MANILA, Philippines - Oh, my! Agua/Bendita is Momay. Whether Xyriel Manabat plays a Lindsay Lohan/Parent Trap-inspired role or something similar to Casper, she remains adorable and friendly to children and adults. Watching her is a better option to computer games which the young find tempting and irresistible. After a string of kiddie characters garbed in full fighting gear, who look more like adults in some make-believe world, it’s a breather to watch innocent, young characters like Momay for a change.
“I’m six years old and I’m an only child,” Xyriel introduces herself in the vernacular at the presscon for Momay. The TV series airs weekdays before TV Patrol on ABS-CBN. “My mom gave me my name. She got it from the word cyber. I started doing commercials at four.”
Is becoming an actress her dream?
“Yes,” replies Xyriel. “My mom and I wanted to be in showbiz.”
How much money does Xyriel have in the bank?
“Just a little,” answers she. “Mama puts it in the bank. I use some of it to buy toys.”
Although she has TV work, Xyriel goes to school. She is an incoming grade one pupil at the Full House Learning Center in Pasig City. Her showbiz career doesn’t deprive Xyriel of play. She and fellow co-star Maliksi Morales, seven, have their playtime on the set. The two kids have a blast particularly if the location is Star City where they can try the rides while waiting for their next sequence.
Does Xyriel consider herself popular?
“No,” says she. “But people call me Xyriel or Agua. They also ask to have a photo with me.”
The show’s executives say Xyriel is intelligent. She can memorize long lines, follow instructions and give the right emotions. The reason for this is Xyriel’s reading skill aside from her talent for acting. They have to work with Xyriel with care. The challenge in working with kid actors is dealing with their attention span. The kids work fast if the location has a homey atmosphere. Their attention is diverted when the shoot is in a theme park.
In Momay, Xyriel has a best friend portrayed by Maliksi. He finds working on the set enjoyable. He is a grade two pupil in Cavite. Maliksi auditioned for the role even though he appeared already in Kapamilya shows.
Also in the cast are Bettina Carlos and Tyrone Perez. Bettina likes the idea that there’s always a TV assignment that keeps her busy. “I’m good and well-acquainted,” says she of her rapport with fellow Star Magic talents. “It’s been a year (since I joined the network). I’m happy because I feel my career is going somewhere. (Competition) is good. I have to step up and push myself. It’s good to challenge yourself.”
Since she has an English Literature degree from Ateneo de Manila University under her belt, Bettina says she is more focused now on her career.
Tyrone, on the other hand, wants to try his hand in drama. He admits that it’s his waterloo but Tyrone has an open mind to give it a try — and to be good at it. He simply wants to “show my talent” and to go beyond his comfort zone.
Ejay Falcon and Queenie Padilla are the new faces in Momay.
What else does Xyriel want to do in the future? The child star wishes to be a singer like her idol Sarah Geronimo. Who knows? Xyriel’s dream will soon be granted.