Playing both the good and evil twin rivals Agua and Bendita in 2010, Xyriel Manabat was able to captivate the viewers with her natural knack for acting.
She worked her magic again in the recently concluded 100 Days to Heaven, where she tremendously transcended playing a child's role.
From depicting the child version of Connie Reyes as the cold, blunt, and cruel Anna Manalastas, Xyriel leaps onto the big screen.
This time, she will portray the role of Ai-Ai delas Alas's granddaughter in this year's Star Cinema Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Enteng ng Ina Mo.
Likewise, she will be part of A Mother's Story, produced by TFC (The Filipino Channel), where she will play the character of an OFW's (Overseas Filipino Worker) daughter.
The latter is under the direction of John Lazatin, and is topbilled by Pokwang—alongside Noni Buencamino, Daria Ramirez, Beth Tamayo, Ana Capri, and Rayver Cruz.
A Mother's Story, Pokwang's launching movie, has in fact been shown abroad since November of this year. The Philippine premiere is slated for January 8, 2012.
At the press conference of the said film on December 14, Wednesday, Xyriel showcased an effortless wit in answering questions from the invited entertainment press.
Because A Mother's Story deals with the parent working away from her child, Xyriel's character brings to light the mother-child relationship hurt by the physical and emotional disconnection.
In real life, does the young star consider herself a good daughter to her own parents?
Xyriel answered, "Ako, opo. Kasi po, mahal ko po si Mama. Kung wala siya, hindi po ako mabubuo."
Are there times when she also gets upset or hurt unintentionally by her parents?
"Minsan lang po... minsan po hindi po ako napapansin ng Mama ko saka ng Papa ko. O kaya po minsan po pag pinapagalitan po ako."
Asked if having Pokwang for a mother would be fine with her, Xyriel quickly said, "Okay lang po."
At the remark that she has performed well in her previous projects considering her age, Xyriel just smiled.
Further flattered by the comment that she probably has saved a hefty amount of money due to her movie projects and soaps, her retort, "Hindi naman po marami pera ko. Si Tita Pokwang po yun, e!"
What's the difference between her characters in 100 Days to Heaven and A Mother's Story?
Xyriel replied, "Dun naman po kasi sa 100 Days, tinuturuan po nila ako saka po nag-workshop din po kami. Dito po kasi, bata lang po ako. Parang ako lang."
Even in answering a tricky question, Xyriel did not disappoint: In A Mother's Story, your mother is played by Pokwang, meanwhile in Enteng ng Ina, Ai-Ai is your grandmother. If you chance upon seeing them together, who would you run to first?
"Sila na lang po yung papalapitin ko!"