Allyzza Kay Trinidad

A look back at DonBelle’s teleserye and movie projects over the years

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>The sparks definitely fly whenever they share the frame. Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, famously known together as DonBelle, aren’t just a tandem but a phenomenon, becoming one of the country’s most sought-after pairings of their generation. From youth-oriented spotlight pieces to roles that bring kilig, drama, and thought-provoking stories, DonBelle has undoubtedly become the face of modern romance onscreen.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F967613888945973%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>As we eagerly await the release of their movie “<em>Tayo sa Wakas,</em>” let’s take a look back at DonBelle’s journey as a loveteam through the projects they’ve starred in over the years </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Deib &amp; Max in “He&#x27;s Into Her” (2021-2022) </strong></div><p>Donny, who brought to life the charismatic yet rebellious Deib Enrile, meets goal-getter Maxpein “Max” Luna, played by Belle. Though Deib initially decides to ‘bully’ Max, he soon finds himself falling deeply in love with her. “He’s Into Her” marked DonBelle’s first project together in 2021, the beginning of a journey that skyrocketed their careers both as a pair and as individuals.</p><p>The series was first released on iWant on May 28, 2021, and later made its television debut. It ran for two seasons and concluded in August 2022. DonBelle’s dynamic in the show captured the attention of casual viewers, many of whom eventually became fans, as Deib and Max’s love-hate trope endeared them to audiences the most.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Ino &amp; Cara in “Love is Color Blind” (2021)</strong></div><p>Fresh from the success of their launching project, DonBelle kicked off their first movie with the rom-com film “Love Is Color Blind.” Belle plays the role of Cara Arevalo, who returns to the country after finishing a course in Hong Kong. She reunites with her childhood best friend, Ino Urbano, portrayed by Donny, who happens to be colorblind. Together, they navigate their way toward romance despite the obstacles around them.</p><p>The film was released on December 10, 2021, on iWant and became the highest-grossing film and the biggest digital premiere on KTX.ph. It later debuted on Netflix in 2022, where it topped the charts as the number one title in the Philippines and in other countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Manny &amp; Ayef in “An Inconvenient Love” (2022)</strong></div><p>DonBelle continued to take on rom-com projects, including the 2022 release “An Inconvenient Love.” Donny and Belle play Manny and Ayef, who entangle themselves in a romantic relationship lasting 100 days for the sake of convenience. All of this takes place while Manny struggles to gain his father’s approval for his skills, while Ayef seeks career and internship opportunities in Singapore.</p><p>“An Inconvenient Love” began its theatrical run on November 23, 2022, and won Best Asian Feature Film at the ContentAsia Awards in 2023. Fans showed their utmost love and support for DonBelle. Netizens raved about their overflowing connection, with reviews praising the tandem and the movie&#x27;s social commentary, particularly in the coming‑of‑age narratives of the post‑pandemic era.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Bingo &amp; Caroline in “Can&#x27;t Buy Me Love” (2023)</strong></div><p>Donny and Belle took a more serious route, stepping away from their teeny-bopper projects and starring in a teleserye—the romantic drama series “<strong><em>Can’t Buy Me Love</em></strong>.” Donny portrayed Bingo Mariano, who becomes entangled in the lives of the wealthy Tiu family, most especially Caroline, played by Belle, as debt shapes their fate and threatens their relationship. </p><p>The series first streamed on Netflix Philippines and iWant in 2023, becoming the number-one most-watched show on both platforms, before later airing on television. Audiences were able to see a different side of the two, proving their versatility as both an on-screen pair and individual actors who captured viewers’ hearts. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Matt &amp; Cha in “How to Spot a Red Flag” (2024) </strong></div><p>In the following year, DonBelle’s chemistry reached another level as they starred in the whimsical romance “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/3/1/donbelle-ends-how-to-spot-a-redflag-with-magical-kisses-kilig-moments-0936" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>How to Spot a Red Flag</em></u></strong></a>.” Belle plays Cha, a barista at her family-owned coffee shop. Donny portrays Matt, who turns red whenever he lies. Cha finds herself torn between Matt and JR (Jameson Blake), both of whom are involved in catfishing her.</p><p>The series premiered worldwide on Viu on November 25, 2024, and wrapped up with 25 episodes. It later aired in early 2025 on Kapamilya Channel and earned international recognition, winning Best Original Programme by a Streamer/OTT at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2025. </p><p>Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano return to the big screen in “<em>Tayo Sa Wakas</em>”, premiering nationwide this May 27, only in cinemas.</p>

<p>Let us trace back DonBelle’s journey as a loveteam through the projects they have starred in over the past years!</p>

Let us trace back DonBelle’s journey as a loveteam through the projects they have starred in over the past years!