At only 21 years of age, Belle Mariano is making her dreams come true. The Kapamilya star, who started as a child actress, has always wanted to expand her horizon as an artist and be an inspiration to her younger fans.

Recently, Belle updated her résumé by staging her first major solo concert titled “Beloved.” Solid fans, friends, and loved ones came in attendance, making the sold-out concert even more memorable for Belle.

One of those who showed support was Vice Ganda, who even interviewed Belle during her rehearsals. Check out their conversation below!

In the Unkabogable Star’s recent vlog episode, he could be seen checking on Belle during the dry run at the New Frontier Theater. They shared a fun backstage ‘kwentuhan’ as Vice probed into Belle’s preparations, journey, and love life.

Belle smiled as she imagined her 5-year-old self. She thinks she’s making that little girl proud. Slowly, she’s going places – and taking center stage. Belle’s first physical concert was titled “Beloved,” as she wanted the audience to feel loved by her after the show. She wanted to empower especially her young female fans, thus personally including Selene Gomez’s “Who Says” in her repertoire. She also dedicates the song to herself, as like many of us, she once suffered from poor body image to the point of counting calories. Eventually, she learned the secret to confidence: embracing her imperfections.

Confidence doesn’t mean putting an end to self-improvement, though. Physically, Belle still wants to improve her posture. In terms of dreams, she hopes to win an award at the Oscars one day. This has always been her goal since she was a child actress.

Belle is the other half of DonBelle, one of today’s hottest love teams. We’re used to seeing love teams gain popularity after a hit project. But with her and Donny Pangilinan, it was the other way around. DonBelle went viral even before their first series together “He’s Into Her” premiered in the middle of the pandemic. Looking back, even she couldn’t explain how things just fell into place, like it was magic. “Siguro a flower has its time to bloom talaga,” mused the Gen Z singer-actress, who looks up to Anne Hathaway, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathryn Bernardo, John Lloyd Cruz, and Diether Ocampo.

They went on to talk about love and relationship. Of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Donny Pangilinan’s name. Belle turned bashful when asked intimate things like how long they’ve been in the getting-to-know stage or if they tell each other “I love you.” She only spilled that they call each other “Nato” (from Donny’s real name, Donato) and “Tink” (from Tinker Belle). But when asked her suggestions for a Gen Z term of endearment, she thought that “Tol” sounds cute.

Contrary to what people see about her generation, Belle still prefers the traditional type of courtship and relationship. She likes the idea of receiving love letters, which Donny often did while they were filming “Love Is Color Blind.” She revealed that Donny would slip the letters under the door. One time, she received flowers and a letter from him telling her that he’s proud of her and that she did great.

“Kinikilig ka pa rin ba ‘pag pinag-uusapan si Donny?” Vice asked, to which Belle replied, “Yes.” She will never get tired of Donny’s sweet, gentlemanly gestures. “Never pa niya akong hindi pinagbuksan ng pinto.” She appreciates his being selfless and considerate and that he always gives her food. In turn, she thinks Donny likes her being adventurous and ‘makulit.’

Belle experienced puppy love in school, though in hindsight, she thinks it was a one-sided feeling. Well, life really is unpredictable. She knows that even her loveteam with Donny will have to go through changes in the future.

Ten years from now, though they would still love to work with each other, she knows they must explore their careers. The “Can’t Buy Me Love” stars both dream of working behind the scenes. But whatever happens, wherever life takes them, Belle is certain that she and Donny will not hinder each other’s growth – whether individually or as a pair.