Zaijian Jaranilla: Miracle Boy is the next Niño Muhlach

Author: Ronald Constantino
Column: HighSpeed

NEW BOY WONDER? - Miracle Boy. That's what they call Zaijian Jaranilla, owing to the success of the ABS-CBN primetime soap 'May Bukas Pa.' It was meant to last a season or two, but high ratings "dictated" that it be extended on and on, until January 2010 or even beyond.

It's indeed "miraculous" that a soap without big stars to speak of rates very high. Well, now, Zaijian, more popularly known by his name in 'May Bukas Pa,' Santino, is now a household name.

In fact, the Miracle Boy is touted as he next or new Niño Muhlach, the Boy Wonder of the '70s, whose films broke box-office records. Niño also started on TV. Remember 'Ariel (Ureta) con Niño'?

Zaijian has yet to star in a movie, but perhaps Star Cinema could give him a solo starrer. Why not a big-screen version of 'May Bukas Pa'?

How about it Bro?

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LESSONS - Bro is, of course, Santino's good friend, Jesus Christ, whose face is never shown onscreen.

'May Bukas Pa' teaches lessons in spirituality, humility, fidelity, forgiveness, gratitude, and some such virtues. With Zaijian, or Santino (Little Saint), as the harbinger of those lessons.

ABS-CBN originally wanted an adaptation of the Spanish movie 'Marcelino, Pan y Viño,' but there were problems as to the airing rights. And so the Kapamilya network opted to come up with an original story.

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THANKS - The co-stars of 'May Bukas Pa' led by Albert Martinez and Dina Bonnevie can't thank Santino (or is it Bro?) for maintaining their popularity. They're wary though as their contravida roles make televiewers, especially children, hate them. They hope for some redemption along the way.

Liza Lorena is particularly thankful as she costars with son Tonton Gutierrez in the soap, "Kasama ko na ang anak ko, kumikita pa." The best of both worlds, indeed.

Equally grateful are the other regulars: Maja Salvador, Precious Lara Quigaman, Rayver Cruz, Desiree del Valle, Arlene Muhlach, Ogie Diaz, Gio Marcelo, Tony Mabasa, Ron Morales. And of course Santino's adoptive "fathers" (they play priests) Jaime Fabregas, Dominic Ochoa, Lito Pimentel, Victor Basa, David Chua, Ruben Gonzaga, Badji Mortiz.

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Dolphy NEXT - Every week or so, 'May Bukas Pa' features a guest star. The next is no less than Dolphy, playing a ward of Home for the Aged. Santino will touch his life, giving him love and care and comfort.

The likes of Susan Roces, Claudine Barretto, Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vhong Navarro, KC Concepcion, Boyet de Leon, and even the controversial Maricar Reyes have been featured in 'May Bukas Pa.'

Santino is an orphan with healing power adopted by priests. His mother is dead. But who is his father?

That's being reserved for the ending next year.

Source: Tempo