DonBelle reflect on learnings as ‘He’s Into Her’ season 2 concludes
With the second season of “He’s Into Her” (HIH) concluding this Wednesday, fans can’t help but wonder how the digital romance series has changed lead stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano as a loveteam, and what lies ahead for the young onscreen couple.
In a virtual media conference to promote the show’s finale, Belle expressed her gratitude to everyone she worked with on HIH and shared how she will miss the series as it contributed to her growth as a person and as an actress.
Playing the spunky provincial girl Max, Belle said she learned a lot from her character’s perspective as Max went through numerous hurdles and was a witness to the dilemmas of her friends.
The actress divulged that HIH helped greatly in developing her acting. With the guidance of director Chad Vidanes and headwriter Vanessa Valdez, she learned how to analyze her character, understand different themes, build a scene, and create a connection with her onscreen partner.
Donny, who plays basketball varsity captain Deib, said that being part of the show pushed him to his limits as he did not expect that he could portray the role the way he did. He was able to see the world in his character’s shoes, and with that, he matured in terms of how he approached scenes, his view on scripts, and how he handles his craft. “Just my whole perception siguro of this industry, this craft – what I still want to get better at, what I still want to grow in, the importance of teamwork, and support with one another,” said Donny.
“All of those was really evident in the HIH journey, and I really felt that. Parang na feel ko talaga na nag-iba yung pagtingin ko about things.”
Grateful to the cast and crew, Donny said that he owes them a lot as they have been very supportive and patient with him. “We were put in an environment where it was so easy to work, and to give what we had to give,” he said.
With the DonBelle loveteam’s rise to fame, Belle admitted that she still has doubts especially when the show’s first season received backlash.
“Yung feedback nila medyo negative but now that we’re actually here (in season 2), I’m so thankful to Direk Chad, Miss Van and to everyone, the cast, sa lahat ng bumubuo ng HIH,” said Belle.
“And of course, to the supporters, maraming salamat. I always say this na wala po kami kung wala kayo and totoo po iyan.”
Donny said that he did not expect that a season 2 was possible as they did not know whether viewers were going to accept or reject the series.
“We had no idea that it would even reach this point. I really thought hanggang doon lang (season 1),” he said.
The fairytale-like romance of the two lovebirds may really be over as their personal problems cause them to slowly drift apart in the much-awaited final episode of the phenomenal, record-breaking series, “He’s Into Her” season 2, on iWantTFC.
The series captured hearts of viewers as the most streamed original series on iWantTFC and the most watched weekend program on ABSCBN Entertainment’s Kapamilya Online Live. The award-winning show, which has also been consistent in trending topics on social media, is now gearing up for the highly anticipated “HIH: All-Access” finale concert on August 27 at Araneta Coliseum, wherein VVIP and VIP tickets sold out in less than an hour. In the latest turn of events in the series, ever since Max and Deib decided to cool-off, their relationship has faced great uncertainty. They have decided not to get back together just yet, even though it has been confirmed that Boyet (Janus del Prado), Max’s uncle, was not the one who shot Dale (Turs Daza), Deib’s older brother.
Although their families have finally made peace and have given their blessing for their relationship, Max and Deib’s problems will only intensify due to the shocking death of Dale. Deib will have a difficult time coping with the loss of his brother, and will suddenly grow distant from everyone around him, including Max.
Max, on one hand, will struggle to help Deib recover despite all her efforts. Because of this, Deib will also have second thoughts about attending their school’s senior ball – giving Randall (Jeremiah Lisbo), Max’s first love and ex-boyfriend, a chance to be her date to the event.
The ‘bearkada’ will also have to resolve their own issues leading up to their graduation, which is supposed to be the best time of their lives. Lee and Naih (Joao Constancia and Criza Taa) will try to fix their misunderstandings amidst their breakup, while Michiko (Kaori Oinuma), who declared her love to Dale before his death, may finally get her long-awaited closure from her ex-lover Tob.
The season 2 finale will stream this August 3, 8 pm, free on the iWantTFC app and website (iwanttfc.com).
On how they feel about being a “representation of the youth,” the tandem said that they do not view themselves as such. Instead, they believe that they can only impart lessons and serve as an inspiration for today’s generation.
“Syempre may kanya-kanya tayong buhay. Ang sa akin, feeling ko may maaambag lang kami to the youth. Ang ambag namin is yun nga, adulting. Yung season two namin is about adulting and how our characters went through that,” said Belle.
“Love, family, our school stuff. Yun yung ma-aambag namin to the youth but I can’t say that we are representing the youth.”
Donny considers it a blessing that there are those who look up to them, but he also thinks it is a great responsibility. He further shared that the biggest lesson that they can impart to viewers is to stay true to themselves without stepping on others.
“That’s the most important thing: to believe in themselves and to not lose hope despite everything,” he said.
Of Belle, Donny shared what he admires the most about her is how she cares more about others than herself, and how grounded she is. “She’s very selfless and is always eager to make sure she gives her best,” said Donny of his leading lady.
Belle returned the compliment, saying that what she likes about Donny is his passion for the craft, his eagerness for growth, and his strong spiritual faith.
“I go to the same church as him. I met so many people there sa church that helped me grow and that’s one thing I like about him,” said Belle.
Up next for the DonBelle is a Star Cinema project that will mark the film company’s return to theaters since the pandemic. This will be the pair’s second full-length movie after 2021’s romanticcomedy “Love Is Color Blind.”
“The material is really nice, it’s very different from what we’re used to doing and we’re excited. I’m excited for you guys to see it as well,” said Donny.