Zaijian Jaranilla on why he has never tried to outgrow Santino
MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen years after winning over TV audiences as Santino in the ABS-CBN series “May Bukas Pa,” Zaijian Jaranilla continues to be identified with the inspirational character. But unlike other former child stars who may feel the need to distance themselves from their early roles, the actor said he has never deliberately tried to shed that image.
In fact, it appears that Zaijian’s association with Santino continues to work in his favor, particularly when it comes to being considered for projects that carry messages of faith, hope and family values.
The actor got to reflect on the enduring influence of his breakthrough role on the sidelines of the red-carpet premiere for his newest advocacy film “Guryon” at Gateway Mall on Saturday.
Directed by Lester Dimaranan, “Guryon” stars Zaijian as a young man abandoned by his uncle and aunt after his parents died, and who now must take responsibility for raising his younger brother, portrayed by child actor Kanye Avendaño.
The film, which also stars Xyriel Manabat, Ruby Ruiz, Ron Angeles, Ramon Christopher and Ping Medina, tackles “family abandonment, resilience and the importance of finding support” during extremely challenging circumstances.
In light of back-to-back projects with strong social and moral themes, Zaijian clarified though that he never made a conscious effort to reinvent himself or change how people perceived him following the success of “May Bukas Pa.”
“Regarding that image as ‘Santino,’ it was never really my intention to prove anything or show people, ‘No! This is who I really am!’ I think I’m just being more authentic, especially when I’m acting,” he said.
“Because whenever I make movies or take on roles that, as you mentioned, are daring, I don’t really transform myself or think, ‘Oh, I’m going to become daring now. I’m going to be like this. I’m going to be sexy.’
“I’m still the same person I’ve always been. When I create a character and internalize the role, there will always be a part of Zaijian in the character I’m portraying.
“It’s always 50-50. So, I feel that it just comes naturally. It really shows. And it also makes a big difference when you’re not trying too hard. Because when you try too hard, people are more likely to notice and think, ‘Hey! Inaartehan lang ako nito (This person is just putting on an act).’”
Zaijian added that developing a character is also a collaborative process between the actor and director.
“That’s also something you work on together with the director, finding the right balance for the kind of character he wants and sees in you,” he said.
“That’s why there are also notes from the director. So, I feel that it’s not really about maintaining the Santino image.”
Nevertheless, that image he established as Santino may have also helped him land the lead role in another advocacy project, the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Seeds of Peace.”
He plays the late Claretian missionary Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, who was abducted and killed by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan in 2000.
“Feeling ko po, may ganun. It has that kind of magic. May ganung magic po yung si Santino,” he admitted. “Because I probably wouldn’t be playing a priest if I hadn’t played Santino. Some people don’t even know my real name anymore. (They would acknowledge me,) ‘Uy, si Santino yun, ah!’”
The “meta documentary,” as Zaijian described it, combines accounts of the late priest’s life and captivity with dramatized scenes. But the actor readily admitted that he was surprised when the film was selected as one of the eight official entries of the 52nd MMFF, which opens on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
“I’m very happy because it was unexpected! I never thought it would be included because it’s a meta-documentary,” he said.
“And I was surprised that the MMFF accepted it. And it’s really a big deal for the Claretians because it gives them an opportunity to share Fr. Rhoel’s story.
“And also for Fr. Rhoel’s family, because they want to introduce Fr. Rhoel to more people, as they are also trying to have him declared a saint. So, I hope the Church and the Filipino people will also support it. That’s why being accepted into the MMFF is such a big deal.”
However, the film’s participation in the festival has come under scrutiny following reports that it had been screened in select venues before being chosen as an official entry.
Under MMFF rules, participating films must follow the festival’s premiere requirements, subject to certain permitted previews. The controversy prompted questions about whether it remains eligible to compete in the annual filmfest.
When asked about the possibility of disqualification, Zaijian expressed his disappointment but stressed that the matter was already beyond his responsibility as an actor.
“Sa mga ganun pong usapin, parang hindi ko na po siguro… nakakapanghinayang, opo. But I hope, if given the chance... hopefully, it still pushes through.
“Pero sa mga ganung usapin po, hindi na po ako… kumbaga, labas na po ako dun. Sa producer na po yung usapan na yun. Pero sana po, kahit papaano ma-consider.”
MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer had previously assured the public that the film’s eligibility would be examined through due process and that its producers would be given an opportunity to respond.
“This matter has come to the attention of the MMFF. Due process will be observed, and the producers of ‘Seeds of Peace’ will be afforded the opportunity to respond. The MMFF Rules Committee will ensure due process is upheld,” Ferrer said in a statement.
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