Xyriel Manabat lands first lead role in Netflix film '18th Rose,' calls it an "answered prayer"

• Xyriel Manabat shows heartfelt emotion as she promotes her first lead movie role in 18th Rose
• The film, set in early 2000s Romblon, explores teenage dreams and musical bonds
• Manabat stars opposite longtime friend Kyle Echarri, whose real-life friendship mirrors their on-screen chemistry
• Director Dolly Dulu praises the pair’s natural dynamic, calling them an "unlikely pair" who embraced their characters effortlessly

During the press conference, the 21-year-old performer, Xyriel Manabat became visibly emotional.

"It's not just a dream come true, it's an answered prayer," she said.

"I'm very grateful to those who have trusted me."

Director Dolly Dulu, who joined Manabat on stage, confirmed the significance of the project. "This is her debut film as a lead actress, so I think it's her first major role," she noted.

18th Rose is set in the early 2000s in the province of Romblon and follows two teenagers who connect through music while chasing their dreams. Manabat portrays Rose, and she is joined by Kyle Echarri as Jordan, her on-screen partner and longtime friend.

Read also

Kris Aquino praises Kim Chiu's business success; makes special request

"Kyle and I have known each other for a very long time. We've been friends since 2015, 2016," Manabat shared.

"The first few days [of filming] we're just joking around. We even went to a chemistry workshop but ended up laughing the whole day."

She added that their real-life friendship reflects the youthful, playful bond between their characters.

Dulu described the pairing as an "unlikely pair," which ultimately benefited the film.

"There were no expectations... so they were really just into the characters and just kind of developed in a way. They were friends already so it was easier for them to feel comfortable with each other," the director said.

With 18th Rose, Xyriel Manabat steps into a new chapter of her career, one that celebrates both her growth as an actress and the enduring friendships that shaped her path.

Xyriel Manabat first gained recognition in showbiz when she joined Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Idol in 2009, where she placed third. The former child actress earned praise for her performances in 100 Days to Heaven and Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig. She is also part of the cast of Dirty Linen and, alongside fellow young actor Zaijian Jaranilla, received commendations from viewers of Senior High.

Read also

Cheska Garcia gushes over her husband Doug Kramer: "I like you"

In a previous report, Xyriel, now an empowered young woman, opened up on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition on ABS-CBN and GMA about a common misconception people have about her. The actress revealed that some often judge her based on her clothing choices, assuming she lacks self-respect because of how she dresses.

Meanwhile, Xyriel recently shared a video of herself getting a new tattoo. The clip shows the tattoo artist carefully examining the area before inking, while Xyriel studies the mock-up design. At one point in the video, she can be seen lying on her side as the artist begins the tattooing process.

Source: KAMI.com.gh