Now that Xyriel Manabat has finished high school, the 16-year-old former child star is looking forward to going to college.
She hopes to become a civil engineer, Xyriel told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview through Instagram's direct messaging.
That has been her plan since she was younger, explaining, "I always dreamed of building my own house and up till now my dream kept going. I want to pursue it as I become closer to that dream po."
And her dream school? The University of the Philippines.
The 100 Days to Heaven star was proud to announce on Instagram last June 29, Monday, that she finally finished high school at the Golden Faith Academy in Taytay, Rizal.
It was a glorious day for her, she said, but it also made her sad.
She told PEP.ph, "I was sad about the cancellation of the graduation ceremony, but I was more saddened by the pandemic po that the whole world is facing right now."
PURSUING BIGGER DREAMS
It has been two years since she starred in a series for the Kapamilya network. Her last project was Wildflower, which aired in 2017.
Asked if she misses her life as an actor, Xyriel answered, "Opo, namimiss... I miss everything about making films and series po, especially ABS-CBN po."
But Xyriel has decided to put her showbiz career on hold to focus on her studies.
She said, "Kahit nate-tempt po ako sa mga inquiries at projects po na ino-offer I still see myself po prioritizing my studies and my personal life po."
The former child star was very specific about her goals.
"Siguro po makapagpatayo po ng house for my family and to finish studying po 'tsaka mapag-aral po mga kapatid po."
In the meantime, she wishes to see an end to all the problems the country is facing today.
Xyriel said, "My biggest dream at the moment po is that this pandemic, the political issues, and every problem that the whole country is facing will be gone soonest.
"And to make sure that all my loved ones are safe and healthy.
"I am not sure how to secure it but achieving it will be easy po by living healthy and staying at home and following the rules."
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