DonBelle Is Helping Change the Way We Talk About Loveteams
After four years, Gen Z stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, also collectively known as DonBelle, are returning to the big screen this May with their upcoming movie Tayo Sa Wakas. Releasing in cinemas on May 27, the film marks the duo’s first collaboration with rom-com blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Sampana. It follows Cisco and Cheska, a couple whose relationship is tested and challenged over the years, as we find them in different stages of their lives.
Going by the trailers dropped so far, the movie looks to be the pair’s most mature offering to date as they play a couple where a happy ending together seemingly isn’t the only thing they’re looking for. But the project is also special in that this will be the last time for a while we’ll be seeing Donny and Belle on screen together, as it will be their last project together as a loveteam before going on a break. But as somber as the announcement is for fans, it also reveals how growth shouldn’t be tied to one path and the changing landscape of how loveteams are seen today.
DonBelle Are Going Their Separate Ways, for Now
Donny and Belle first made the announcement on an appearance on Bianca Gonzalez’s Paano Ba ‘To?! podcast. Revealing that Tayo Sa Wakas will be their last onscreen project as a loveteam for now, the duo shared that it was a mutual decision, which was rooted in the fact that they wanted to grow as individuals beyond the constraints of a loveteam set-up. “But you know, it’s a mutual decision. This is why this project required so much growth from him and I and time apart, which allowed us to grow, find what we want, find who we are, and come back as better people,” Belle said in the episode.
She added that the movie required them to mutually separate from each other to fully commit to their roles, but ultimately, it’s a decision that they agreed was for the better. “It’s scary, yes, but it’s exciting knowing that parang we’re really so dedicated to doing this project really, really well. We’re just so excited what’s ahead for the both of us, there’s so much we’re going to go through. It’s scary but it’s okay.” The feeling was mutual for Donny, who added, “Siguro we’re just at a point where we’re choosing to support each other through this and each other’s growth.”
Afterwards, during the official trailer reveal event for the movie, DonBelle spoke further on this next chapter of their careers, affirming that their decision is about growth, for themselves and their partnership. “It’s not something that we thought of overnight. Si Belle kasi isa sa kakampi ko rito, siyempre, sa showbiz. And we’re very, very open with each other. So, I think it just had to get to a point where tama ‘yung material para sa ganitong klaseng transition. So, we would talk about it project after project. Kailan kaya tayo magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng transition or phase to a different direction or when would we pause?” Donny shared.
Growth Beyond the Confines of a Loveteam
These developments are coming at a time when the duo’s upcoming movie seemingly tackles the same subject matter, or at least when it comes to showing a relationship in all its parts, the good and the bad, and how it can only thrive when it’s allowed to grow beyond rigid standards. It’s clear Donny and Belle want to give their roles their all, and that means finding time for themselves beyond the world of DonBelle. But the news also speaks to how Donny and Belle, whether intentionally or not, are shifting the discourse on loveteams in the country.
For decades, loveteams and loveteam culture have been a driving force in the local showbiz industry. It’s a popular thought among many fans that once a loveteam connects with audiences, they are expected to be and work together for as long as possible. When Donny and Belle broke into the scene in 2021 with the series He’s Into Her, their DonBelle pairing became the talk of the town, becoming one of the most popular loveteams among Gen Z.
Yet, a loveteam as big as DonBelle openly choosing to step away from the pairing and sharing that they can only be better when they have time and space for themselves showcases how everything doesn’t have to revolve around being associated with being with someone.
Donny and Belle are some of the biggest names of the new generation who have seen success with their DonBelle team-up, yet personal growth and prioritizing themselves remain a top focus for them, so much so that they’re willing to put a pause on a popular loveteam. Not only does this run in contrast to the sometimes toxic side of loveteam culture, but it also shows how there’s more to life than just loveteams and ships. Actors, after all, are and should be allowed to be their own person and hone their craft regardless of what avenue they choose to do it in.
When a loveteam clicks, it clicks, but that doesn’t mean two actors should be forced to always work together or play into the fantasy that they are together. Growth can come in many forms, and that means walking your own path to do your own thing. While Donny and Belle could have easily stayed and continued to do what they are known for, they decided a break was needed to try something new and grow as artists.
Also, this isn’t a definitive goodbye but a “see you later”, as Donny and Belle will still be doing their own thing in the near future before they feel ready to reunite. And it is for the better, as when they reunite for their next project, they’ll come back as better actors who will show new sides of themselves. It just goes to show that life always has room for something new or things you want to try, as long as you endeavor to pursue them.
Feature Image and Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES
Belle Photographed by PAOLO PINEDA. Creative Direction by PATRICK TY. Sittings Editor PEEWEE REYES-ISIDRO. Art Direction by CLARE MAGNO. Beauty Direction by AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON and MARA GO. Styling by ELDZ MEJIA. Makeup by JAKE GALVEZ. Hair by RJ DELA CRUZ. Multimedia Artist TROY NONATO. Producer THESSMAR LECTURA. Nails JENNIFER PASCUAL of TRIPLE LUCK BROW & NAILS SALON. Production Design ROCKETSETS. Photographer Assistants CESAR SALVE, ISIDRO PEJOTO, and HULES DIOKINO. Stylist Assistants CARL ALBERTO, MIGS LEGUERA, BEA HILADO, and REGELINE UCHI. Makeup Assistants JERICHO MESOLANIA. Hairstylist Assistant RIZZ DE GUIA SANTIAGO. Special Thanks to DIREK LAUREN DYOGI, EDITH FARINAS, YANIE CAMANTE, THESS GUBI, and FRANCES JOSON of STAR MAGIC, MAI MORATO and ZOIE GARCIA of MEDUSA AT THE PALACE
Donny Photographed by GEE PLAMENCO JR. Creative Direction by NICOLE ALMERO. Art Direction by MARC YELLOW, assisted by ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction by RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Styling by JOHN LOZANO, assisted by ROB LIM. Grooming by JAM PAREÑO. Shoot Coordination by KZ FRANCISCO and MJ ALMERO. Shot on location SONYA’S GARDEN, ALFONSO, CAVITE
Frequently Asked Questions
The film, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, follows the characters Cisco and Cheska. It explores their relationship as it is tested over several years, showing them in different life stages. Unlike traditional rom-coms, the movie is described as their most “mature” project yet, suggesting that a simple happy ending may not be the only goal for the couple.
The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on May 27, 2026.
The duo described the decision as mutual and rooted in a desire for individual growth. They believe that spending time apart professionally will allow them to find themselves as individuals and artists, ultimately making them better people and performers when they eventually reunite.
Traditionally, successful loveteams are expected to work together indefinitely to satisfy fan expectations. By choosing to pause their pairing at the height of its popularity, Donny and Belle are challenging the idea that an actor’s success must always be tied to a partner. This move highlights the importance of artistic independence and personal identity over maintaining a constant “on-screen ship.”
The movie is the pair’s first collaboration with blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Sampana. Additionally, their recent media features involved prominent industry figures such as photographer Paolo Pineda, creative director Patrick Ty, and celebrity makeup artist Jake Galvez.
The post DonBelle Is Helping Change the Way We Talk About Loveteams first appeared on MEGA.
DonBelle Is Helping Change the Way We Talk About Loveteams
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