MANILA — The upcoming film “Tayo Sa Wakas” was not originally meant for the on-screen pair of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, its writer revealed.

According to Kapamilya writer Vanessa Valdez, the concept was initially for a different and older love team.

The film follows two lovers at a crossroads in their relationship as they take a road trip to decide whether to stay together or finally let go.

“This concept was already in existence since 2018. Si Donny at Belle pinagsama namin 2019. It was meant for a different pairing at the time. Over the years dinevelop namin tiningnan kung kanino babagay ang concept,” Valdez said Saturday.

“Until they asked me, earlier this year, ‘We are going to be doing the DonBelle project, ano tingin mo sa break-up story trip na iyon. Pwede na ba for them?'” she recalled.

Valdez explained she believes the story aligns well with the current career direction of Mariano and Pangilinan.

“Ang haba na ng history nila as a love team and on screen so sabi ko pwede na kasi rinerequire may history yung couple na binabalikan tayo. Kaya nang twineak story may in-add kaming elements. Ang tagal na natin hindi rin nakakita ng pelikula they start as lovers and end up as rivals. Matagal na tayo hindi nakakita there is competition between these two people who also love each other,” she said.

The movie will be Mariano and Pangilinan’s last project “for now,” with their love team to be put on hold after “Tayo Sa Wakas.”

Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana is confident that the pair is more than ready to take on the project.

“There is no doubt they can make this, this is for them, and yes you are right, when I saw them on the set I know they are ready.  And grabe inputs ng mga yan,” she said, revealing that Mariano and Pangilinan helped develop their characters.

“We started talking about things that would not be in the movie but we need to know as Cisco and Cheska. Yung na-imagine namin ano pinagdaanan nila, saan sila pinanganak mga ganon,” said Pangilinan.

“We are excited makita nila itong stage of our life and growth namin pareho,” Mariano added.

“Tayo sa Wakas” is set to hit theaters on May 27.