Xyriel Manabat Reveals the Reason Behind Her Six-Year Showbiz Hiatus

Xyriel decided to step away from the limelight in 2017. While she was only 12 years old then, she had been working in front of the cameras for eight years already, having joined Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Idol in 2009 and starring in Agua Bendita and Momay the following year.

Projects came left and right for the award-winning child actress as she was also part of Ang Tanging Ina Mo with Ai-Ai Delas Alas and Eugene Domingo, and 100 Days to Heaven with Coney Reyes. You probably recall hearing the sassy line “Kuha mo?” during that time.

"Naalala ko po 'yung talagang goal ko po nun, shallow man pakinggan, pero ang sabi ko talaga gusto ko maransan na maging tambay," she shared. Xyriel added that she longed to wake up and wait for the school service, instead of leaving home at an ungodly hour for photoshoot pull-outs in a studio. She graduated from high school at the Golden Faith Academy in 2020.

For her, it is by allowing herself to rest and experience what it’s like to be a kid that gave her the growth and wisdom she lives by today. "Feeling ko po lahat ng experience ko during those six years, malaki 'yung contribution niya sa wisdom ko ngayon and how I carry myself.”

The 21-year-old actress also acknowledged the unwavering support of her home network, ABS-CBN, as they continued keeping her in mind throughout the long period. "Hindi po sila nag-stop mag-reach out at mag-offer ng show,” she stated. “It [was] really my decision po to focus on my personal life para maging regular na bata," adding that she felt her career was enough then.

Xyriel made a notable return to television in 2023 through the hit series Dirty Linen with Janine Gutierrez, Francine Diaz, and the rest of the star-studded cast, which she found both exciting and overwhelming. She also entered the famous Bahay ni Kuya this year as part of the Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.