone in her career.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1v8x93N93ao?si=FsExoEdeOVUt9N-y" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong></strong><strong>Staging her first sold-out solo concert </strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036374066VS--YouTube-BelleisBelovedConcertHighlightsStarBits-1’53”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Belle’s growth was not limited to acting! </p><p>In 2021, she officially entered the music scene through her debut single “Sigurado”, released under Star Music as part of the “He’s Into Her” soundtrack. This was followed by her debut album “Daylight” in December that same year. </p><p>Then came another major milestone: Belle’s first sold-out solo concert, “Beloved”, at the New Frontier Theater in 2023. Joined by guest performers Darren Espanto, Cesca, and Donny Pangilinan, the concert further cemented Belle as a multi-hyphenate artist — a performer capable of excelling both onscreen and onstage. </p><p>She would later continue her music journey through projects such as her EP “Somber” and album “Like U”. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-LQpqLSMZZI?si=-5cnO3O_gBWaY3G_" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Taking on her first primetime teleserye as a lead star <br/></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780044228437VS--YouTube-DonBelleannouncesnewprimetimeteleseryeStarBits-1’46”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Belle also continued to dominate television when she landed her first primetime teleserye lead role in “Can’t Buy Me Love” (2023–2024), once again opposite Donny. </p><p>The hit series followed Caroline Tiu (Belle), the intelligent yet emotionally guarded daughter of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese family, and Bingo (Donny), a hardworking young man from Binondo trying to uplift his family from poverty. </p><p>Under the direction of Mae Cruz Alviar, the teleserye allowed Belle to explore romance, family drama, mystery, and emotional vulnerability — all while working alongside acclaimed actors such as Nova Villa, Celeste Legaspi, Agot Isidro, Rowell Santiago, and Ruffa Gutierrez. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VNd3_XLH1O4?si=RwChArVGSi1Q4voR" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Entering a new chapter in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’ <br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780036433625VS--YouTube-TayoSaWakasOfficialTrailer2BelleMarianoDonnyPangilinan-1’52”.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>After romantic dramas like “An Inconvenient Love” (2022) and the family-centered “Meet, Greet &amp; Bye” (2025), Belle now enters what may be her most mature role yet in Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s “Tayo Sa Wakas”. </p><p>In “Tayo Sa Wakas”, Belle steps into the role of Cheska Alegre, a loving woman whose relationship with longtime partner Cisco (Donny Pangilinan) is tested as career growth begins to change their dynamic. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V8B_Aopk78g?si=gUikRD2l7IiF1unT" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>From child star beginnings to leading lady status, one thing is clear: Belle Mariano has truly grown right before our eyes. And now that “Tayo Sa Wakas” is finally here, audiences will once again witness another defining chapter in her ever-evolving journey!</p><p>“Tayo Sa Wakas”, starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, is NOW SHOWING exclusively in cinemas! Get your tickets now at <a href="http://tayosawakas.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tayosawakas.com</a>!🎟️</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWkTMzLq9ro?si=NKRRwaXkrsY-n9k-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBgTGzHrpxs?si=X0OxUtBLg8w-MQnM" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED STORIES: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/18/a-journey-through-belle-mariano-s-filmography-before-tayo-sa-wakas-1726" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A journey through Belle Mariano’s filmography before ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/5/28/belle-mariano-dishes-her-reel-revelations-on-trust-and-vulnerability-in-tayo-sa-wakas-1812" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belle Mariano dishes her reel revelations on trust and vulnerability in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’</a></div>