Former child star Xyriel Manabat continues to earn positive reviews for her portrayal of Antonette "Tonet" Pavia in ABS-CBN’s hit primetime series, Dirty Linen.
“Favorite na raw nila ako na kontrabida kasi hindi raw sila napipikon, natatawa sila. Nakakatuwa kasi spirit animal daw nila si Tonet,” Xyriel happily told entertainment reporters, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), at the press conference announcing Star Magic’s line-up of events this May.
Playing the role of a hilarious but unlikable character in Tonet highlights Xyriel’s versatility, proving her capability to assume protagonist and antagonist roles with ease.
Xyriel said, “Okay lang naman po [to portray villain roles] as long as maganda yung story and maganda yung role ko.
“Hangga’t kaya ko po bigyan ng justice yung role ko, bida man o kontrabida, gagawin ko po yung best ko.”
As for doing daring roles in the future, Xyriel commented, "Kung necessity po siya sa story or sa role, okay lang po.
"Ayoko lang yung magpapa-sexy lang na walang relevance whatsoever just for the sake of it."
LIFE AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT
Now 19, it can take awhile for viewers to get used to seeing Xyriel all grown up.
After all, Xyriel made her mark as a bubbly and spunky child actress seen in the hit Kapamilya shows like May Bukas Pa, Agua Bendita, and 100 Days To Heaven.
Speaking of the latter, who would forget Xyriel’s scathing but cute trademark line, “Kuha mo?”
That's why it came as a surprise to many when Xyriel took a hiatus from show business despite her flourishing acting career.
Looking back on the decision, Xyriel explained, “I focused on my personal life po. Nag-aral po ako and I made sure na wala po akong ma-miss sa youth ko.
“Kasi ayoko naman po na peak ng career ko then I won’t be able to go back or puro regret na lang po ako.
“Kasi hindi ko na po mababalikan yung youth ko kung tinuluy-tuloy ko [ang showbiz career ko].
“Gusto ko po balanced — wala akong ma-miss sa career and wala rin akong ma-miss sa personal life ko.”
Xyriel feels that the six-year break did wonders in broadening her views and outlook in many facets of her life.
Living outside the fishbowl allowed Xyriel to be more in touch with the world around her, something that she utilizes now that she's back acting in front of the camera.
Smiled Xyriel, “Siguro po nagamit ko naman nang maayos yung hiatus na hiningi ko.
“Marami po akong napagdaanan na nag-result po into ng mature mindset and wider understanding.
“So, feeling ko po, okay naman po ako sa sarili ko sa pag-transition ko [from a child star to mature actress] and confident naman po ako.”
Through it all, Xyriel never thought of abandoning showbiz and taking on a different path.
“Masaya naman po ako na nakabalik ako. Masaya po ako na napagpapatuloy ko [ang aking showbiz career] kasi I’m really happy with my craft po.”
IGNORING TOXICITY
Returning to the limelight means being susceptible to hurtful criticisms once again.
Xyriel had her share of unflattering, even inappropriate, comments from netizens even before she made her showbiz comeback official.
Her social media posts would attract bashers, who seem to take pleasure in body shaming the Kapamilya actress.
Xyriel's return to the spotlight somehow guarantees that she'll continue, like every celebrity out there, to receive persistent nasty remarks to go with the pleasant ones.
To say that Xyriel occasionally gets hurt by the negative comments about her on social media would be an understatement.
"I can’t be a hypocrite na sabihin na hindi ako affected kasi meron at meron po akong feelings at hindi po puwedeng maging unfair ako sa emotions ko pag nakakabasa ako [ng masasamang comments].
“I want to be fair with myself,” said Xyriel, thoughtfully.
It's not that she's actively seeking to read these comments.
However, it's totally impossible not to come across people's thoughts at a time when social media has become an integral platform for celebrities to reach out to fans.
“Minsan unintentionally po [nakakabasa ako ng negative comments] and every time nagri-read ako, yung mga good comments, talking about sa mga episodes [ng Dirty Linen] kasi gusto ko makita kung ano yung take nila sa performance ko, gusto ko makita kung ano yung babaguhin ko po."
She continued, “If it’s about an opinion or unnecessary comments about my public posts, no na po.
“Gusto ko i-guard yung mental health ko.”