The Making of Belle Mariano's April 2025 Preview Cover

Find out what went down behind Preview's sunny April 2025 cover.

Published on May 23, 2025

Belle Mariano isn't one to back down from new heights. She might've already ticked skydiving off her bucket list, but as she'd tell us once she got back from posing 10-meters above water for the perfect shot, she realized there's still so much she hasn't experienced—diving from an olympic platform included.

This bravery and willingness to push her own limits have characterized the Gen Z leading lady's path to stardom, and it was something that Preview wanted to showcase in our April 2025 cover.

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The Making of Belle Mariano's April 2025 Preview Cover

"It was three years ago when we first shot Belle Mariano's first ever Preview cover and since then, her star has been steadily rising," Preview Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente shares in a special episode of The Making Of. "She is now a sought-after leading lady and a formidable force in her own right," she adds, noting how Belle's commitment to perfecting her craft has intensified the actress' bright energy.

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PHOTO: Studio Torio | Behind the scenes of Belle Mariano's April 2025 Cover Shoot

The Preview April 2025 cover played on the inextricable tie between youth and summer. Belle was the picture of sun-kissed radiance with Jake Galvez dolling her up with peachy tones, RJ Dela Cruz tousling her locks to mimic fresh-from-water realness, and Nailandia painting her nails the color of crystal seas. Photographed by Karlo Cadang, the images were soft and dreamlike, telling the story of carefree days and fresh experiences.

This also reflected on the fashion direction of the shoot, where colors and sense of ease were prioritized as compared to lengths and cut-outs. "We wanted to reinvent the way we view summer dressing. So as opposed to skin-baring cuts and silhouettes, we wanted to put a focus on vibrant pastel hues," Editorial Assistant for Fashion Paulina Singh explains, describing the Neric Beltran, Patty Ang, Élan Wear, and Patou outfits that were peppered by Nami jewelry, Gentle Monster sunglasses, and Catsua slip-ons.

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More than just an ode to the sun-soaked season with swimming pools and citrus hues, Creative Director Bacs Arcebal expounds on the concept of the shoot, sharing that "it's also about her personal growth, where she dips her toes in different waters and as she takes on new heights in her career."

Sweltering as it was to shoot mid-day at the PhilSports Complex, Belle was light and pleasant as she faced each layout head on. True to form, this was pretty much how she has always dealt with life and her career in the first place. "She's now someone who people are looking up to who's shining bright in her own way. But just like in real life, during her climb, it's also paved with fears and challenges," Lifestyle Editor and cover story writer Kat Cabral observes.

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PHOTO: Studio Torio .

Produced and Styled by the Preview Team

Photographer: Karlo Cadang

Creative Director: Bacs Arcebal

Editor-in-Chief: Marj Ramos-Clemente

Production: Reg Rodriguez and Em Enriquez

Fashion: Paulina Singh and Isha Fojas

Makeup: Jake Galvez

Hairstyling: RJ Dela Cruz

Nails: Nailandia

Story: Katrina Maisie Cabral

Video Direction: Bacs Arcebal and Jana Jodloman

Videographers: Teddy Garcia Jr. and Greeko Junio

Social Media: Sophia Rosello

BTS Photographer: Studio Torio

Shoot Location: PhilSports Complex

Special thanks to Edith Farinas, Rolando Jose and the Philippine Sports Commission

Check out the April 2025 cover story here.

Reg Rodriguez is Preview's Assistant Managing Editor and resident hype girl. Always curious, she loves a good story and would probably ask you your zodiac sign.