Actress Belle Mariano made history as the first Filipina to win the award for Outstanding Asian Star at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards held at the KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday, September 22, for her work in the TV series He’s Into Her.

Belle Mariano bags the Outstanding Asian Star at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards

She won an award alongside other Asian actors such as Kang Daniel of South Korea, Wallace Chung of China, Yusei Yagi of Japan, Alice Ko of Taiwan, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn of Thailand.

Belle thanked the cast and crew of He’s Into Her and her management in her acceptance speech.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Father Almighty. The glory is all Yours. I’d also like to thank the brilliant minds behind the scenes of He’s Into Her. Our director, Chad Vidanes. Our writers, Vanessa Valdez, and her team. The author of the book where the series was based, Maxinejiji, thank you for giving me this life-changing opportunity. To my bosses and management, Star Magic, and Rise Artists Studio, thank you. Thank you, as well, to the cast and production crew of He’s Into Her. Maraming maraming Salamat,” she said.

The Kapamilya actress wearing a pink creation by Francis Libiran

She also thanked her He’s Into Her co-star and on-screen partner Donny Pangilinan and shared her award with him, saying, “It has been an amazing journey with you. Here’s to more, and I share this honor with you.”

Belle also took the opportunity to thank her fans for their support.

Belle also thanks Donny Pangilinan in her acceptance speech

“Of course, the supporters as well, I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Taos po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Maraming maraming salamat,” she said.

Belle ended her speech by thanking her mother and giving a short message to her fellow Filipinos.

“To the woman who molded me into the woman I am today, my mother, thank you so much. I love you. Mahal ko kayong lahat at mabuhay tayong lahat,” she said.

Belle (right) joins other Asian actors in receiving prestigious awards

Donny took to Instagram to express his happiness for Belle in winning the award by sharing a photo of her at the ceremony, saying in an Instagram story, “This is your day. So proud of you @belle_mariano more to come!”

Belle attended the ceremony wearing a pink gown designed by Francis Libiran and accompanied by Ruel S. Bayani, the Head for International Production and Co-Production of ABS-CBN, Mico del Rosario, the AdProm Head of ABS-CBN Films and Head of Rise Artists Studio, Yanie Camante, road manager for Star Magic, and celebrity hairstylist RJ Dela Cruz.

According to Star Magic, she edged out 175 male and female actors, including Donny and other Kapamilya stars such as Charlie Dizon, Dimples Romana, Jake Cuenca, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, and Zanjoe Marudo.

The actress is the first Filipina to win the award at the Seoul International Drama Awards

Belle joins Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Dingdong Dantes in the list of Filipino artists who received the same prize in the Seoul International Drama Awards. Alden and Dingdong received the award in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The actress began her career on television when she starred in the ABS-CBN comedy show Goin’ Bulilit at the age of nine. Since then, she has starred in many films and TV series such as Maalala Mo Kaya, Four Sisters Before the Wedding, and Love is Color Blind.