Kapamilya actress Xyriel Manabat opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry, expressing gratitude for the trust and opportunities she continues to receive from filmmakers as she takes on more mature and challenging roles in her career.
During the media conference for her new film Love You So Bad, Xyriel reacted to a question about how she feels regarding her steady stream of projects following her return to showbiz after a six-year hiatus.
“Bukod po sa grateful po ako sa blessings, grateful din po ako sa mga boss, producers, directors na susmusugal po sa akin na tingin nila I can do the role, na I can fit for the role na binibigay nila. Thank you po dahil nakikitaan nila ako as someone na trustworthy as an actress,” Xyriel said.
Having started in the industry at a young age, Xyriel acknowledged that every opportunity carries the responsibility to continuously prove herself and grow as a performer.
The film’s director, Mae Cruz-Alviar, who has worked with Xyriel several times since her early years as a child actress, recalled witnessing Xyriel’s dedication and natural talent firsthand across multiple projects.
“Noong bata siya, ilang beses ako na siya nakatrabaho. When I worked with her again sa It's Okay [to not Be Okay], hanep talaga kasi memorize ang lines right away, continuity alam na alam niya and she’s a natural — as in comic timing, wit, quick wit,” Direk Mae said.
According to the director, Xyriel’s strong work ethic and instinctive understanding of her characters set her apart from many actors her age. Despite taking a break, Direk Mae emphasized that Xyriel’s talent has never faded, but has only evolved over time.
“Nakakatuwa na nakatrabaho ko ulit siya and Im so happy na she's getting work na tuloy tuloy and people are appreciating you. Ngayon, baby girl ka pa rin namin kahit dalaga ka na but her talent never faded. I'm excited to see her grow pa and for her to do more roles pa na machachallenge and makitaan pa siya,” she added.
Xyriel is part of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Love You So Bad, where she joins a young ensemble cast led by Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, and Dustin Yu. The film explores themes of youth, relationships, and emotional growth.
Aside from the film, Xyriel is also working on an upcoming series alongside her fellow Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Season 1 housemates.
Meanwhile, Xyriel previously opened up about her decision to take a six-year break from show business starting in 2017, when she was only 12 years old. In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez on the TFC show BRGY, Xyriel shared that her goal at the time was to live a normal life away from the spotlight.
"Naalala ko po 'yung talagang goal ko po nun, shallow man pakinggan, pero ang sabi ko talaga gusto ko maransan na maging tambay," she shared. "For me po grabe 'yung depth nung gusto ko during that era na gusto ko po gigising ako, ang aabangan ko school service. Hindi po ako gigising ng 2 a.m. papuntang ABS-CBN for pull out [for shoot].”
READ: Xyriel Manabat shares what led her to join ‘PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition’
Xyriel explained that her six-year hiatus allowed her to grow personally and gain wisdom that continues to shape her outlook and work ethic today.
"Feeling ko po lahat ng experience ko during those 6 years [of hiatus], malaki 'yung contribution niya sa wisdom ko ngayon and how I carry myself," she stated.