Kyle Echarri draws inspiration from late sister in Netflix’s ‘18th Rose’

April 28 ------ Kyle Echarri drew his main inspiration for his role in the Netflix film “18th Rose” from his sister, Isabella, who passed away in April 2023 due to a brain tumor at the age of 12. “To be honest, for those who don’t know my story, in 2023, my little sister, she’s my biggest inspiration for this whole film,” the actor shared at a presscon. “When direk (Dolly Dulu) pitched this film to me, una kong sinabi, ‘Direk, kaya niyo pala ako napili? It super hits home.’ I think it wasn’t something hard for me because I always wanted to share that kind of love of having someone like my sister and how much of a beacon of love she is for me. So I really wanted to share her story,” he continued.

Coincidentally, Kyle’s character, Jordan, is paired with Rose, portrayed by Xyriel Manabat, who has brain cancer in the romantic drama “18th Rose,” now streaming on Netflix. According to the synopsis, “18th Rose” captures the magic of first love. Set in Romblon, a spirited teen (Rose) dreaming of the perfect debut makes a deal with a lonely newcomer (Jordan), but unexpected feelings and revelations may shatter their plans.

“I think the important thing that they will really learn from Jordan is when you focus so much on what you hate and what you don’t want in life, you don’t realize that you really have everything that you love all around you,” mused Kyle. “And you find so much love in the people that love you and what you are able to share with those newfound people in your life kasi naka-focus si Jordan sa maliit na bagay eh. Isang maliit na bagay na malaki sa kanya but in real life, there’s so much more to life and love, which he learns through Rose and the people around him.”

In a separate interview, direk Dolly told The STAR that Kyle was chosen for the role because it fit him perfectly, though his sister’s story was not the primary reason he was cast. “Kyle’s character, Jordan, is a Fil-Am. Nagre-require siya na yung pagtitingnan alam mo yung ano ‘to, hindi ‘to purong Pilipino because his character in Romblon pinagtitilian kasi towering, gwapo, artistahin, tapos mukhang American,” direk Dolly said, citing Kyle’s acting chops as well. “Yes, it helped (Kyle’s sister’s story) but it was not the reason why he was cast. I forgot about it actually when I was casting but I guess it’s how the universe made it happen,” he shared. “Those were the kind of ‘accidents’ that weren’t planned but they helped it. Ayoko naman sabihin na nakatulong sa akin, parang ginamit ko naman yung experience na yun.”

Direk Dolly reiterated that he never wanted to use Kyle’s experience, as it is something personal. “I think us, creators, we’d still have to create safe spaces. We don’t wanna touch these experiences that, you know, cause tremendous pain. But Kyle would always say that it brought the lightness out of him. Whatever he tapped into, it worked.”

Direk Dolly also expressed hope that viewers would recognize that Xyriel is “ready to be a star” in her first lead role. “Because she deserves it. She’s really good, whether in comedy or drama. She can do it,” the director explained. At the same time, he also wants the audience to see Kyle beyond his good looks and appreciate that he has the “ability to be a serious actor.” “For both of them, I wanted that after this film, they would no longer be seen as teenyboppers or as teen and child stars,” he added. “Sila na yung bagong aabangan na ready na sila maging kung sino sila Judy Ann (Santos), Piolo (Pascual) before, yung mga matinee idols before. It’s their time now. They broke out of their shells and became part of something global because this is a global movie.”

Source: philstar.com