Xyriel Anne Bustamante Manabat was born on January 27, 2004,[2] in Taytay, Rizal, to Daryl Jake Manabat and Elizabeth Dianne M. Manabat.[3] She was raised with her younger brother Xandrei Ezekiel and is a member of Iglesia ni Cristo.[4]
Following her hiatus from the showbusiness for nearly six years, Manabat focused on her personal life and education.[5] In June 2020, Manabat graduated high school at the Golden Faith Academy with honors.[6][7]
Career
2009–2013: Beginning and breakthrough
Manabat began acting in 2009 after joining Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Idol, finishing third runner-up in the talent competition. After playing minor roles in several shows, her breakthrough role came in 2010 when she was cast as young Agua and Bendita in Agua Bendita. According to Kantar Media, the pilot episode of the series received a national TV rating of 37.7%.[8] Originally intended to play the characters for a week, the reception from the public ultimately forced the management to extend her portrayal for two more weeks.[9] In February 2010, she made a short appearance in the romantic drama series Rubi as the young version of Angelica Panganiban's titular character. In May 2010, Manabat starred in the titular role Momay. The series was a success, debuting with a TV rating of 22.7% nationwide, ahead of its timeslot rival First Time with only 12.5%.[10] In July 2010, she appeared in a supporting in the fantasy drama series Noah. The series premiered with strong viewership, garnering a national TV rating of 39.9% according to Kantar Media.[11] In December 2010, she was cast in a supporting role in the dramedy film Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!). It was a box-office success and earned Manabat two acting awards including Best Child Actress at the 59th FAMAS Awards and Best Child Performer at the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival.
In December 2011, Manabat reprised her role as Monay Montecillio in the crossover sequel Enteng ng Ina Mo. The film was a success at the box-office, becoming the highest grossing entry at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival.[15] In January 2012, Manabat starred alongside Pokwang and Rayver Cruz in the family independent film A Mother's Story. The film earned nearly ₱25 million at the box-office within its first two weeks. Lauded by critics for her performance, Manabat scored her second FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress.[16] In July 2012, Manabat starred in an episode of the fantasy anthology Wansapanataym titled "Pinay Big Sister". According to Kantar Media, it was the second most watched TV program of the weekend in the Philippines with 34.8% national rating, winning the over its timeslot rival Manny Many Prizes with only 12.2%.[17] In August 2012, her first horror film Amorosa was released in cinemas. Despite being screened in only 50 cinemas, the film earned nearly ₱12 million at the box-office within its first five days, outpacing the musical film I Do Bidoo Bidoo.[18] Acclaimed by critics for her portrayal as Nadia, the film helped her score her third nomination for FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress.[19] In January 2013, Manabat appeared in a supporting role in the drama series Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw. For her performance, she earned a nomination at the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television as Best Child Performer.[20]
2014–2022: Further film and television appearances, Hiatus
In January 2014, Manabat made a special appearance in the drama series The Legal Wife as the young version of Monica Santiago, later portrayed by Angel Locsin. In March 2014, she played young version of Julia Montes's character Mona Roque in the period drama Ikaw Lamang. In December 2014, she played the role of Rochelle in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya. Her portrayal was acclaimed by critics, winning Best Single Performance by an Actress at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards.[21] In 2015, she starred in the action drama film Pangil sa Tubig alongside Derek Ramsay, Yam Conception and Zaijan Jaranilla.[22] Manabat has also starred in a number of episodes in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya.[23] Following her short appearance in the series Wildflower,[24] Manabat went on a hiatus to focus on her personal life and education. In May 2020, she graduated high school at the Golden Faith Academy in Taytay, Rizal[25] and made an appearance as guest in the morning talk show Magandang Buhay.[26]
2023–present: Showbiz comeback
In January 2023, Manabat returned to acting through the revenge drama Dirty Linen as Antonette Pavia. Her performance was met with praises from critics and viewers alike while the series received consistent viewership online.[27][28] In March 2023, she was invited at the first ever Star Magic Prom.[29] In August 2023, she was cast as one of the main characters in the mystery coming-of-age series Senior High as Roxy Cristobal.[30] In September 2023, Manabat attended the ABS-CBN Ball.[31] In November 2023, she was also in attendance during the Star Magical Christmas Ball with the casts of Senior High.[32]Candy Magazine included her on their "12 of the Most Stylish Gen Z Celebs at the Star Magical Prom 2023" list.[33] Rafael Bautista of Nylon Manila named Manabat among the "9 Local artist who had a well-deserved breakthrough in 2023", praising her acting performances in her comeback projects saying: "She had the best comeback this year and solidified her status as one of the best actresses of her generation."[34]
Manabat has participated in a number of charity events. In 2011, the production of 100 Days to Heaven had an offshoot charity activity— a gift-giving project titled "100 Toys to Heaven."[39] In November 2012, she also took part in The Grand International Importers and Exporters Christmas Bazaar event which "aims to help underprivileged children".[40][41]
In June 2010, Manabat took part in former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's victory concert party as one of the events guest performers.[42] In 2011, Manabat recorded her first single "Kuha Mo?" which was used as one of the theme songs of the Christian drama 100 Days to Heaven.[43]
Known for her dramatic and comedic performances in film and television, Manabat has been described as one of the most "promising actresses of her generation".[48]Yes! magazine included her on their list of the 100 Most Beautiful Stars in 2011.[49] In a critical review by Fidel Antonio Medel for the film Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!), he described Manabat as "the most charming performer", further adding: "With an angelic face and undeniable charisma, she shifts effortlessly from comedy to drama—allowing her to win the Best Child Performer award this year."[50] Nica Glorioso of Nylon Manila also praised Manabat for "her ability to portray a mix of complex emotions" in one of her comeback projects Senior High.[51] Writing for Philippine Entertainment Portal, Elvin Luciano stated that Manabat delivered excellent portrayal in the film Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak.[52] Veteran Filipino actress Vilma Santos stated that she is a fan of Manabat and praised her acting prowess saying: "Xyriel is such a good, good child actress."[53]
Hannah Mallorca of Philippine Daily Inquirer praised Manabat's performances in Dirty Linen and Senior High saying: "The way her expressions spoke for her character's emotions themselves to the way she delivered her lines proved that only certain actors have the innate skill, and she's one of them."[54] In 2012, Manabat became the youngest nominee in the "Best Drama Actress" category at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. According to Google, Manabat was the seventh most searched female personality of 2022 in the Philippines (second among local female celebrities behind Kris Aquino).[55][56]
