Xyriel Manabat. Image: Ahmed Sicat via Instagram/@xyrielmanabat_
Xyriel Manabat is ready to take on more daring roles in the future, although she stressed that being sexy should be relevant to the character she’ll portray.
Manabat spoke about taking on sexy roles in her upcoming projects during an ambush interview with reporters, where she was asked if she’s open to embracing her sensual side.
“Kung necessity po siya,” she firmly stated. “Pero if just because magpapa-sexy lang and walang relevance sa story or kind of character sa role, then it’s a no. Kung hindi naman kailangan [magpa-sexy], then I don’t see the need to do so,” she added.
(If it’s a necessity [to be sexy]. Because if I’m asked to be sexy without any relevance to the story or character, then it’s a no. If there’s no need to be sexy, then I don’t see the need to do so.)
The actress, who gained attention for her portrayal as Tonet in the hit teleserye “Dirty Linen,” said she wants to be recognized as an actress who is “dedicated” to improving her craft.
“Gusto ko pong makita [ng viewers] ‘yung dedication ko sa craft, and the way I give justice to my roles. Gusto ko pong iyon ang nano-notice nila,” she said. (I want viewers to see my dedication in my craft, and the way I give justice to my roles. I want them to see that.)
The “Dirty Linen” star then admitted that she’s not fond of reading comments on social media, as she is more focused on her protecting her “mental health.”
“Gusto ko lang pong makita [‘yung comments ng mga tao] sa performances ko, but if it’s unnecessary remarks about my body in my public posts, huwag na po. Gusto ko pong i-protect ang mental health ko,” she added.
(I want to see comments praising my performances. But if it’s about unnecessary remarks about my body in public posts, no. I want to protect my mental health.)
She also expressed her gratitude to audiences who enjoy her role as Tonet in the revenge drama, saying she’s glad that her character is still appreciated despite being a “kontrabida.”
“Despite na kontrabida ako, masaya ako na maraming nagugustuhan si Tonet. ‘Yung tipong tingin sa’kin ng iba, spirit animal daw nila ako,” she said while laughing. (Even if I’m a villain, I’m happy that a lot of people like Tonet. Others even see me as their spirit animal.)
Manabat first gained recognition as a child star where she starred as the young Andi Eigenmann, Angelica Panganiban, Coney Reyes, and Maja Salvador in the teleseryes “Agua Bendita,” “Rubi,” “100 Days to Heaven,” and “Wildflower,” respectively.
Following a two-year break, the actress returned as the sassy Tonet in “Dirty Linen,” who is known for constantly trading barbs with Chiara (Francine Diaz). EDV