Posted by ReyFort Media
Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, collectively known as DonBelle, turned emotional as they bid goodbye to their onscreen partnership during the media launch of their latest film, “Tayo Sa Wakas.”
The Cathy Garcia-Sampana-helmed romance drama marks their last project together as a loveteam at least “for now,” making the moment extra meaningful for both stars and their fans.
At the May 2 grand mediacon, the two exchanged heartfelt messages, visibly holding back tears as they reflected on their journey.
“I am so grateful and so blessed I got to spend these last years with you. I would not have it any other way. Thank you,” Donny told Belle.
He added, “I have seen you grow since we met. I will always look up to you.”
Belle responded with equal sincerity: “I just want to say, thank you so much. I just want to say thank you so much for the journey. For just being there, for the support.”
“I respect you so much. Ngayon pa lang malayo ka na, pero malayo ka pa. I am so proud of the man you are now,” she added.
Despite their upcoming separation as a tandem, Donny reassured her: “We may not be working with each other in the near future, but I’ll always be here and sobrang proud ako sa’yo.”
Their most “mature” film yet
“Tayo Sa Wakas” is being described as DonBelle’s most mature project to date.
Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana admitted that the film demanded a deeper, more complex performance from both actors.
“Simply put it is a journey of two people who loved, got hurt, and eventually found themselves, and found love again.
“Just like how I envisioned all my films, you will come out of cinemas wanting to love and love life again. No matter how panget the journey was, we will always choose love,” she said.
She added, “This film will give you kilig, falling in love, but it includes the pain, mga mali. They are flawed characters just like we are.
“But at the end of the day what is important is they realize the flaws and bring change so they become better. This is a story for everybody, not just the young or old, para sa lahat ng gusto magmahal at nagmamahal.”
Screenwriter Vanessa Valdez also emphasized the depth of the roles, saying, “It shows something more complex, and mas mature yung roles nila dito pero at the same time also very grounded.”
Story of love and letting go
The film follows longtime couple Cheska (Mariano) and Cisco (Pangilinan), who go on a “breakup trip” as they question whether their relationship is still worth fighting for.
Cathy described it as: “It’s a trip of two people para alamin kung talaga bang sila ay dapat matapos na o magpatuloy pa. I can say it’s about someone who wants to reach a dream, pero ano ang gagawin mo kung ang kalaban mo sa pag-abot ng pangarap na yun ay yung taong mahal mo.”
Donny also shared that the film explores different phases of a relationship.
“You’ll start with the kilig, the honeymoon phase, then you go to the realization that you become familiar with each other and doon na yung problems na mag-aarise. So I think it’s a combination of all our characters in different stages of their lives.”
A fitting farewell
For Belle, the film perfectly captures their growth as artists beyond their love team.
“Donny and I have been vocal about it na we just don’t wanna be DonBelle, we also wanna be Donny and Belle. I feel like this is the perfect project for it since it shows so much growth and maturity and it requires so much authenticity from the both of us.”
Produced by Star Cinema and ABS-CBN Studios, “Tayo Sa Wakas” also stars Epy Quizon, Joross Gamboa, River Joseph, Jaime Fabregas, Yayo Aguila, Allan Paule, Matthew Mendoza, Emilio Daez, June Hinundum, and Miah Canton.
The film opens in Philippine cinemas on May 27, with international screenings beginning June 11 in Australia and New Zealand, June 12 in the US, Canada, and Guam, and June 20 in Hong Kong and Macau. It will also be shown in the Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan. (N. Ramos/mb.com.ph)
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