Zaijian Jaranilla

Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla (born August 23, 2001), professionally known as Zaijian Jaranilla, is a Filipino actor and dancer best known for his breakthrough role as Santino, an orphan with a special connection to Jesus, in the ABS-CBN television series '' May Bukas Pa'' (2009). Jaranilla was also a cast member on the popular children's sketch comedy show '' Goin' Bulilit''. In 2022, he portrayed Ding, the younger brother of the iconic Filipino superhero Darna, in the TV series of the same name, which aired under ABS-CBN.

Early life and education

Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla was born on August 23, 2001, in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, to Glendelle Lara Jaranilla of Lucena, Quezon, and Zenon Louis Jaranilla of Marinduque. He grew up in Roxas District, Quezon City, Metro Manila, and regularly spends holidays in Boac, Marinduque. He is the eldest of three siblings, with two younger brothers: Zildjian Godweevil and Zymic Demigod Lara Jaranilla. His parents separated in 2006, and he currently resides with his father.

Before joining ABS-CBN and Star Magic in 2008, Jaranilla was discovered by talent manager Bryan Ancheta of RDB Talents and Events Management in 2004. His grandmother, Maria Dulce Jaranilla, who worked with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Foundation, Inc., accompanied him after a doctor expressed interest in having him appear in commercials. Together, they went to an audition in Makati, which proved successful, marking Jaranilla's debut as a commercial model. He made his first appearance in the McDonald's ''Good Kuya'' commercial in 2006. This was followed by a ''Lactum MTV (With Supers)'' commercial in 2007, and a TV ad for Tide in 2008.

Jaranilla began his formal education at General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City, where he completed Grade 1 in 2009, ranking ninth in a class of 40 students. He transferred to Angelicum College in June 2009, initially enrolled as a Grade 2 student. However, due to the filming schedule of his breakthrough television series '' May Bukas Pa'' (2009), he could not attend school regularly that year. To keep up with his education, he enrolled in a home study program. Additionally, he attended Headway School for Giftedness from 2009 to early April 2010.

After ''May Bukas Pa'' concluded in February 2010, Jaranilla resumed regular schooling at Angelicum College in June 2010, restarting Grade 2. Shortly after, he began working on his next television series, ''Noah'', which premiered in July 2010. Despite his busy acting schedule, he continued his education at Angelicum and remained at the school for eight years, completing his sophomore year in junior high school by 2018.

Due to increasing demands on his time as an actor, Jaranilla discontinued regular schooling after 2018. To continue his education, he took and passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) administered by the Department of Education, which allowed him to proceed directly to senior high school. From 2021 to 2023, he studied at Colegio de San Juan de Dios in San Rafael, Bulacan, where he completed the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand and graduated on May 31, 2023.

Career

2008–2010: Breakthrough and ''May Bukas Pa'' Era

In 2008, Jaranilla signed with ABS-CBN, joining the network’s talent management agency, Star Magic. He made his first appearance as a guest on the children’s sketch comedy show ''Goin' Bulilit''. That same year, he also appeared in the anthology series '' Mars Ravelo's Komiks Presents''. Jaranilla became a regular performer on the Sunday variety show ''ASAP'' and made several appearances on other ABS-CBN programs, including '' It's Showtime'' and ''Maalaala Mo Kaya''.

From February 2, 2009, to February 5, 2010, Jaranilla portrayed the lead role of Santino Guillermo in ''May Bukas Pa'', the highest-rated Philippine television program of all time. His portrayal of Santino, a young boy who encounters Jesus Christ, earned him widespread recognition and made him a household name in the Philippines. The series received a special award at the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Awards, presented by Cardinal Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, which Jaranilla accepted alongside his co-stars. Additionally, ''May Bukas Pa'' won the Anak TV Seal twice, and Jaranilla was honored with several accolades, including the Male Makabata Award and a spot on the 2010 Anak TV Roster of Makabata Stars (the latter also recognizing his work on ''Noah''). Jaranilla's performance earned him multiple awards, such as the Best Male New TV Personality at the 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Television, the Natatanging Gawad Tanglaw para sa Sining ng Telebisyon at the 2010 Gawad Tanglaw Awards, the Students' Choice of Actor in a Daily Soap Opera at the 6th USTv Awards, the Pinakapasadong Simbolo sa Kagandahang Asal at the 12th Gawad PASADO Awards, and Most Favorite Child Personality at the 1st Lingkod TV Awards in 2010 (announced in 2011).

On November 4, 2009, the '' Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko'' campaign was launched with the release of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID and the lighting of an 18-foot parol. The event was attended by ABS-CBN executives, including chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, president Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN talents, including Jaranilla. The campaign, which involved contributions from various ABS-CBN departments, divisions, and subsidiaries, aimed to unite the network’s employees with the shared goal of bringing joy to Filipinos and encouraging them to embrace the Christmas spirit, particularly following the damage caused by tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng. The planning for the ''Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko'' campaign began as early as June, with teams from Sales, Marketing, Creative Communications Management (CCM), Licensing, Production, and Property presenting ideas to a leadership committee that included Channel 2 head Cory V. Vidanes and department heads. Vidanes suggested combining several of these concepts, including Marketing's company-wide Christmas tree lighting, Licensing’s ''Parol ni Bro'', CCM's station ID and tagline, a Christmas bazaar, and the ''Win sa Bituin'' viewers’ promo, into one cohesive campaign.

In 2010, Jaranilla voiced the character Otep, a fish, in '' Agua Bendita'', the immediate successor to ''May Bukas Pa'' and another religious-themed series. He also starred in the fantasy-adventure drama ''Noah'', alongside Piolo Pascual and Jodi Sta. Maria, which premiered five months after ''May Bukas Pa'' concluded and aired until February 4, 2011. For his role as Eli/Jacob Perez in ''Noah'', Jaranilla wore a wig starting in June 2010 to portray longer hair, which he kept until November 2010 before returning to his usual hairstyle. Later that year, he voiced the character Nico in '' RPG Metanoia'', his first animated film.

From March to December 2013, an uncut version of ''May Bukas Pa'' aired on Jeepney TV, featuring a deleted scene from the show's finale episode.

2011–2014: Post-''May Bukas Pa'' and Child Wonder

In 2011, he made his first on-screen film appearance in '' Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!'', alongside Vic Sotto and Bea Alonzo, playing Angelito, an angel who was expelled from heaven.Vic Sotto works with 'Star Cinema' after 14 years
/ref> Jaranilla appeared on GMA Network's noontime show ''Eat Bulaga!'' to participate in the segment " Pinoy Henyo" alongside co-actors Xyriel Manabat and Bea Alonzo while promoting the movie. The appearance aimed to promote the film and donate the prize money to ''Silid-kaalaman'', an ''Eat Bulaga!'' Library Project for underdeveloped schools in the Philippines.

In May 2011, Jaranilla reprised his role as Santino in the documentary ''Banál'', which aired in connection with the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Jaranilla and Jaime Fabregas, who portrayed Father Anthony, presented the life of Pope John Paul II and his significance for Filipinos. Later that year, he appeared in the Christmas-themed TV series '' Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig'' alongside fellow child stars Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, and Manabat. The series aired until January of 2012.

In 2012, Jaranilla took on the lead role in the melodrama series ''Lorenzo's Time'', alongside Carmina Villarroel. He portrayed the titular character, a boy with progeria. Members of the production staff described Jaranilla as a "boy wonder" and referred to him as a natural and a "born actor" on set.

In 2013, he starred in the TV series ''Juan dela Cruz'' as Tonton. His character Tonton was a juvenile and young aswang. Jaranilla also portrayed the role of Brian in the ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' episode, Alitaptap.

In 2014, Jaranilla also appeared in the TV series '' Ikaw Lamang'' as Young Samuel Severino, the younger version of Coco Martin’s character, marking a brief reunion with Martin after their time together in ''Juan dela Cruz''.

In the same year, he starred in '' Hawak-Kamay'' as Raymond "Emong" Agustin. Jaranilla turned 13 during the production of the series, officially marking his transition into a teenage actor. This marked ''Hawak-Kamay'' as the first series he worked on as a teen actor.

2014–2021: Transition to Teen Roles

In November 2014, Jaranilla expressed interest in taking on more teen-oriented roles following his work in the family drama ''Hawak Kamay''. He stated that he was ready to accept more mature projects offered by ABS-CBN.

In 2015, he appeared in several episodes of ''Maalaala Mo Kaya''. That same year, he starred in the film ''Hamog'', playing Rashid, a Muslim boy who spends 48 hours trying to seek help for his Christian friend who died under tragic circumstances. ''Hamog'' was one of the 12 official entries in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP). Jaranilla’s performance received critical praise, and the film won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Golden Goblet Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Film Festival. His role also earned him his first Best Actor nomination at the Cinema One Originals Awards. ''Hamog'' was also screened at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival. In the same period, Jaranilla returned to television with a minor role in '' FPJ's Ang Probinsyano'' as Cocoy Amaba, marking his third reunion with Martin. He also appeared as Young Macoy in the television drama-romantic series, '' The Story of Us,'' in early 2016.

In 2018, Jaranilla appeared in '' Bagani'', portraying Liksi, and starred alongside Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. In 2019, he acted in his first digital series, ''Story of My Life'', produced by Big Reveal Digital and streamed on iWantTV. Jaranilla also joined the list of Filipino guest actors in the American crime drama ''Almost Paradise'', appearing in the episode titled Lone Wolf. He later starred in '' Ang sa Iyo ay Akin''.

Jaranilla returned to Bacolor Church in June 2019 as part of ABS-CBN's year-long 65th anniversary celebration. The 2009 Christmas ID ''Star ng Pasko'' was used in two station IDs released in the first and last years of the 2010s: ''Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino'' () in 2010, and ''Family is Forever'' in 2019. The 2010 ID was linked to ''May Bukas Pa'', which had the highest ratings on Philippine television at the time, until '' Mara Clara'' surpassed it in June 2011. The 2019 ID was part of the network's 65th anniversary. Both featured Jaranilla, highlighting ''May Bukas Pa'' as the top-rated show on Philippine television since the nationwide TV ratings system was introduced in 2009. The ''Star ng Pasko'' ID remains notable since its release on November 4, 2009.
In 2020, Jaranilla expressed interest in portraying a gay character and had at least two films lined up. He took on the challenge of playing a gay character in the coming-of-age comedy '' Boyette: Not a Girl Yet'', directed by Jumbo Albano and produced by Star Cinema. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Jaranilla explained, "...I agreed to do the project because I wanted to change my image. I want people to know that I can portray different roles. ''Boyette'' has given me an opportunity to prove myself to people." He acknowledged that his breakout role as the orphan boy Santino in the 2009–2010 inspirational teleserye ''May Bukas Pa'' had a lasting impact on his image. However, he was able to move on from that role after the series ended on February 5, 2010, by taking on various other roles in teleseryes and films. Jaranilla emphasized that ''Boyette'' would give his fans the chance to see him in a different light.

On February 2020, Jaranilla was interviewed about the comparisons between his responses when he portrayed Santino and his answers as a grown-up and teenage actor in a segment titled "Same Interview, Ten Years Apart.".

In July 2021, Jaranilla remained with ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the network’s loss of its broadcast franchise. That same month, he starred in the ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' (''MMK'') 30th anniversary special, ''Loving 2 Care'', in the episode titled "Dialysis", alongside Nonie Buencamino. Directed by Jerry Lopez-Sineneng, the episode featured Jaranilla portraying a nurse battling chronic kidney disease. His performance received generally positive reviews, with critics noting his maturity and growth as an actor.

2022–present: Adult actor

In 2022, Jaranilla portrayed Gio Illustre in '' The Broken Marriage Vow'', a remake of the British series '' Doctor Foster''. This marked his first series role as an adult actor. His portrayal in the series made him realize the importance of self-love. Later that year, Jaranilla was cast as Ding, the younger brother and sidekick to the titular Filipino character, ''Darna'', in what became his biggest role to date. During the first week of the show, Jaranilla received praise from critics for his acting skills. He was also awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his performance in ''The Broken Marriage Vow'' and represented the Philippines at the awards ceremony in December 2022.

In September 2023, Jaranilla reunited with Andrea Brillantes and Manabat to star in ABS-CBN's mystery thriller series, ''Senior High''. He portrayed Tim Castro in the series, an initial boyfriend to Manabat's character, Roxy. Jaranilla received critical and public praise for his performance.

On November 15, 2023, Jaranilla renewed his contract with ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic, alongside JM de Guzman, extending their partnership with the network. Present at the contract signing were Chairman Martin López, President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, CFO Ricardo B. Tan Jr., TV and Entertainment Production and Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi, as well as talent managers Cris Tapang and Portia Dimla. During the signing, Jaranilla made his signature praying pose, a reference to his role in the 2009–2010 drama series ''May Bukas Pa''.

Other ventures

Endorsements

Jaranilla started out as a commercial model. After signing with ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic, Jaranilla became a brand endorser for several companies. He endorsed the clothing brand Bench from 2009 to 2012, followed by Moose Gear from 2012 to 2016. He also appeared in campaigns for Globe Telecom (2009–2010), various Nestlé products (2009–2011), Argentina Andale Hotdog (2011), and Converse. In 2009, he was featured in a television commercial for the real estate development Morningfields at Carmeltown.

Advocacy and Philanthropy

In 2009, Jaranilla publicly advocated for Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4, which aims to reduce child mortality. He urged both candidates and voters to support this goal, which sought to reduce the mortality rate of children under five years old by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015.

In 2010, Jaranilla took part in ABS-CBN’s ''“Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig”'' project, an environmental awareness campaign led by the ABS-CBN Foundation and environmental advocate Gina Lopez. The campaign, directed by Brillante Mendoza, aimed to promote the seven-year clean-up effort for the Pasig River, which had become heavily polluted. Jaranilla appeared in infomercials alongside other ABS-CBN talents including Coco Martin, Kim Atienza, Karen Davila, and Efren Peñaflorida.

In 2022, ABS-CBN and Star Magic launched the ''"Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-Ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan"'' campaign to seek financial support for survivors of Typhoon Odette. Jaranilla, along with other celebrities, participated in sports and online gaming events to raise sponsorships and donations. Through this campaign, the ABS-CBN Foundation was able to deliver 584 home repair kits, provide food packs to 207,649 families in Palawan, and parts of Visayas and Mindanao, and restore the livelihoods of fishermen by supplying boats and other essential resources.

Personal life

Jaranilla has long had an interest in Hot Wheels scale model car toys, which inspired him to begin owning personal vehicles starting in 2011. His first vehicle was a Toyota Hiace Super Grandia, followed by a Geely Coolray, which was later featured when ABS-CBN Studios and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi took a ride with him on March 26, 2023. He developed his driving skills from a young age, starting at 11 years old while working as a child star in 2012. After ten years, he obtained an LTO non-professional driving license on May 17, 2022.

In addition to his interest in cars, Jaranilla is fond of gaming, enjoying PC games such as ''Defense of the Ancients'' (DotA), ''Final Fantasy'', and ''Plants vs. Zombies'', as well as various PSP, PS2, and mobile games like ''Mobile Legends''.

Filmography

Television

Digital series

Feature films

Anthologies

Commercials and Public Service Announcements

Discography

Studio albums

*''May Bukas Pa (Conversations Of Bro & Santino)'' (Star Music, 2009)

Accolades

Notes

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jaranilla, Zaijian
2001 births
Living people
ABS-CBN people
Filipino television personalities
Goin' Bulilit cast members
Actors from Oriental Mindoro
People from Quezon
Star Magic
Filipino philanthropists
Star Magic personalities