Fans are so excited for Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano's long-awaited first-ever *primetime series*, and the teaser trailer has definitely caught netizens' attention. Can't Buy Me Love is director Mae Cruz Alviar's latest work, and althought she has handled different love teams, she can see the difference in DonBelle—especially in terms of why they're tagged as "phenomenal" and the "new gen" love team. "Meron din silang distinct flavor and distinct personality," she declared. Thus, we put together this quick guide for Bubblies (fans of the New Gen Phenomenal Love Team).
Here's everything you need to know about Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano's Can't Buy Me Love
What is the plot of Can't Buy Me Love?
Caroline Tiu (Belle Mariano) is a rich young woman from a traditional Chinese family. Bingo Rivera (Donny Pangilinan) is a poor but hardworking young man, working several jobs to make ends meet and provide for his family. In the trailer, they meet at a party where Caroline is a guest and Bingo is a waiter. Without giving away the entire plot, it seems like Bingo takes her home (possibly because she's had too much to drink?)—but what happens next?
Who are the cast members of Can't Buy Me Love?
Belle Mariano as Caroline Tiu
In a switch up from their roles in He's Into Her, this time Belle Mariano's character is the one with a rich family. Outside of their onscreen projects together, Belle has established herself as a successful singer with the release of her debut album Daylight in 2021. In 2022, she held her first-ever online solo concert Daylight: A Belle Mariano Digital Concert and performed alongside celebrity guests, including Donny. Belle made history in September 2022 as the first Filipina recipient of the Outstanding Asian Star award at the Seoul International Drama Awards. In June 2023, Belle delighted fans when she dropped her second extended play (EP) titled Somber. And in July 2023, the actress sold out her first-ever live solo concert BELOVED: Belle Mariano!
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Donny Pangilinan as Bingo Rivera
Donny has also been keeping busy. In November 2021 he released his single "Wings" under Universal Records Philippines, and took part in ABS-CBN's 2021 Christmas Station ID, "Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa't Isa" together with several of his fellow artists. As part of Star Magic's 30th anniversary celebration "Beyond the Stars," Donny and Belle participated in a multi-city tour of the USA in 2022. ICYDK, he and Belle were awarded Prom King and Queen at the Star Magical Prom 2023. Donny also shows his more personal side to fans via his YouTube channel—like when he took his sister Solana on a sibs date!
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During their project announcement press conference, Donny revealed that their current roles are incredibly different from their past projects. In a different interview, Belle shared that she felt pressured by their first teleserye: "Amongst all the characters I've portrayed, this one is really different. It's a different level of maturity." We can't wait to see them take on these challenging roles!
Donny and Belle became #DonBelle when they starred in the 2021 web series He’s Into Her, before moving on to the big screen with 2021's Love is Colorblind. The love team last appeared opposite each other in the 2022 film An Inconvenient Love.
Ruffa Gutierrez as Gina David Tan
Several of the cast were announced during the story con and script reading. Ruffa will be playing Gina David Tan, and based on her lines it seems she's an acquaintance of Caroline's family—perhaps another of the ultra-rich Chinese scions?
Maris Racal as Irene Young Tiu
Maris Racal plays Irene Young Tiu, and during the script reading we hear her call Caroline "achi," an honorific term used by Chinese families to refer to and address the eldest sister in the family. So it looks like Belle and Maris are playing sisters!
Albie Casiño as Charleston Young Tiu
Albie Casiño is another member of the Tiu family, but we're currently unsure of the siblings' age order. His first line in the scene was "How are you?", so we're keeping our fingers crossed for a protective older brother figure!
Kaila Estrada as Bettina Young Tiu
In the teaser trailer, we see Kaila Estrada's character Bettina wearing a stunning red gown and receiving presents in front of a crowd of people. It's the same party where Caroline gets drunk in front of Bingo, and based on her "Who cares? I mean, she's here anyway" quip—might there be some tension between the two Tius?
Joao Constancia as Carlo Tan Tiu
Joao Constancia is another Tiu—but perhaps, not a full sibling of Caroline's, based on his middle name. Towards the end of the script reading we see Belle take a "family photo" with her two sisters, her brother, and her parents—but no Carlo. Suddenly, he and Gina (Ruffa) join the family portrait: With the "legal wife" comment, we're guessing that Gina gives birth to Carlo, which could be another reason for drama when it comes to inheritance.
Agot Isidro as Cindy Young Tiu
"Ako legal wife! Clinaro ko na," Agot Isidro said in front of her laughing cast mates. Along with "...and your father is expecting you to be there," apparently we're getting some Tiu family drama in this primetime series!
Rowell Santiago as Wilson Chavez Tiu
In the script reading clip, Rowell Santiago is revealed to be the strict patriarch of the Tiu family and is all about business, especially one that's been in the family for fifteen(!) years. He scolds Caroline and orders her to apologize to —but what did she do?
Nova Villa as Lola Nene
Nova Villa and Donny are cutely hugging each other in the new video, so we're going to assume that lola Nene is Bingo's grandmother. We hope she brings the good humor and lighthearted teasing to counteract the Tiu family drama!
Celeste Legazpi as Catherine Chang
"Secret daw, eh!" is all the actress had to say about her role in Can't Buy Me Love, and that just makes us all the more excited about the show! Is she part of the super rich Chinese dynasties, or is she family (or a family friend) to hardworking Bingo?
The cast also includes Karina Bautista as Bougie Dimaranan, Vivoree as Pandora Daraxi Dela Cruz, and Darren Espanto as Stephen Tanhueco.
Where can you watch Can't Buy Me Love in the Philippines?
As per the teaser trailer, fans can mark their calendars for an October 2023 premiere. No specific date has been revealed, but we're counting down the days until October 1 just in case!
Watch the teaser trailer of Can't Buy Me Love here:
