Featured image courtesy of Netflix.
MANILA, Philippines — Streaming and content giant Netflix has officially dropped the trailer for 18th Rose, its first original Filipino film for 2026—offering audiences a glimpse into the heartfelt coming-of-age world of Rose, played by Xyriel Manabat and Jordan portrayed by Kyle Echarri, set against the backdrop of early 2000s Romblon.
Speaking at the New on Netflix event held in February, the critically-acclaimed young actress shared how deeply she connected with her character. She divulged, “Everything came along naturally, because I believed Rose, I trusted Rose, and I fell in love with Rose.”
Production still courtesy of Netflix.
The film marks not only Manabat’s debut leading lady role, but also her first on-screen pairing with Echarri, whose real-life friendship with the actress helped shape their dynamic and chemistry throughout the production period.
She shared, “It was smooth and effortless because [Kyle and I] have known each other for a very long time. So, for the first few days (of shooting), we were just joking around. Each sequence we closed, we built a deeper connection with each other.”
(L-R) Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri. Images courtesy of Netflix.
For director and writer Dolly Dulu, the early 2000s setting is a deliberate creative choice meant to transport viewers back to a simpler time, painting the film as an opportunity to relive life before instant messaging and social media took over, then creating the perfect backdrop to a tender, transformative love story.
“18th Rose is a small-town film; I wanted to capture the feeling of small-town movies in the Philippines.”
18th Rose invites viewers to lean into the nostalgia and look back on our own pivotal moments at 18—to a time of love and life and everything in between.
Watch the trailer below:
18th Rose drops globally on Netflix on April 9.
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