On Donny and Belle: Clothes, shoes, and accessories all by GUCCI Photography by Dookie Ducay

'We’ve been really wanting to travel somewhere after the shoot. And I think Korea is perfect. It’s our first time together to go here,' said Donny Pangilinan, one-half of the phenomenal DonBelle tandem. By 'we,' he was, of course, talking about looking forward to taking some time off with Belle Mariano, as they were both busy shooting for their recently concluded series Can't Buy Me Love.

Donny and Belle devoted nine months of filming for this project, and it's been one beautiful adventure full of learning and takeaways. Their CBML journey may have ended, but they're taking parts of Bingo and Caroline to their next adventures.

By now, we already know that CBML ended with the dreamy barnyard wedding of Bingo and Caroline and their honeymoon in breathtaking Batanes (albeit with an emotional twist, considering Bingo's illness). When the show was launched, Metro marked the milestone with a cover feature on Donny and Belle一think of it as BingLing's meet-cute. Now, Metro celebrates the success of CBML with another DonBelle cover feature, this time in Seoul, South Korea. Fitting perfectly into the narrative, perhaps we can think of this as another version of BingLing's honeymoon.

DonBelle at the Gyeongbokgung Palace

Related Story: “Can’t Buy Me Love” Stars and #TeamGalaxy Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano Go on an Awesome Seoul Adventure

In reality, though, this is a sweet escape for DonBelle. They've been a love team for four years, but there's still a lot of things they learn from each other, especially when going through firsts together such as this trip.

One of those firsts, too, is their first magazine cover feature through Metro. We chatted about CBML and that cover shoot done in the thick of the pandemic while they were sitting in the middle of a subway train一not a real moving train but a cool setup that resembles the one in South Korean girl group aespa's 'Black Mamba' music video. Where we were doing this interview is the HiKR Ground, which was especially created as a creative hub and playground for K-pop fan content creators.

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Donny told Metro.Style, 'Even if we were in a pandemic, it was so nice. It was such a fun experience… I think it's memorable because it was the first cover shoot I did with Belle.'

Donny further shared that, at the time, they were still seeing how their dynamics would work since shooting for a series is different from shooting a magazine editorial. He said, 'I didn't know what to expect to see, what the photos would turn out or how the photos would turn out. And when I saw the first cover photo, I was like, 'Wow, it's beautiful.''

'It's beautiful, right?' he turned to ask Belle. He then jokingly said, 'We can be a love team,' making Belle laugh.

'Ang saya,' Belle also said of their Metro shoots. 'Laging ang ganda talaga... parang wow, ang ganda ng photos! It's always beautiful.'

Belle at the Common Ground | On Belle: Ensemble by FENDI

During their first Metro cover shoot, there were still COVID-related protocols in place that limited the number of people at the shoot. I personally was monitoring that shoot via Zoom and text updates, but even through the laptop or cellphone screen then, DonBelle's chemistry was palpable.

Fast forward to today, for their fourth Metro cover, we found ourselves flying to the Land of the Morning Calm and the land of K-pop, K-drama, K-food, and K-culture in general. Belle is a K-pop fan and has watched many K-dramas as well, so it was fun catching her all giddy upon seeing things related to these; her fun expression in her photo with Donny at a popular K-drama filming location, Starfield Library in COEX Mall in Gangnam, pretty much encapsulates her excitement at being in the heart of Hallyu.

Starfield Library in COEX Mall, Gangnam Photo from @donny

Donny, on the other hand, was thrilled at the dining and shopping opportunities the dynamic city offers through places such as Myeongdong and the upscale Hyundai Seoul mall (yes, Queens Group's department store in Queen of Tears!).

Both also got excited upon seeing the framed signed papers and photos of global supergroup BTS and K-Pop boy group Stray Kids (who, like Donny and Belle, are members of Samsung's #TeamGalaxy) at the famous Yeongcheon Yeonghwa Sigyuk Sikdang in Gangnam, where the Hallyu artists also dined. The restaurant specializes in marinated, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Speaking of #TeamGalaxy, Donny and Belle also spent an afternoon at the Samsung Gangnam store, an immersive multi-level flagship store featuring the latest and most innovative gadgets and accessories. Here, they got to customize and personalize their phone cases.

Donny at the Common Ground | On Donny: Ensemble by Louis Vuitton

A trip to Seoul, South Korea is incomplete without visiting iconic tourist spots, which also happen to be famous K-drama filming locations. Donny and Belle visited the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Yeouido Hangang Park by the Han River, N Seoul Tower, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

You may have seen Donny's and Belle's social media posts of photos of them wearing hanbok or the traditional Korean clothing in the Gyeongbokgung Palace. We thought this was the perfect way of capping their Metro cover shoot in Seoul. Belle told me hanbok is something she would only see in K-dramas, citing Mr. Queen in particular, so it was surreal for her to finally be able try on one一a classic red, black, and gold ensemble which we were told is meant for a queen.

Like a K-drama plot, the queen, looking stunning and demure in hanbok, returned to the Gyeongbokgung Palace after getting glammed up; there, a handsome and mighty warrior (aka Donny, also in hanbok, as convinced by Belle) was waiting patiently to meet her. When they met, no words were necessary. The glow of the afternoon sun embraced them as they gazed intently at each other. Suddenly, it was like no one else was around and that the world stopped in that moment. Donny and Belle held each other's hands and faced the setting sun. Where they're headed next, we don't know yet一perhaps it's somewhere only they know.

Echoing what many fans are saying, Donny and Belle indeed exuded K-drama vibes with their photo shoot and the activities they did in Seoul, South Korea. But, with this eventful cover shoot, one thing that was most apparent to us was the genuine closeness of Donny and Belle even when there are no cameras around. As they enjoyed their own time in their hanbok and as we looked at them bonding, we thought, 'It's a wrap!'

A fitting message for BingLing is something that we can also apply to DonBelle: congratulations (on Can't Buy Me Love) and best wishes on your next chapter.

While we can't wait to see their next destination, for now, relive (or maybe even recreate!) Donny and Belle's first out-of-the-country cover shoot with us in the gallery below:

DonBelle at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Photography by Dookie Ducay

Cheonggyecheon Stream - Cheonggyecheon Stream is a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. What used to be a neglected waterway covered by an elevated highway is now a beautiful and dynamic public space; it was transformed in 2005. The 10.9-kilometer-long stream winds its way through the city center, passing by historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno Tower. Along its banks, visitors can enjoy lush greenery, tranquil waterfalls, and charming bridges. The stream is also lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Yeouido Hangang Park by the Han River - Located on the bank of the Han River, Yeouido Hangang Park is a popular filming location for Korean dramas and movies. The park offers stunning views of the river and the Seoul skyline, making it a picturesque backdrop for romantic scenes and dramatic moments. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, biking, and picnicking. There are also several restaurants and cafes located in the park, where tourists can relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

N Seoul Tower - N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, is an iconic landmark located on Namsan Mountain in Seoul, South Korea. At a height of 236.7 meters, it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The tower was completed in 1969 and opened to the public in 1980. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The tower features an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and a variety of shops and attractions. It's also popular for the Locks of Love, similar to the one in Paris, where couples hang padlocks to symbolize their lasting love and affection for each other. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up the mountain to reach the tower. N Seoul Tower is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Seoul. It is a great place to take in the city's skyline, learn about Korean culture, and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

Common Ground - Located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, Common Ground is a unique urban renewal project that has transformed an abandoned railway yard into a vibrant public space. It has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, as it offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. It is most recognizable for integrating large shipping containers into the design. K-dramas like 'Vincenzo,' 'The Fabulous,' 'Love With Flaws,' and 'Oh! Master' have filmed scenes here.

Common Ground - Ensemble by Loui Vuitton

Common Ground - Ensemble by Fendi

Common Ground

Common Ground - Ensemble by Fendi

Common Ground

Gyeongbokgung Palace - Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most magnificent and iconic palaces in Seoul, South Korea. Built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, it served as the main royal palace until the end of the dynasty in 1910. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Korean history and culture. Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in the northern part of Seoul, near the Gwanghwamun Gate. The palace complex consists of over 500 buildings, including the throne hall, queen's quarters, and various administrative offices. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and pavilions. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean history and culture. The palace is open to the public daily, and there are guided tours available in English and Korean.

Gyeongbokgung Palace - Ensemble by Kenzo

Gyeongbokgung Palace - Ensemble by GUCCI

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Photography by Dookie Ducay

Metro Head: Christina Lopez

Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra

Sittings Editors: Red Dimaandal and Grace Libero-Cruz

Makeup by Jake Galvez and hairstyling by Gian Sipaco (Belle)

Grooming by Jam Pareño (Donny)

Styling by Adrianne Concepcion (Belle) and John Lozano (Donny)

Nails by Mimi Qiu Reyes (Belle)

Photographer's assistant: @w.o.u.l.d.y.o.u

Shoot Coordination: Nina Laoang

Special thanks to Star Magic’s Edith Fariñas and April del Rosario; Star Creatives; Rens Dingli; Love Andaya, Kat Valencia-Ibañez, Nina Laoang, Alexandra Camus; Lyza Samartino, Shaira Ibas, and Chantal Covarrubias; Korean Tourism Organization; and Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines