Kyle Echarri And Xyriel Manabat Get Real About Love And Self-Growth

Netflix's 18th Rose didn’t just form a new love team between Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri. It also took them back to their younger years, giving them a chance to reflect on what life was like in the 2000s. 

In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines, Xyriel and Kyle got real about the lessons on relationships in that era—a time when technology wasn't as present, and relationships were built simply on time, effort, and being physically there for each other.

"Ngayon, na-take-for-granted natin yung mga medium na meron tayo. So, minsan kahit na ang dali lang mag-hi or mag-hello sa family natin, hindi natin magawa. Unlike dati... Lahat, gagawin [niya] lahat, isa-sacrifice na just to talk to that specific person," Xyriel shared. 

"Ganon kahirap magkaroon ng communication at connection dati... Noon, grabe i-cherish, grabe hanapin, [at] ipaglaban yung connection na meron at gustong buuin ng bawat isa," the actress added, pointing out how connections felt more valued before. 

She also shared her hope that, despite today's technology, people would still put in the same level of effort when it comes to building relationships nowadays. 

Kyle agreed with Xyriel, adding that social media can be a double-edged sword in modern relationships. Without caution, he said, it can create unrealistic standards that lead to mismatched expectations, discontentment, and unhealthy comparisons.

"I believe that's also why tumataas na yung even divorce rate all over the world. 'Di ba? Kasi problem with social media din is that you have access to absolutely everyone online," Kyle expressed.

"And you think you see something that's a perfect relationship, kasi yun yung ina-upload ng mga couples, yung mga good parts nila. Then, when they see that they don't get that, they compare it to their own lives. It's just a lot of comparison kasi when it comes to social media nowadays," he went on.

This contrast between the simplicity of the past and the pressures of the present is at the heart of 18th Rose. Set in the early 2000s in Romblon, the film follows Rose (Xyriel) as she prepares for her debut—a significant milestone for Filipinas that marks the shift from girlhood to womanhood.

The film's take on growing up also made Kyle reflect on his own life. For him, looking back at the early 2000s wasn't just about the style or setting. It was a reminder of how heavy everything can feel at that age. If he could be 18 again, he shared how he'd do it: braver and less being too pressured.

"Problemado akong bata," Kyle Echarri quipped. "I didn't know there were so many bigger problems that would come later in my life. But it also teaches me kung anong mga dapat kong i-prioritize or kung how big of a problem is my problem," he reflected.

Kyle got real about how, at 18—during the height of the pandemic—he already thought about ending his career because of controversies and online bashing. At the time, he didn't realize that those experiences would later shape who he is today.

"When I was 18, I used to think, 'Man, this is it. Why am I still doing this?' When I was 18, iniisip kong tapusin yung career ko. I was really thinking of that, because I just didn't understand all the hatred that was coming towards me," Kyle revealed.

"[But] you need to understand also na hindi mo mapi-please lahat ng tao. May mga tao talaga sa buhay mo na will come either for life or a lesson. If I were to go back, I wouldn't tell him to stop. I'd just tell him, 'Don't worry,'" he added.