Zaijian Jaranilla facts for kids

Zaijian Jaranilla (born August 23, 2001) is a Filipino actor and dancer. He became very famous for his role as Santino in the TV series May Bukas Pa (2009). In this show, he played an orphan boy who could talk to Jesus. Zaijian was also part of the fun children's comedy show Goin' Bulilit. More recently, in 2022, he played Ding, the younger brother of the superhero Darna, in the TV series Darna.

Zaijian's Early Life and School

Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla was born on August 23, 2001, in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. His mother is Glendelle Lara Jaranilla, and his father is Zenon Louis Jaranilla. Zaijian grew up in Quezon City and often spent holidays in Boac, Marinduque. He is the oldest of three brothers, including Zymic Jaranilla. His parents separated in 2006, and he lives with his father.

Zaijian was discovered by a talent manager in 2004. His grandmother helped him get an audition in Makati for commercials. He started as a commercial model, appearing in a McDonald's ad in 2006. He also did commercials for Lactum and Tide.

In 2008, Zaijian joined ABS-CBN and their talent agency, Star Magic. He went to General Roxas Elementary School for Grade 1. In 2009, he transferred to Angelicum College. Because he was busy filming May Bukas Pa, he studied through a home study program. He also attended Headway School for Giftedness for a while.

After May Bukas Pa ended in 2010, Zaijian went back to regular school at Angelicum College. He stayed there for eight years, finishing junior high school in 2018. As his acting career grew, he took a special test to go straight to senior high school. From 2021 to 2023, he studied at Colegio de San Juan de Dios and graduated on May 31, 2023.

Zaijian's Acting Journey

Becoming a Star: May Bukas Pa Era (2008–2010)

Jaranilla (left) with Andre Tiangco in May Bukas Pa.

In 2008, Zaijian joined ABS-CBN and Star Magic. He first appeared on the comedy show Goin' Bulilit. He also became a regular on the Sunday variety show ASAP.

From 2009 to 2010, Zaijian played the main character, Santino Guillermo, in May Bukas Pa. This show was one of the most-watched TV programs in the Philippines. His role as a boy who talked to Jesus made him a household name. The series won awards, and Zaijian received many honors for his acting. These included Best New Male TV Personality and the Male Makabata Award.

In 2009, Zaijian was part of ABS-CBN's Christmas campaign, "Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko." This campaign aimed to bring joy to Filipinos after strong storms hit the country.

In 2010, Zaijian voiced a fish character named Otep in Agua Bendita. He also starred in the fantasy show Noah with Piolo Pascual. Later that year, he voiced Nico in RPG Metanoia, his first animated movie.

Growing Up: Child Wonder Roles (2011–2014)

In 2011, Zaijian made his first movie appearance in Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!. He played Angelito, an angel. He also appeared on Eat Bulaga! to promote the movie and help a school project.

In May 2011, Zaijian played Santino again in a documentary called Banál. He helped tell the story of Pope John Paul II. Later that year, he starred in the Christmas TV series Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig.

In 2012, Zaijian took on the main role in Lorenzo's Time. He played Lorenzo, a boy with a rare aging disease called progeria. People on the show called him a "boy wonder" because of his natural acting.

In 2013, he played Tonton in Juan dela Cruz. Tonton was a young aswang (a mythical creature). Zaijian also appeared in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya.

In 2014, Zaijian played the younger version of Coco Martin's character in Ikaw Lamang. He also starred in Hawak-Kamay as Raymond Agustin. During this show, Zaijian turned 13, marking his move into teen roles.

Teen and Adult Roles (2014–Present)

After Hawak Kamay in 2014, Zaijian said he was ready for more teen roles. In 2015, he appeared in several Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes. He also starred in the film Hamog as Rashid, a Muslim boy. His acting in Hamog received great reviews and earned him a Best Actor nomination. He also had a role in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and The Story of Us.

In 2018, Zaijian played Liksi in Bagani. In 2019, he starred in his first digital series, Story of My Life. He also appeared in an episode of the American crime drama Almost Paradise.

In 2020, Zaijian took on a new challenge, playing a gay character in the comedy film Boyette: Not a Girl Yet. He wanted to show that he could play different kinds of roles. He explained that this role would let his fans see him in a new way.

In July 2021, Zaijian continued to work with ABS-CBN and Star Magic. He starred in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya called "Dialysis," playing a nurse with kidney disease. Critics praised his mature acting.

In 2022, Zaijian played Gio Ilustre in The Broken Marriage Vow, an adult role. Later that year, he got a big role as Ding, Darna's younger brother and sidekick, in the Darna TV series. His performance as Ding received a lot of praise. He also won Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for The Broken Marriage Vow.

In September 2023, Zaijian reunited with Andrea Brillantes and Xyriel Manabat in the mystery thriller series Senior High, playing Tim Castro. His acting in this series was also highly praised. On November 15, 2023, Zaijian renewed his contract with ABS-CBN and Star Magic, continuing his partnership with the network.

Other Activities

Endorsements

Zaijian started his career as a commercial model. After joining ABS-CBN, he became a brand endorser for many companies. He endorsed clothing brands like Bench and Moose Gear. He also appeared in campaigns for Globe Telecom, Nestlé products, Argentina Andale Hotdog, and Converse.

Helping Others

In 2009, Zaijian spoke out for a goal to reduce child deaths. He asked people to support efforts to lower the death rate of children under five.

In 2010, Zaijian joined ABS-CBN's "Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig" project. This campaign aimed to clean up the polluted Pasig River. He appeared in public service announcements with other celebrities to raise awareness.

In 2022, Zaijian helped raise money for survivors of Typhoon Odette. He participated in sports and online gaming events to get donations. Through this, the ABS-CBN Foundation provided aid like home repair kits and food packs to many families.

Zaijian's Personal Interests

Zaijian has always loved Hot Wheels toy cars. This interest led him to start owning real cars in 2011. His first car was a Toyota Hiace, and later a Geely Coolray. He learned to drive at a young age and got his driving license in May 2022.

Besides cars, Zaijian enjoys gaming. He plays PC games like Defense of the Ancients (DotA), Final Fantasy, and Plants vs. Zombies. He also plays games on PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, and mobile games like Mobile Legends.

Zaijian's Work in TV and Movies

Television Shows

Movies

Guest Appearances in Anthologies

Music

Studio Albums

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

Awards and Recognitions