Why Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri’s ‘unexpected pairing’ works in Netflix’s ‘18th Rose’

COMING FROM DIFFERENT LOVE TEAMS, Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri form an “unexpected,” first-time pairing in the romantic drama “18th Rose,” now streaming on Netflix.

Writer-director Dolly Dulu welcomed the positive response from the two lead stars’ respective fan bases, who have shown strong support for the film.

“I’m super happy that the response has been positive. Since it’s an unexpected pairing, you don’t really know how people will react,” noted direk Dolly in an interview. “Even if they have existing love teams, the fans are still supporting them. They grew up with love teams… but this film is about two characters being in their characters who just happen to fall in love. Hopefully, the fans will clamor (for more), support it and share that they are effective together.”

Opposite Xyriel is Kyle Echarri as Jordan in the movie now streaming on Netflix.

According to the synopsis, “18th Rose” captures the magic of first love. Set in Romblon, a spirited teen (Rose) dreaming of the perfect debut makes a deal with a lonely newcomer (Jordan), but unexpected feelings and revelations may shatter their plans.

“It’s a feel good movie,” direk Dolly told The STAR. “Kikiligin ka talaga kung sasakyan mo sila. That’s about it. Minsan ‘di ka kinikilig kasi meron kang notion na ayaw mo eh. But when you watch it with open eyes, (it works), no expectations and no judgement na, ‘Ay hindi to magwo-work,’ kasi wala namang mag-e-expect na magtatambal sila.

“I felt that it became an advantage for us because you have no expectations, sasakyan mo yung pelikula, automatically, naturally nade-develop yung kilig kasi nga nag-start naman sila na magkaaway eh, unti-unti ka nilang dinadala.”

When direk Dolly pitched the film to Netflix, Kyle and Xyriel were already the actors he had in mind.

“Rose’s character embodies a small girl na probinsyana like you know who would pass as somebody who grew up in Romblon. That’s what I was looking for and of course, the acting chops because the character requires that level of acting,” explained direk Dolly on why Xyriel was the first choice for the role.

Xyriel takes on her first leading role as Rose in the film, which is directed and written by Dolly Dulu.

“Kyle’s character, Jordan, is a Fil-Am. Nagre-require siya na yung pagtitingnan alam mo yung ano ‘to, hindi ‘to purong Pilipino because his character in Romblon pinagtitilian kasi towering, gwapo, artistahin, tapos mukhang American,” he said and lauded Kyle’s acting chops as well.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, the two lead actors shared a “kilig” moment while filming in the province—when they watched the sunset together, with filmmaker Joyce Bernal whom Kyle invited to join the shoot in Romblon.

“The last time I worked with her was when I was eight years old. So yung saya ko po nung talagang, ‘Direk!’” recalled Xyriel.

“We watched the sunset bago mag-RoRo  (roll-on, roll-off ship). We just watched, just the three of us, and we talked about life and ayun kinain po kami ng buhay na mga niknik. Pero masaya naman. Sarap pero sakit. Dami po naming niknik na kagat ‘pag uwi,” Kyle quipped.

In the “This or That Challenge” segment, Kyle and Xyriel displayed their goofy personalities, making the segment filled with laughter because of their candid answers. Read on:

Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri team up for the first time in ‘18th Rose’ on Netflix.

Soulmate bestie or partner-in-crime?

Xyriel: “Soulmate bestie.”

Kyle: “Soulmate bestie. ‘Di ako mahilig sa crime eh. Haha!”

Xyriel: “I believe in soulmates.”

Kyle: “I do, too.”

Deep late-night talks or random kulitan?

Xyriel: “Deep late-night talks.”

Kyle: “Pwede bang both? Haha!”

Xyriel: “Deep late night talks random kulitan.”

Talker or listener?

Xyriel: “Listener.”

Kyle: “Talker ‘to (pointing to Xyriel).”

Xyriel: “I’m a great listener.”

Kyle: “You’re a great listener but you’re also a talker.”

Xyriel: “Ikaw, talker! Haha!”

Kyle: “Talker, talker, talker!”

Knows all the secrets or is still discovering her/him?

Xyriel: “Still discovering him.”

Kyle: “Still discovering her. I feel like there’s so much to discover in a person. Wow! Haha!”

Xyriel: “Lalim.”

The cast of ‘18th Rose’ during a presscon with direk Dolly. Photos courtesy of Netflix

Best friend first or lover first?

Both: “Best friend first.”

Kyle: “Alam mo yung mahirap ‘dyan pag nag-break kayo ng bestfriend mo. It’s even worse.”

Xyriel: “Let’s not go there. Haha!”

Kyle: “Ba-bye! Haha!”

Xyriel: “Mas masakit yun. Haha!”

Debut: Grand or surprise celebration?

Xyriel: “Surprise. Kasi ‘di ko yan naranasan.”

Kyle: “Me, I always wanted…  Haha! I’m surprised. I was expecting 18th roses on my… but nothing came. Haha! I don’t like surprises. Ayoko pong nagugulat ako.”

Xyriel: “Akala ko mas nagugulat po ako pag-surprise. Haha!”

Kyle: “Sorry po. Walang tulog eh. Haha!”

Xyriel: “Lumalabas (silliness). Haha!”

Secret crush or confessed feelings?

Xyriel: “Secret crush.”

Kyle: “Confessed feelings. I’m too honest eh. ‘Di po ako magaling magtago ng crush.”

Xyriel: “Ako ayoko ipa-alam ‘pag may crush ako, yung taong yun ha. Kasi di ko na siya crush ‘pag alam niya.”

Text or call?

Kyle: “Call. I don’t like texting… Ang t*nga ko po magbasa ng emotions sa text. Haha!”

Xyriel: “Kahit hindi magbasa. Call din. Dama mo eh.”

Send memes or send reels?

Xyriel: “Send memes.”

Kyle: “Send memes kasi mga reels ko ngayon puro pang diving, aqua marine.”

Xyriel: “Ako puro plants, nature and sports.”