‘DonBelle’ and their act of love for the Leni Robredo-Kiko Pangilinan tandem

Young stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, known to their fans as “DonBelle”, reminded Filipinos that voting is an “act of love” as they endorsed the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan for president and vice president, respectively.

“Iboto natin sila Leni at Kiko! Dahil sila Leni at Kiko, siguradong pipiliin tayong mga Pilipino,” Donny and Belle said in a video message where they connected love to choosing the right candidates in the May 9 polls.

“Tuwing eleksyon, ‘yan ang dapat tinatanong natin sa mga kandidato. Love mo ba ako? Love mo ba ang pamilya ko?” Belle said.

“Love mo ba ang mga kaibigan ko? Ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino?” added Donny, a nephew of Senator Pangilinan.

As a first-time voter, Belle likened voting to choosing her first boyfriend who will truly love and care for her.

“Unang beses akong boboto. At pakiramdam ko, parang pumipili ako ng una kong makakarelasyon… Sino ‘yung totoong nagmamahal sa’yo?” she said.

Donny said people must choose candidates who have proven themselves, always present during times of need and crisis and most of all, loyal to the Filipino people.

“Someone you can see a future with kasi hindi ka iiwan lalo na sa panahon ng kagipitan… dahil ang number one ingredient sa love, aside from character… is you show up in the most difficult times… ‘pag hindi nagshow up, hindi ka n’yan mahal,” he said.

“Yung ititindig ka. Yung may respeto sa’yo. Hindi ka aabusuhin, hindi ka lalamangan, hindi ka kakawawain,” Belle said of her candidates.

“Yung mga lider na radikal magmahal at ipapakita yun sa praktikal na paraan – hindi ka bibitawan kahit pa ano’ng bagyo, pandemic at problema ang harapin mo. Hindi tinitignan kung gusto mo s’ya o ayaw mo… basta Pilipino, pantay-pantay ang pagtingin sa’yo,” she added.

The love team also called on fellow young people to show their love to their families, friends and the country by choosing the right candidates in the upcoming election.

“Love for your family dahil gagawin mo lahat para mapabuti ang buhay nila,” said Belle.

“Love for your friends dahil gusto mong kasamang mabigyan ng pagkakataong tuparin ang mga pangarap,” added Donny.