Kapamilya star Xyriel Manabat is on cloud nine following the warm reception of 18th Rose, especially with viewers praising her natural chemistry with close friend and co-star Kyle Echarri.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Xyriel admitted she was overwhelmed by the support the film has been receiving.
“Sobrang na-overwhelmed ako. I'm lost for words talaga. Sobrang grateful. We're so blessed to have this support, this platform, this opportunity, and Netflix support and trust. Sobrang, sobrang punong-puno lang po talaga yung utak ko, yung puso ko ng reaction.” Xyriel said.
Despite the film’s early success, the young actress said they never assumed it would resonate this strongly with audiences.
“Habang ginagawa palang, minamanifest na po namin, pinagpi-pray po namin, kini-claim, dini-declare, lahat po nang pwedeng pampa-attract sa universe, ginagawa namin sa Romblon, kahit sa Tarlac, kahit sa location po namin. We're really hopeful pero hindi po in-expect, hindi rin po in-assume. Gusto lang talaga namin mapakita yung gawa namin at gusto lang namin, bukod sa ma-entertain yung tao, makapulot sila ng moral.”
Xyriel was happy to see and hear comments on her natural chemistry with Kyle.
“Siguro po kaya natural chemistry yung natatawag nila sa chemistry na mayroon kami ni Kyle, kasi yung chemistry ni Rose and ni Jordan, ang ugat ng friendship, and yun yung masasabi kong meron kaming strong foundation ni Kyle,” Xyriel explained.
She added that while their bond came naturally, they still worked to build the romantic vibe of their characters.
“Kinailangan namin lagyan ng Rose and Jordan na sweet na romantic na tinginan, gestures and everything, para mas maging effective siya. Pero, feeling ko kaya po siya talaga naging ganoon yung rehistro kasi nga po, almost safe na may friendship doon po sa parehong story.”
Xyriel also credited Kyle as a key source of emotional support and inspiration, especially during the film’s heavier scenes.
“Yung paghugot ko doon sa scene, to be honest, kahit sinasabi ni Kyle na ako yung inspiration niya, buong scene sa kanya talaga,” Xyriel expressed. “Si Kyle talaga yung pinanghugutan ko doon. Every time titingin ako sa kanya, okay na, alam ko ng secured relationship kasi nandyan si Kyle. Nasa eksena o wala si Kyle basta, nasa isip ko si Kyle, I have to, I need to give justice sa bawat eksena.”
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Xyriel Manabat shares how ‘18th Rose’ helped grow her friendship with Kyle Echarri
Their personal conversations also played a crucial role in helping her better understand her character, Rose, and the depth of her relationship with Kyle’s character, Jordan.
“Yung mga heart-to-heart talks kami na lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya,” Xyriel said. “Ikaw (Kyle) talaga yung source ng emotion ko lalo yung sa beach (part). Ako naman yun yung personal favorite or kung hindi man personal favorite siguro yun yung masasabi ko, malapit sa puso ko. Tapos yun, throw lines pa lang, umiiyak na ako. Ganoon ako naniniwala sa story.”