In the past three months since it premiered last October, we’ve been eagerly following the story of Caroline and Bingo, impressively portrayed by this generation’s top loveteam Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, as they go through their respective lives’ struggles and misadventures together in Can’t Buy Me Love.
But recently, they took a break from the drama and from solving mysteries as DonBelle, along with their stellar castmates, delighted us with their presence in the ABS-CBN “Forever Grateful” Christmas Special 2023 held last December 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
DonBelle was among the headliners during the star-studded Kapamilya gathering as they appeared multiple times onstage. They were among the stars who opened the event, with Donny performing Harry Styles’ “As It Was” with his real-life uncle Gary Valenciano, while Belle unleashed the pop idol in her alongside Francine Diaz through their adorable rendition of Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid”.
They then shared the stage with their Can’t Buy Me Love family as they spread holiday cheers to everyone by singing and grooving to “Kay Sayang Pasko Na Naman.” [LINK OUT ] We probably found ourselves smiling as we caught sight of Karina Bautista, Vivoree, Chie Filomeno, Kaila Estrada, Anthony Jennings, Albie Casiño, Enzo Pineda, Joao Constancia, and Gello Marquez, as well as senior stars Agot Isidro, Rowell Santiago, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Nova Villa.
The well-loved loveteam then joined their fellow Kapamilya leading ladies and leading men in stealing our hearts through separate production numbers. Belle and the other lovely girls of Can’t Buy Me Love Karina, Vivoree, and Maris sizzled in their cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs,” while Donny charmed us with his rendition of Zack Tabudlo’s “Habang Buhay” along with other heartthrobs.
DonBelle then had their moment together, as they led the Kapamilya loveteams in a series of kilig song numbers, in which they endeared us with their sappy duet of “Last Christmas” and even sent their ardent “Bubblies” into a frenzy as they did kilig gestures onstage. They then joined the Kapamilya singers during the performance of Diana Ross’ “Family,” as well as the Kapamilya all-star cast in the finale part of the spectacular performance.
Check out some of the lovely backstage moments of DonBelle and the Can’t Buy Me Love cast during the ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023 through the photos in this gallery!