Fifteen years since “May Bukas Pa,” wrapped up in 2010, Zaijian Jaranilla reminisced about some of his fondest memories while working on the iconic Kapamilya series in his recent interview with celebrity showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz. Those who got to watch “May Bukas Pa” might remember Ogie as Ato, who, along with his wife, Baby (Arlene Muhlach), owned the rice retail store near the church, which also served as the gossip center of Barangay Bagong Pag-asa.
Together, they visited and toured around their taping location in Bacolor, Pampanga, starting at the historic San Guillermo Parish Church, where Zaijian spent most of his days as Santino. At the beginning of their interview, Ogie revealed that “May Bukas Pa” was supposed to only run for eight weeks, since ABS-CBN then was just testing the waters to see if an inspirational and faith-centric series like it would become a hit among the masses. Little did they expect that it would go down in history of television as one of the phenomenal and well-loved teleserye ever made, so it got extended to one year.
Not a lot of people know, but after the teleserye was done, Zaijian divulged that he has turned it into his panata, or tradition, every year to go back to the said church as a way of showing his gratitude, expressing his devotion to “Bro,” and just looking back to where it all started for him. There were also instances when he would bring companions there and tour them around the church and its premises, recounting to them his fondest experiences there.
As they toured inside the church and roamed around its premises, Zaijian reminisced on the scenes that they had shot in some areas and the remarkable scenes that he had gotten to share with some actors. Besides, he also recalled when people approached him or visited him on the set because they thought that he indeed had healing powers and the ability to perform miracles like Santino.
“Honestly po, no’ng edad ko na ‘yon, mga 7 ako, hindi pa ako aware kung ano ‘yong nangyayari. Kaya po parang sinasabi ko nga na if ever may babalikan ako buhay ko na tipong ‘yong aware na ako talaga, siguro noong mga panahon na ‘yon. Parang gusto ko ma-realize kung bakit grabe ‘yong impact ng palabas na ‘yon sa mga tao,” Zaijian said when asked by Ogie if he was already aware of everything that was happening at the time.
Working on the series for more than a year, Zaijian imparted that he felt like he was able to subconsciously absorb the traits of Santino and embody him even after “May Bukas Pa” was already over. He would be reminded to be kind to other people and treat them well, as well as to become more humane. Besides, he also felt like bringing Santino with him to their household, not in a way that he would tell his family what to do but by helping them in every way he could without expecting anything in return.
Since his parents have been separated ever since he was a kid, it was his paternal grandmother who raised and took care of him growing up. She was the one who encouraged him to undergo auditions and who accompanied him to tapings and other events that he had to attend. Basically, she was the reason why he’s part of the showbiz industry.
He was just seven years old when he did “May Bukas Pa,” so he admitted that, just like other kids, there were also instances when he threw tantrums on the set. In fact, he had an episode during one of their first taping days, so his lola did everything he could to pacify him after one of their directors, Jerome Pobocan, threatened to replace him if he wouldn’t stop crying. Aside from easing his tantrums, his grandma was also able to come up with effective techniques to wake him up whenever he got sleepy, which was by walking him around the church and bringing him into the sepulchre where an image of Jesus Christ is laid.
It was also his grandma who initially handled his earnings—wisely spending it on their family’s daily needs and investing it in various properties, such as land. He was able to pick up his grandma’s thriftiness and skills in handling his finances, which helped him save and be disciplined in spending it.
With regard to his most unforgettable scene in “May Bukas Pa,” the 23-year-old Kapamilya actor imparted that it was the star-studded funeral of Santino, in which he was surrounded by the priests who adopted him and throngs of people attended to pay respects to him. Shooting that particular scene indeed took plenty of time, so he wasn’t able to stop himself from falling asleep.
When quizzed about the idea of ABS-CBN doing another series similar to it, Zaijian conveyed his excitement, regardless of if he’s going to be part of the cast or not. He implied that if they were able to make it before and it ended up a success, why won’t they try it again at present?
“Parang importante rin ‘yong mga gano’ng istorya or content sa ngayon kasi nga ‘yong mga tao nagdedesisyon sila ayon sa nakikita nila. Kumbaga wala na si God sa isip nila or madami nang matitigas ‘yong ulo. Kailangan na ng gano’ng palabas ulit na bumalik ‘yong faith n’yo kay God,” he stated.
The interview wrapped up with Zaijian wishing everyone, “Sana nga po hindi mawala sa isipan natin na laging may bukas pa na naghihintay sa atin.”