2009–2013: Breakthrough
Manabat began acting in 2009 after joining Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Idol, finishing third runner-up in the talent competition. After playing minor roles in several shows, her breakthrough role came in 2010 when she was cast as young Agua and Bendita in Agua Bendita. According to Kantar Media, the pilot episode of the series received a national TV rating of 37.7%. Originally intended to play the characters for a week, the reception from the public ultimately forced the management to extend her portrayal for two more weeks. In February 2010, she made a short appearance in the romantic drama series Rubi as the young version of Angelica Panganiban's titular character. In May 2010, Manabat starred in the titular role Momay. The series was a success, debuting with a TV rating of 22.7% nationwide, ahead of its timeslot rival First Time with only 12.5%. In July 2010, she appeared in a supporting in the fantasy drama series Noah. The series premiered with strong viewership, garnering a national TV rating of 39.9% according to Kantar Media. In December 2010, she was cast in a supporting role in the dramedy film Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!). It was a box-office success and earned Manabat two acting awards including Best Child Actress at the 59th FAMAS Awards and Best Child Performer at the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival.
In April 2011, Manabat appeared in a supporting role in the dramedy film Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! as Bea Alonzo's younger sister Maisie. In May 2011, she starred with Coney Reyes in the Christian drama series 100 Days to Heaven. The series was met with an astounding success, becoming the second most watched TV program of 2011 in the Philippines with an average rating of 32.6%. For her performance, she won Best Child Performer at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television, Most Popular Female Child Performer at the Box Office Entertainment Awards, Best Performance by an Actress at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards, Best Actress in a Daily Local Soap Opera at the USTv Student's Choice Awards and Child Star of the Year at the Yahoo! OMG! Awards. In November 2011, Manabat starred alongside Zaijian Jaranilla, Mutya Orquia and Louise Abuel in the family fantasy drama Ikaw Ay Pag-ibig. Upon its premiere, the series became the most watched TV program in the Philippines, garnering a national TV rating of 32% for its pilot episode.
In December 2011, Manabat reprised her role as Monay Montecillio in the crossover sequel Enteng ng Ina Mo. The film was a success at the box-office, becoming the highest grossing entry at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival. In January 2012, Manabat starred alongside Pokwang and Rayver Cruz in the family independent film A Mother's Story. The film earned nearly ₱25 million at the box-office within its first two weeks. Lauded by critics for her performance, Manabat scored her second FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress. In July 2012, Manabat starred in an episode of the fantasy anthology Wansapanataym titled "Pinay Big Sister". According to Kantar Media, it was the second most watched TV program of the weekend in the Philippines with 34.8% national rating, winning the over its timeslot rival Manny Many Prizes with only 12.2%. In August 2012, her first horror film Amorosa was released in cinemas. Despite being screened in only 50 cinemas, the film earned nearly ₱12 million at the box-office within its first five days, outpacing the musical film I Do Bidoo Bidoo. Acclaimed by critics for her portrayal as Nadia, the film helped her score her third nomination for FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress. In January 2013, Manabat appeared in a supporting role in the drama series Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw. For her performance, she earned a nomination at the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television as Best Child Performer.
