Charo Santos thanks public as TV drama ends

MANILA, Philippines -- Child star Zaijan Jaranillo, known to millions of televiewers as the lovable “Santino”, is set to do a movie with actor Piolo Pascual after the conclusion of “May Bukas Pa” on Friday.

“Malapit na po ang simula. Hindi ko po alam [ang role]. Siguro mag-ama,” said an excited Jaranillo, who gained popularity for his role in ABS-CBN's most popular teleserye to date.

Pascual said he is looking forward to work with Jaranilla.

He said in an earlier interview that the movie project had to wait because of the popularity of the TV series.

"Laging nae-extend ang 'May Bukas Pa' so hintay lang kami pero kung anuman ang mauna, soap or movie, I will surely start anytime soon, maybe February," he said.

Popularity changed his life

Jaranilla is thankful to millions of his fans for watching May Bukas Pa, the longest-running teleserye since “Pangako Sa ‘Yo”.

He said the show, which ran for 52 weeks, has greatly improved his family’s life.

“Dahil dito, nakalipat na kami ng bahay at nakabili rin ako ng maraming-maraming laruan,” said Jaranilla.

Before starring in May Bukas Pa, Jaranilla appeared in several TV ads. He also starred in TV shows Tiny Tony and Going Bulilit.

His co-stars, Tonton Gutierrez and Ryan Agoncillo, described him as talented and also playful off cam.

“I would say he’s a great kid, he’s a good actor. Kung ano ang natatamasa niya ngayon, it’s due him,” said Gutierrez.

“’Pag off cam, maloko siya just any other kid," said Agoncillo. "Pero pag nag-roll na [ang camera] at siya na si Santino… pwede!”

Learning from Santino

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN President Ms. Charo Santos-Concio thanked Santino’s fans for their unwavering support for May Bukas Pa.

She hopes that viewers will not forget the lessons shared by the show.

“Sa nalalapit nitong pagtatapos, hangad ko ang manatili sa ating mga puso ang mensaheng dala ni Santino: ang pagtibayin ang ating pananalig sa Diyos. Maraming maraming salamat, mga Kapamilya sa pagtangkilik sa May Bukas Pa," said Santos-Concio. With a report from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN