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Still glowing from her 23rd birthday celebration just the day before, Belle Mariano walked into the Cosmopolitan Philippines office with a quiet confidence—ready to get right back into the groove. After all, this young actress is more than just a “Gen Z rising star.” She’s set on soaring even higher and firmly cementing her place in the industry as someone who knows exactly who she is—vulnerabilities and all.
From wrapping up a hit teleserye to gracing magazine covers and moving into her dream home, Belle is absolutely on a roll! But while her wins keep stacking up, Belle remains grounded in something more powerful than fame: her ultra-pure heart.
“It feels the same, I guess,” she shares when asked how it feels to turn 23. “But now, I’m realizing that I’m at that age [when] I have to take my life seriously. It’s exciting, but it’s adulthood. So, medyo scary, but I’m excited.”
From Young Artist to Breakout Star
And she should be excited! From her early days on the children's sketch comedy series, Goin’ Bulilit, Belle was never just another cute face on screen; she radiated pure, infectious joy. Even then, her purpose—to make others happy—was already taking root.
When she started in showbiz at 9 years old, Belle didn’t overthink the spotlight. “I didn’t really feel the pressure of being in the industry,” she says. “I was really enjoying [it because] I get to do what I love."
But as she grew up, so did the stakes—and the scrutiny. “There’s always a fear in me na nakakatakot magkamali because other people might judge you,” she admits, openly acknowledging her own sensitivity. In an industry where glitz and glamour can easily blur your sense of self, Belle stays anchored by her unwavering purpose and passion. That purity of heart quietly guides her through the noise.
“I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose of making other people happy,” she shares. “And I think that’s my role in the industry—to inspire other people and inspire young girls.”
A Heart So Pure, It’s Her Guiding Strength
Still, despite being in a world that often demands thick skin and louder-than-life personalities, Belle has learned to be authentically herself, leaning into her softness, sensitivity, and sincere desire to connect.
“Just be genuine,” Belle advises. “As long as you have the right intentions [and you’ve entered] something [with] the right heart, I think you [can stay pure to your sense of self].”
When it comes to criticism, she’s learned not to take everything to heart. Instead of letting judgment tear her down, she uses it as fuel to grow. “At the end of the day, may masasabi at masasabi sila. But who knows you best? You, right?” she explains.
And she’s right! By knowing herself, Belle continues to shine not just on screen but beyond it. Leading with intention helped her create something even more powerful: genuine connection—and not just with her close circle, but with her beloved fans.
“Some of [my supporters], I really talk to them and [dedicate my time to get to] know them,” Belle gushes. “More than just supporters, they really became like a family to me.”
That’s just who Belle is. Her authenticity is closely tied to her sensitivity—a trait that has shaped not just how she connects with people but how she breathes life into every role she plays. Whether she’s baring her soul during a dramatic scene or simply waving to fans at an event, Belle’s emotional honesty always shines through—and people feel it.
Sensitivity As Belle’s Defining Grace
For so long, sensitivity has carried a stigma, especially for women in the public eye. But Belle challenges this misconception, embracing it as something completely normal—and even seeing it as one of her greatest strengths.
“[As actors,] there are times in the camera where we get vulnerable [and show] other sides of ourselves,” she shares. “I think that's the beauty of it. I think if you're sensitive, you have a heart, [and] it's a step towards greatness.”
It’s all about changing your perspective. As Belle explains, rather than seeing sensitivity as a flaw, use it as a guiding strength that lets you become more “self-aware, empathetic, and in tune with the people around you.”
Belle Mariano on Keeping Self-Care Pure and Gentle with pH Care
Of course, there will always be days when being in the limelight is never easy. This is why Belle has learned to slow down when it counts.
"For me to fulfill what I want to fulfill in the industry…I have to have the energy and the right mindset for that. And for me to love other people, I have to love myself first," she explains.
Self-care for Belle isn't about elaborate routines—it's about listening to what her mind and body need. "[For] me personally, I like to just have my quiet time. I recharge," she says matter-of-factly. On days when she feels extra sensitive—emotionally or physically—Belle leans into her rituals. And yes, that includes her feminine care routine.
"What I look for personally in feminine care is something I can feel assured about… something that is actually [ideal] for me because it’s in its [purest] form, like pH Care," she beams.
This is where pH Care Ultra Pure steps in, mirroring Belle’s own values of being calm, kind, and caring. As an ate to two younger sisters, the actress confidently passes it on, knowing it offers the gentle, safe care they deserve.
“While all pH Care variants are gentle and safe, what makes [pH Care] Ultra Pure special is that it also considers those with extra sensitive skin,” she explains.
"Some of us have really delicate and sensitive parts," Belle says thoughtfully. Because it's OB-Gyne tested and has no fragrance, colorants, or other common irritants, she adds, "mas naging kampante ako," grateful for that extra assurance for her and her sisters.
So, on her slower, more delicate days, Belle gives herself permission to feel everything—to slow down, be gentle with herself, and honor even her most vulnerable moments.
“For me, sensitivity is a strength and [pH Care] Ultra Pure supports that with intentional irritation-free care that makes me feel protected, seen, and truly cared for,” she said, smiling.
Belle's Pure Message: Embrace Your Sensitivity!
So, what would Belle say to Cosmo girls who feel too sensitive for the world?
“Do not be afraid to be sensitive and do not be afraid to talk about it.” She continues, “There’s beauty in vulnerability and sensitivity…It improves our self-awareness, and that’s one way for us to [be human].”
Her advice? Surround yourself with love, breathe, pause, and prioritize yourself, just like taking care of your intimate health with pH Care Ultra Pure. Because at the end of the day, Belle’s story isn’t just about rising to fame—it’s about rising with softness, strength, and a heart that stays pure no matter what.
So go ahead, Cosmo Girls. Be loud in your softness, wear your heart on your sleeve, and embrace your sensitivity. Like Belle, it will be your defining grace.
Produced by Summit X
Photographer: Belg Belgica (@belgbegica)
Summit X Creative Director: Katrin Cruz (@kjscrz)
Summit X Associate Art Director: Coleen Bognot (@beabognot)
Summit X Editor-in-Chief: Jamie Sanchez (@jamiexs)
Summit X Senior Native Editor: Fenichi Joy Lozada (@nichilzd)
Summit X Creative Strategy Specialist: Kristine May Dela Cruz (@iamkristinedc)
Social Media: Nicole Gueco (@nicolegueco)
Production Manager: Mary Joyce Lapasaran (@_joycelapasaran)
Video Director: Richford Unciano (@ritzpord)
Video Producer: Maria Ariza Adoptante
Video Production Manager: Susan Ali Mohamed El Hadad (@susanalimoh)
Video Editor: Jaymar Talabon (@mxrrr.vt)
Kimberly Pineda (@_kim.nicolee)
Accounts: Kat De Guzman (@katrinavdg) and Tiffany Canseco (@tiffany_chloe)
Implementor: Justine Sanchez (@felizsanchez)
Set Styling: Arj Madarang (@arj_madz)
Makeup: Jake Galvez (@rjdelacruz)
Hair: RJ Dela Cruz (@jakegalvez)
Stylist: Adrianne Concepcion (@adrianneconcept)
In partnership with pH Care
