Former child star Belle Mariano has grown before our eyes; transforming from a cute little girl to a young lady—and the popular series He’s Into Her (which eventually got a second season) played a big role in her career.

Now that the show is over, she can’t help but get emotional while looking back at the program that paved way, as well, to the rise of her love team with Donny Pangilinan, DonBelle.

On Instagram, Belle wrote a touching open letter to her character, Maxpein Del Valle, calling it “a letter to the bravest girl I’ve ever known.”

“I’m glad I got the honor to portray you. I’m grateful I get to live out your life even for a short time because you’ve taught me so much—how to value friendship and family, most especially love,” she expressed. “You’ve taught me, that even in the most difficult times in our life we will always get something out of it, there will always be beauty after all of it. Thank you, Max, for believing. For loving. And for not giving up—na sa kabila ng “kahit na” at “kahit pa”, sa pagmamahal, palaging sigurado.”

Belle also shared how the character taught her the value of standing up firmly for what is right and how the role made here a stronger version of herself, as well.

“With your journey, I learned how to have stronger relationships, I’ve built my courage, I’ve learned how to stand up for what is right. Lastly, you’ve taught me na, ‘Ang matapang umiiyak pero hindi nagpapasindak.’ You’ve shown us that even the bravest persons have their soft side, too…and that’s okay,” she said.

The actress ended her post saying, “It may have taken me a lot of tears, uncertainties, and sleepless nights to be here, but one thing is for sure…I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you, Max, you’ll always have a place in my heart.”