Belle Mariano continues to expand her artistry beyond the screen with the release of "Like U" - her latest eight-track album that highlights a lighter, more feel-good direction for the actress-singer often dubbed the “Gen Z Superstar.”

Released last Feb. 20 under Star Pop, "Like U" marks Belle’s return to music following her 2023 album "Somber." The new record features eight tracks: “The Puzzle,” “Makulay,” “Numbers Don’t Lie,” “Pintuan,” “Like You,” “Magdadala,” “GetOut,” and “Nowhere Now Here.”

For Belle, the album is both a continuation and a departure.

“We really wanted to opt for a different tone,” she explained. "Like, I'm still finding my voice in music and everyday, we still learn. So, this is something that I've always wanted to do, this type of genre that's light and just chill."

Unlike the mellow, restrained feel of her debut album "Daylight," "Like U" leans toward warmth and brightness. It's a collection meant to make listeners feel "kilig," whether it’s about loving someone special or embracing self-worth.

“The title of the key track is 'Like You' because we want people to relate,” Belle shared. “It can be admiration for someone, or even towards yourself. There’s no one like you. You’re unique, you’re beautiful.”

The album was recorded last year and was originally intended for an earlier release. But as fate would have it, it dropped during love month, which Belle now considers a blessing in disguise.

Among the eight tracks, some songs hold particular meaning for her, although Belle declares she really loves all the songs in her album.

"Pintuan is meaningful for me because the story is so nice once you listen to the music. Parang ilang beses tayong sasaraduhan ng pintuan pero may isang pintuan na para sa atin. Ang ganda ng meaning," she noted.

(It’s like, we’ll have doors closed on us many times, but there will always be one door meant for us. The meaning is just beautiful.)

Meanwhile, “Nowhere Now Here” reflects her faith while the title track“ Like You" is both tender and joyful. “There’s no one else out there like you, baby, nobody can compare,” she sings, simple words echoing the song's core message: love as something which grounds you and completes you.

If acting requires stepping into someone else’s shoes, Belle sees music as building her own path.

She notes that there are clear differences between her two passions.

"Sa acting, naka-plot na yung story ng character mo, alam mo na yung pupuntahan. Pero sa music kasi, Ikaw yung mag-nanavigate ng story mo. Para siyang nagiging diary. Ang ganda lang ng thought that we're able to translate our emotions through music," she points out.

(In acting, the story of your character is already plotted out, you know where it’s headed. But with music, you’re the one navigating your own story. It’s like it becomes a diary. I just love the thought that we’re able to translate our emotions through music.)

Belle confessed that growing up with videoke sessions at home helped shape her love for music. She fondly recalled jamming with her grandfather, moments that planted the dream she continues to pursue today.

“It’s not just my dream. I’m also pursuing my grandpa's dream,” she reflected.

Despite her busy schedule consisting of films, TV projects and endorsements, Belle insists she will always make time for music. “It will always be a way for me to express myself,” she said.

What's next for Belle? She is set to reunite with her onscreen partner Donny Pangilinan in the upcoming Star Cinema film "Tayo Sa Wakas," a comeback that fans have long anticipated.

Still, even amid love team buzz and numerous projects in her busy career, Belle remains focused on evolving her craft.

One of her goals for 2026 is to write more songs of her own. “Gusto ko talagang matutunan magsulat ng kanta,” she admitted. “I’ve started a few before, pero hindi ko pa natatapos. Hopefully this year, makatapos na ako.”

(I really want to learn how to write songs. I’ve started a few before, but I haven’t been able to finish them yet. Hopefully this year, I’ll finally be able to complete one.)

A concert will be a bonus. Belle also dreams of future collaborations, naming British singer Olivia Dean as an international inspiration. Locally, she mentioned bands like Cup of Joe and even BINI as artists she’d love to work with.

For now, Belle is content putting out music that feels “light and gentle to the heart.” In a world that often feels overwhelming, she hopes her songs offer a moment of calm and romance.

"Love is a universal language, and what we really like to happen is for my listeners to feel the kilig and feel the love," she intoned.