Belle Mariano inks first exclusive ABS-CBN contract, bares new projects

Belle Mariano had officially signed her first-ever exclusive network contract with ABS-CBN, extending her 14-year journey as a Kapamilya in the entertainment industry.

On Aug. 18, Belle sealed her place in the network giant during the “KapamILYa Forever: Born to Shine” event at Dolphy Theater, attended by ABS-CBN executives including president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, chairman Mark Lopez, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, CFO Rick Tan, and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi.

During the signing event, Belle turned emotional as she expressed her gratitude to the people behind her success, including her loved ones, mentors and supporters.

“Throughout the 14 years, I would say that it wasn’t easy for me but nakakataba ng puso because I was surrounded with amazing people and I’m just so grateful to them,” Belle tearfully said.

“To our ABS-CBN bosses, thank you so much. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. To my mom, thank you. Thank you mom, you’ve made me a stronger person, thank you so much. To my supporters, maraming-maraming salamat because you guys are really the inspiration why I do this. You are the reason why I do this.”

Belle also received surprise video greetings from fellow Kapamilya artists including Piolo Pascual, Alexa Ilacad, her onscreen partner Donny Pangilinan, as well as directors Cathy Garcia-Sampana and Mae Cruz-Alviar.

Donny praised Belle’s dedication to the acting profession, saying, “Working with Belle for so long, I really can see how much she’s changed, how much she’s grown as a person, as a woman, as an actress.”

“When I first worked with her, magaling na siyang artista, sobrang galing na niya, but she never stops looking for opportunities, for growth and for her to learn more,” he added, expressing excitement for her future projects.

Following the contract signing, Belle revealed in a media conference that she is preparing for several new projects, including a film, a new album and a birthday concert.

She also expressed her desire to take on more challenging roles and eventually pursue work behind the camera.

“I would say ang dami ko pang gustong gawing roles. I’ve never done anything na ‘yun nga something bida-kontrabida, and which I mentioned, horror. That’s something I want to do. I won’t limit myself to something, I really want to learn and grow and want to challenge myself.”

Looking back on her 14 years as a Kapamilya, Belle described her journey with the word “growth.”

“I would say that it’s growth because all throughout the years what I really went through, like there are times na magiging mahirap talaga. There are times when you will fall and there are times talaga na mapanghihinaan ka ng loob. But then you rise above it so it makes you a stronger person and I think those experiences molded me into who I am today. Being a Kapamilya, for me, is growth and I’m so grateful to be in this family,” she explained.

On Instagram, Belle also posted a heartfelt message thanking ABS-CBN, her mother, fans and Donny.

“14 years and counting. Thank you to my ABS-CBN family. I will always be a Kapamilya,” she wrote.

“To Donny, you have been a great part of my journey. My mom, you are my rock, my pillar and my anchor. I dedicate my achievements to you. To my dearest supporters, thank you for being my strength, my drive and my greatest inspiration. Maraming salamat.”