Following the announcement of her first lead role in a movie project, Kapamilya actress Xyriel Manabat was still on cloud nine as fans continued to celebrate this milestone in her career.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Xyriel recalled how she felt minutes before she was introduced as the lead star of the Netflix original movie 18th Rose.
“Sobrang ano na ‘ko overwhelmed, kinikilig. Sobrang grabe na yung bigat na nararamdaman ko pero in a good way. ‘Di ko siya maexpress kasi kailangan kung maging matino sa stage. So hirap na hirap ako na istay na composed,” Xyriel happily shared.
The actress revealed that even before going on stage as part of the streaming platform’s 2026 lineup, she had already received congratulatory messages from many people.
“Pinipiigilan ko na talagang maging emotional kasi nga super, sobrang appreciative ko po kasing tao so isang beses lang ako batiin grabe na po yung appreciation ko so sunod sunod pa sila, so parang nag o-overflow po talaga yung saya ng puso ko,” Xyriel added.
Xyriel also admitted that she could no longer hold back her tears after hearing the heartfelt words from film director Dolly Dulu.
“Hindi na ako nakapagsalita and that’s sums up everything naramdaman ko nung araw na iyon. Hanggang ngayon sariwang sariwa pa siya. Hindi ko pa mareplyan lahat kasi nga sobrang kilig na kilig na kilig pa ako. Ayon pala sinasabi nilang on a cloud nine,” Xyriel said.
Aside from the kind words and praises from people in the entertainment industry, Xyriel said she was overwhelmed by how fans and netizens celebrated her new milestone.
“Nakakatuwa kasi lahat sila parte ng celebration, lahat sila parte ng milestone na ito,” Xyriel remarked. “Lahat talaga kayo parte ng milestone na ito kasi lumaki ako lumaki, tumanda ako sa paningin ninyo. Nakita nyo talaga akong tumanda, sa screen ninyo sa TV man yan or phone.”
Xyriel went on: “Nakakatuwa na sini-celebrate nyo ito with me. Wala kasi akong X wala akong Twitter, pero yung mga direktor ko, yung mga producer ko noong bata ako, nag-i-screenshot sila tas sinisend nila sa akin.”
“Super saya ko as in, naninigas yung kamay ko sa sobrang saya. Sobra lang po talaga yung gratitude sa puso ko. Sobrang grateful talaga ako as in overflowing yung appreciation for everyone na nakiki-celebrate with me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you po so very much.”
Xyriel will play the role of Rose in the film alongside her fellow Senior High actor and close friend Kyle Echarri, who takes on the role of Jordan. The movie is directed and co-written by Dolly Dulu (The Boy Foretold by the Stars, Fit Check, Lyric and Beat).
The project marks her first lead role following her transition from child star to promising young actress. The film tells the story of “a spirited teen dreaming of the perfect debut who makes a deal with a lonely newcomer, but unexpected feelings and revelations may shatter their plans.”
In an interview with ABS-CBN Entertainment, Xyriel revealed that the project had already been offered to her before she entered Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.
“To be honest, I think hinintay nila ako paglabas ng PBB kasi dapat gagawin siya before pumasok ng PBB kaso hindi umabot pero paglabas natuloy kahit may show si Direk Dolly. Thank you so much po sa paghintay and pagsugal!” Xyriel said.
18th Rose will be available to stream on Netflix beginning April 9.