EVOLVING UNCEASINGLY
Growth. Learning. Excellence. These are the words Belle Mariano uses the most to bring to life the story of her nine-year journey in show business. Simultaneously getting her make-up done while conveying her thoughts, she never drifts away or loses track— much like she is in her career.
At a tender age of nine, the He’s Into Her star was already keen on the direction she wanted to take in life. Offering more clarity to her juvenile influences, she recounts her love for performing: “Ever since I was young, I really wanted to entertain people. I was the type of kid who stood in front of family during reunions and just performed and sang my heart out.”
Since then, Belle has pressed on and never looked back. Starting as a commercial model, the now multi-faceted star was quickly reeled into the small screen through various TV shows, like Goin’ Bulilit and Lorenzo’s Time. With a charming lopsided smile, she marks that season in her life as a joyful era.
“Psychology.” This was what the actress would have been engaged with if not for her current path. And frankly, it isn’t difficult to imagine. Her answers, albeit straightforward, echo a yearning for learning about people.
Speaking with the tone of someone who could be perceived easily as a veteran in the industry, Belle’s answers to why she’s in the industry are, at the least, perceptive.
“I have a thing when it comes to just going through other people’s emotions and understanding them,” she adds after disclosing her preferred course when she pursues higher education.
“I really enjoyed it because more than just entertaining people, it’s also a learning experience. Every character you depict, you get to learn from and live their life. You get to be different people.”
With more and more lives to portray and stories to imbibe, Belle can only naturally and constantly evolve. Her growth will be limitless, unimpeded, and an ebullient force.
In fact, when asked to describe her generation of stars now, Belle doesn’t linger away from the idea of growth. “I think my generation would be a generation who always wants to learn new things and always wants to grow. ’Di ba? Hindi lang namin nili-limit ’yong sarili namin sa ganito, sa ganiyan.”
With a fistful of wisdom, she finishes with this: “We’re like a tree; we have different branches. We’re like a flower—whatever our environment is, we’re gonna bloom.”
Nearing the end of our conversation, she notes her long-term aspirations saying, “Anything that I can do to contribute to the good, I would. For what is right, I would, whether it may be in this industry or other aspects, as well.”
Upon hearing that, I was reminded of why this generation stands out. They are dauntless, and they’re a steady resounding voice that fights for what is right. She’s one of those people. Belle was even one of the present figures in political rallies held during the recent election, where she tried to reach more and more people to join the plight for a better nation. “It wasn’t easy,” she recounts, and yet she persevered.
A true example to follow, Belle fits right at home in Star Magic’s prestigious lineage of bright talents that are set to conquer Philippine entertainment.