The landscape of celebrity beauty standards is undergoing a radical shift in the Philippines. The era when famous stars felt compelled to deny beauty enhancements is fading, replaced by a refreshing wave of candor and transparency regarding cosmetic procedures. While this openness is widely seen as admirable, the unfortunate reality remains: the Filipino term “retokada” (referring to someone who has undergone cosmetic surgery) still triggers intensely polarizing reactions among the public.
Regardless of whether a person has undergone a procedure or not, the pervasive nature of public criticism regarding one’s appearance must be challenged. This is particularly crucial in the online realm, where many social media users tend to push boundaries, often resorting to overly harsh and personal attacks.
Xyriel Manabat: Proud and Unapologetic
Actress Xyriel Manabat, known for her compelling performances since her childhood star days, recently found herself at the center of this debate once again. After previously facing undue criticism for being deemed “too sexy” for her age, she went viral after her personal Instagram bio featured a direct link to the clinic of the doctor who performed her nose surgery.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Manabat addressed the flurry of mixed comments sparked by her bio with characteristic composure. “It’s fine with me,” she stated plainly. “It’s been my bio for two years now. The clinic of my doctor is tagged there.”
When asked if the constant internet debates surrounding her appearance were frustrating, Manabat responded with a mature and confident outlook that resonated with many of her young fans.
“It’s not an issue. I’m proud of it. And I’m happy to advocate about it because it is also empowering to people who have insecurities. There is nothing wrong naman with making yourself more attractive,” she asserted. She added a decisive note on her critics: “If it’s not a huge deal to me, I don’t mind what it is to them.”
Looking confident and radiant at the premiere of her new film, Near Death, alongside co-star Charlie Dizon, the Kapamilya star expressed immense happiness that young women look up to her for embracing her beliefs and her choices.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Manabat sees her platform not just as a stage for acting, but as a megaphone for empowerment. She issued a powerful call to her young supporters:
“Hangga’t kaya kong maging boses ng mga voiceless, I’ll speak up for them. At ‘wag silang mahihiya to stand up [for] what’s right. At huwag nilang kalilimutan na ipaglaban kung ano ‘yung napi-feel nilang dapat nilang bosesan.”
Her message is clear: self-improvement, whether through physical enhancements or otherwise, is a personal choice that should be celebrated, not shamed. She encourages her fans to stand firm in their convictions and speak out against unnecessary judgment.
The Power of ‘Raw’ Emotion in Acting
During the same interview, Manabat offered insight into the honesty that defines her acclaimed acting style—a quality that has earned her admiration since she was a child star.
“There aren’t many workshops,” she explained. “Maybe that’s what makes it good. Everything is raw. There are no technicalities involved. No terms. No professional touches. That’s why what they see is natural. It truly comes only from my genuine emotions.”
This commitment to raw, unadulterated truth in her craft mirrors her approach to her personal life. For Xyriel Manabat, whether on screen or on Instagram, authenticity is the ultimate form of strength.
