Getting to know the real Santino

Found this article about the boy behind Santino of the hit tv show, May Bukas Pa =)
I just love Santino!
really cute and heartwarming. =)


Behind the ‘Miracle Boy’
By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer



MANILA, Philippines—These days, it’s not unusual for child actor Zaijian Jaranilla to meet people who ask him to cure their illnesses with one touch.

The 7-year-old plays Santino, who has the ability to heal the sick and the disabled in the Kapamilya drama series, “May Bukas Pa.”

Santino is an orphan raised by a priest in a monastery in the fictional town Bagong Pag-asa. He finds a friend in the person of “Bro” (Jesus Christ), who helps him change the townsfolk’s lives.

Zaijan finished first grade at the General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City. He first appeared in commercials for McDonald’s, Lactum and Tide. ABS-CBN bosses spotted him in an acting workshop and asked him to join the kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit.”

Following are excerpts of Inquirer’s recentchat with Zaijian.

Are you aware that you’re famous?
Hindi naman po masyado.

How can you tell that you’re already popular?
Sasabihin po ni Papa sa akin.

How did “May Bukas Pa” change your life?
Hindi na po ako nakakapunta sa malls. Hindi na rin po ako nakakapaglaro.

At school, do people get excited to see you?
Minsan po. Minsan lang po kasi ako pumasok.

What’s your favorite subject?
English.

When people get excited and try to kiss you or pinch you, do you get angry?
Hindi naman po. Nagsasabi lang po ako ng aray.

You’re turning 8 on Aug. 23. What’s your birthday wish?
Toys po.

You were just 5 years old when your parents separated. How often do you see your mom?
Minsan lang po. Kapag Linggo, sa taping pumupunta po si Mama.

Do you have siblings?
Panganay po ako. Ang mga kapatid ko po sina Zindjan (6) and Zynez (5)

Don’t you feel bad that you don’t have time for play anymore?
Minsan nakakapasyal din naman po ako. Dun sa SM North Edsa kapag may taping po.

If you really had a special power like Santino what would you do with it ?
Tutulong po ako sa mga batang may sakit.

Who are you closest to at work?
Kina Tito Lito (Pimentel), Kuya Rayver (Cruz) at Kuya Dominic (Ochoa) po.

On TV, you seem to cry easily. What makes you cry?
Iniisip ko po ang mga malungkot na nangyari sa akin.

What would make you cry really hard?
Kapag iniwan po ako ni Papa.

Are you happy that you’re an artista?
Opo. Pangarap ko po ito.

Do you have idols?
Si Vhong Navarro po.

Do you have crushes?
Si Cristine Reyes po dati, ngayon hindi na po.

What’s your favorite food?
Pizza and spaghetti.

What have you bought from the money you’ve earned so far?
Flat screen TV po.

What else do you want to buy?
Bahay po. Patitirahin ko silang lahat (relatives).

How much is your school allowance?
’Di po ako binibigyan ng baon. Binibili lang po ako ng pagkain, biscuit po.

Do you have your own room at home?
Wala po. Katabi ko po ang mga kapatid ko at si Papa. Dalawang kwarto po ’yun. Ang mga pinsan ko po sa kabilang kwarto natutulog.

What about Lola?
Sa sofa po s’ya natutulog.

Don’t you want to sleep beside her?
Malikot na daw kasi ako matulog. Nagigising po s’ya. Minsan tumatabi po si Lola sa akin. Si Papa po kasi hindi umuuwi.

“May Bukas Pa” airs on weeknights after “TV Patrol.”