Belle Mariano on First Project Sans Donny, New Career Goals

For Belle Mariano, this season of her life is all about growth, from taking on new career challenges, exploring opportunities beyond DonBelle to ticking off dreams for her family.

- By Nathalie Tomada

The STAR felt her excitement over entering what could be best described as a fresh chapter in her life, during an intimate interview about her recent contract signing with ABS-CBN.

"I'm so excited, actually, 'cause this is the first-ever contract that I have with ABS-CBN, and I think this just solidifies that I am forever Kapamilya. So I'm very proud of it, and I'm very excited (of what's to come)," Belle shared.

Having been in showbiz since she was nine, she knows very well that sustaining a career here requires constant learning.

"I feel like I want to do something that would really teach me, you know? Throughout my acting journey, I want to learn more. Every project that I join, that's my goal really—to learn more," she said.

"And hopefully, after this contract signing, I will take on roles that will truly challenge me as an actress. I just want to explore what I can do pa."

This hunger for growth has led her to work alongside industry veterans such as Maricel Soriano, Piolo Pascual and director Cathy Garcia-Sampana in the movie, "Meet, Greet, Bye." She said of the shoot experience:

After nearly 15 years in showbiz, "Wow, when we first started shooting, of course, I felt nervous. It's nerve-wracking because it's the Diamond Star, Papa P and then direk Cathy. But because of our long days shooting together, they really became like family to me on set.

"I can say that on and off set, we couldn't be separated. It's nice because it's like I also gained mentors. I look up to them; they're very caring. I really know that throughout this movie, I will learn a lot from them. I'm so excited for you guys to actually watch it."