Xyriel Manabat Expresses Desire To Return To Heavy Drama & Work W/ Judy Ann Santos
XYRIEL MANABAT – Former child star Xyriel Manabat expressed her desire to return to heavy drama and work with Judy Ann Santos.
Xyriel Manabat started her acting journey at a young age, while Judy Ann Santos, too, gained fame as a child star, becoming a household name due to her acting prowess and emotive portrayals, particularly in dramatic scenes.
In an interview, Xyriel expressed her desire to be acknowledged for her acting skills, emphasizing that she does not want recognition solely based on fame.
During an interview featured on AltStarMagic, Xyriel Manabat responded to a query about fame and whether she apprehends public reception as she reenters the spotlight as a teenage actress. She openly shared that she has never let fame affect her mindset since her early years. Stressing that fame is not her primary focus, she clarified that her true passion lies in acting.
The 20-year-old actress expressed her desire to return to intense drama after portraying bubbly roles in “Dirty Linen” and “Senior High” as part of her comeback in 2023. Currently, the former child star is eager to explore deeper emotional connections in her characters, seeking more poignant moments in her performances.
“Gusto ko ngayon ng heavy drama ulit kasi nakaka-miss. Kasi nung bata ako lagi nilang tinatanong ‘hindi ka ba napapagod, iyak ka nang iyak’ pero parang nakaka-miss po pala siya, ‘yun may ganoon pong depth sa character mo,” Xyriel said in ABS-CBN News’ digital show “On Cue.”
“Kasi ‘yung mga character nito medyo bubbly, masiyahin. Kung may depth man, ‘yung character niya is bubbly pa rin kaya kahit gaano kalalim ‘yung eksena or ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya, nala-lighten up niya. Lumalabas ‘yung bigat pero masiyahin pa rin siyang tao,” she added.
“Nami-miss ko ‘yung malalim talaga, ‘yung parang aping-api siya. Parang ‘yun po ‘yung nami-miss ko, talagang drama, drama po talaga.”
When asked about who she wants to work with, Xyriel Manabat expressed her desire to work with the acclaimed actress Judy Ann Santos in a future project. “Ultimate and all time favorite and idol ko na artista si Ms. Judy Ann. Nakapag-work po kami sa ‘100 Days to Heaven,’ nag-guest po siya nu’n and grabe po ‘yung kilig ko talaga, promise,” she said.
“Ngayon parang feeling ko kaya kong makapag-work sa kanya and sana mas matuto pa po ako para maging deserve ko na maka-work siya. Kahit ano po, kahit katabi niya lang ako, okay lang po talaga.”
Xyriel Manabat also wants to work with A-list actors Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales. She said, “Sobrang sayang ka-work ni Kuya Piolo, simula bata pa lang po ako, nakaka-work ko na si Kuya Piolo, ang saya-saya. Ang sakit sa tiyan kakatawa, ang gaan-gaan ng set, gaan-gaan ng tent, ang saya-saya palagi.”
On Echo, she said: “Siya kasi ‘yung parang kahit ano’ng role, kahit ano’ng character, ano’ng itsura, mapu-pull off niya.”