In the recent media conference for their latest Viu series titled How to Spot a Red Flag, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano (more popularly known as DonBelle) revealed that their connection with each other is not a put-on.
“The feeling of excitement or the thrill—you can’t rehearse that,” Donny stated. “Definitely, our chemistry is genuine and goes beyond the screen. Of course, admittedly, when we were just starting as a love team, we couldn’t get the right emotions in doing our scenes. We didn’t know how to give and take on the emotions that we were required to exhibit. But after working on our first project, we learned to just go with the flow and let our emotions guide us when doing a scene.”
On her part, Belle averred, “Yes, you can’t fake the ‘kilig.’ As for me, I really get tickled pink whenever I do my sweet scenes with Donny. Yes, we rehearse our lines and movements, but then, I think what makes it natural is how we react.”
Interestingly, based on the title of their new romantic comedy offering, the popular duo shared their ideas on how to handle red flags in real life.
“I think you have to be upfront,” Belle mused. “If you don’t feel comfortable anymore with how the guy treats you, be honest with him. Just say what you like and what you don’t like. I think it would be a good help for them to reflect on what they’re doing,” Belle stated.
Meanwhile, Donny elaborated on how to avoid complications in relationships. “I guess it’s very important for the both of you to talk first about your do’s and don’ts or non-negotiables so that you’re on the same page. Sometimes, in love, it’s easy to get blinded. So, it helps if you have other people who tell you about things you don’t see at first but are red flags already. Always be open-minded and just be true to what you feel as well.”
How to Spot a Red Flag is something new for DonBelle. “I can say that this project stands out from our previous works because it marks our maiden foray into the rom-com genre,” Donny said. “Apart from this, I think the setting is great. When I learned that the beach is a major backdrop, I already imagined the whole set and what the dynamics would be for everybody!”
For Belle, it was a fresh experience. “That’s true! I am grateful to be given the opportunity to try new things. For one, it was my first time shooting in La Union. I tried many firsts there, like surfing. I fell in love with the place, and it helped me to make my character Cha intact,” she ended.
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TV host Kim Atienza still remains a Kapuso after he recently inked another three-year contract with GMA-7.
“I’m grateful, honored, and humbled that at this point, the management still needs my services. I’m so inspired,” he said.
How can he describe his first three years with the giant network? “My stay here in GMA—I’m just having so much fun. I’m feeling so relevant, and I’m feeling so used in a good way. For me to continue for these coming three years, I look forward to it the most. I know these three years will pass so fast again, like the past three years, and we shall be sitting at this desk again, and I will be signing another three-year contract again!”
At present, Kuya Kim can be seen in the new infotainment show Dami Mong Alam Kuya Kim. He is also part of the top-rating news program 24 Oras and the hit noontime variety show TiktoClock.