Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan get candid about each other’s ‘green flags’
While Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan’s new show “How to Spot a Red Flag” reminds viewers to be careful about relationship red flags, the onscreen tandem have all but good stuff to say to each other about what makes them a “green flag.”
Set in La Union, “How To Spot a Red Flag” tells the story of Cha (Mariano) who finds herself caught between Matt (Pangilinan) and JR (Jameson Blake) vying for her attention. The romantic comedy first premiered on a streaming platform in November 2024, and a teleserye version is currently being aired on free TV and the Kapamilya Channel.
Touching on what they like most about each other, Mariano said Pangilinan is the “definition [of a] green flag” because he is a “family-oriented” gentleman.
“Siya ang definition ng green flag talaga. Totoo, because he’s such a gentleman, and family-oriented (He’s really the definition of a green flag. It’s true because he’s such a gentleman and family-oriented),” she said during a media con.
“And if there’s one thing, he is going to achieve so many things. He will soar higher. He will never forget your core. He will never forget God,” Mariano continued.
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On the other hand, Pangilinan praised the actress-singer for her knack for reinventing herself in every project. “She always finds a way to reinvent herself. Hindi madali na (It’s not easy) after one project, you will take on another one, then think how would you portray [your character].”
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The actor also hoped that his leading lady would remain as someone who takes care of her inner child.
“I hope she doesn’t change the inner child in her. She is super happy and super excited about things like being a child, not losing your love for your family, and of course, your love for your craft,” he said.
For her part, Mariano said her favorite quality of Pangilinan is that he is “so game” to try different things.
“think it’s just so nice that I’m able to try new things with you. I learned billiards with you. I learned surfing with you. But my favorite thing about you is that you’re so game with everything,” she said, referring to her leading man.
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Handling red flags
During the media con, Mariano said she is aware that everyone has their fair share of red flags. “Minsan, hindi pa tayo aware na may red flags tayo (We’re sometimes not aware that we have red flags),” she added. But she considers online trolls and scammers as such.
“But I think trolls and scammers are a red flag for me,” she said. “Don’t believe everything you see online. Especially that they don’t have credibility. Be extra careful. Click with caution. There are no bad people. Just people making bad decisions based on their situations and experiences,” she further added.
While agreeing with Mariano’s remarks, Pangilinan pointed out that people develop red flag-worthy characteristics because of how life has treated them.
“Seeing a person as such, [maybe], they went through something that made them reach that point. They are a red flag because maybe they don’t have a father or lost a loved one,” he said. “But it’s very important to be surrounded by people who will lift you. You need to be [with] people who remind you upfront.”
“How to Spot a Red Flag” is Mariano and Pangilinan’s follow-up project after “Can’t Buy Me Love.” They worked together as an onscreen tandem in several projects including “He’s Into Her,” “Love is Colorblind,” and “An Inconvenient Love.”
Aside from Blake, the series also stars Angel Aquino, Mylene Dizon, Benjie Paras, Christian Vasquez, and Kira Balinger.