Even after years of working in front of the camera, Kapamilya actress Xyriel Manabat continues to discover new dimensions in her craft, especially through her first leading role in a film, 18th Rose.
Talking with PUSH ABS-CBN, Xyriel revealed that the film not only marked a major milestone in her career but also shifted her perspective on working with an on-screen partner.
“Pwede pala ako magkaroon ng on-screen partner,” Xyriel laughingly said. “Kasi dati, tawang=tawa nga ako, sinasabi ko kay mama na feeling ko ang dami kong kinain ng mga salita tapos ito nga pagbalik ko. Hindi ko (noon) nakikita yung sarili kong maglo-love team, hindi ako magkaroon ng ganito, ganyan pero because of this film, parang naging open ako sa mga on-screen partner, sa love interest, sa mga ganyang tropes ng love story.”
For Xyriel, the experience proved that taking on a love team dynamic does not necessarily mean compromising one’s individuality
“Hindi naman pala siya ganun kasama. As long as walang toxicity, as long as there's mutual respect, boundaries, and professionalism, hindi naman pala masama mag-love team. Okay naman pala and ang sarap katrabaho ng taong ka-love team mo na malinaw sa inyo na you're doing this and your love for the craft,” she added.
Directed by Dolly Dulu, 18th Rose follows the story of a young girl who fulfills her debut dream after forming an unexpected connection with a young "American" boy named Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Echarri. The film allowed Xyriel to explore a more romantic narrative, a new layer added to her remarkable projects.
Having her first lead role in the romance genre, is Xyriel leaning towards doing more of this kind of work?
“Lahat ng genre na puwede nating gawin and lahat ng (dating genre), ulit-ulit din. Kasi I'm sure, kahit same genre, same story, same tropes, kaya natin yan. Kaya natin yan i-deliver, and kaya natin yan itawid ng may ibang puso, ng may ibang crew,” Xyriel proudly said.
“Ang sarap ulit-ulitin, lahat po sila nakakabiting gawin. Gustong-gusto ko ulitin yung Kontrabida Academy. Gusto ko siyang ituloy nang ituloy nang ituloy. Gustong-gusto ko rin yung (18th Rose) kasi nga may puso na buong-buo. Yung sa Last Beergin, kahit na matatakot ako sa magiging rehistro kasi akala ko cringe ko talaga, in a way, gayong may magagandang feedback (naman),” Xyriel stated.
“Ang sarap lang mag-(try) ng bago at umulit nang umulit sa mga nagawa na successful. Thank you, Lord.”
The young Kapamilya actress expressed gratitude as fans and viewers have been giving her good feedback, from Kontrabida Academy, The Last Beergin, and now, 18th Rose.
“Thank you sa lahat ng sumusuporta, and thank you sa mga nagre-recommend. Ang dami kasi yung talaga (nagshare ng) story nila, mag-edit sila (ng videos), nakaka-overwhelmed, nakakakilig,” she said.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Xyriel Manabat shares how ‘18th Rose’ helped grow her friendship with Kyle Echarri
As she continues to build on this momentum, Xyriel is now gearing up for her upcoming iWant series Miss Behave, where she stars alongside Alexa Ilacad, ns Rifol, Andi Abaya, and Reign Parani.
Teasing what fans can look forward to with her new project, Xyriel said: “Masasabi ko rin na mahal at favorite ko rin itong Miss Behave. Maganda siya, interesting siya, ang ganda-ganda ng patutunguhan ng story.”