Feel old yet? News flash: former child actor Zaijan Jaranilla, best known for his breakout role as good child Santino in the Kapamilya series May Bukas Pa, is already 21 years old, and if you’re wondering where the time went, you’re certainly not alone!
“Di po ako makapaniwala na ang bilis po ng panahon. Nagulat din po ako na simulang bata ako hanggang ngayon, andito pa rin po ako sa showbiz industry. Masayang masaya po ako,” the young actor, who currently stars in the superhero series Darna, shares in an interview at Magandang Buhay.
On the topic of growing up in the spotlight, he also opened up about his role as his family’s breadwinner ever since he was young. “Yes, ako po yung breadwinner ng family namin. Bago pa po nun, nagtatalent-talent na ko sa mga teleserye pa. Hanggang sa nag-boom yung “May Bukas Pa” and nakita ko na natutulungan ko yung family ko sa ganung paraan.”
He continued, “Ayun, minahal ko na rin po yung trabaho ko. Masaya ako. Lahat ng kung anong meron ako, dapat meron din sila.”
Despite his positive outlook, he admits that his childhood wasn’t all that rosy, and revealed that his parents separated when he was little, leaving him to his grandmother’s care. “Ang nagpalaki po sakin yung lola ko. Lola’s boy po talaga ako. Aware po ako na hiwalay yung mga magulang ko.”
Instead of dwelling on his folks’ separation, he took the time to step up for his siblings and divert his focus to career. He recalled, “Di po ako na-stuck sa phase na yun. Di ko dinamdam kumbaga kasi nung time na yun nagtatrabaho din ako tas nakita ko na nakakatulong ako sa mga kapatid at saka sa family ko, so dun ko na lang po binuhos lahat ng atensyon ko.”
He also harbored *zero resentment* for his mom and dad. “Sa totoo lang hindi po eh. Feeling ko mas naging independent po ako. Ganun yung naramdaman ko. Hindi ako yung batang, ‘Ay kailangan ko ng pagmamahal ng magulang ko,’ basta continuous yung communication namin, yung lola ko po sya yung nagi-insist sakin na, ‘Oh, bisitahin mo mama mo.’”
Speaking about what’s next for his career, Zaijan says he has grown to be more passionate about his craft, taking his time to learn valuable lessons along the way. “Mas naging passionate lang po ako. Bukod sa nakakatulong ako sa family ko, nakikita ko din yung purpose ko sa sarili ko at sa tulong din nung mga nakakasama ko, marami din po akong napupulot na aral. Sobrang importante po ng pakikisama. Lalo na sa showbiz industry, yung professionalism, at yung pagpapakumbaba. Yun natutunan ko.”
We're rooting for you, Z!
This story originally appeared on Candymag.com.
* Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
