MANILA - Child star Zaijan Jaranilla, more popularly known as Santino in ABS-CBN's hit teleserye "May Bukas Pa," admits that becoming a popular star is not easy.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Jaranilla said that he is really happy and enjoys the attention people give him as local TV's "miracle boy" but he also divulged that he sometimes feels the pressure of being popular.

"(Mahirap din pong maging sikat) ang daming magpapa-picture sa iyo tapos po magpapa-kiss, 'yon po," he said.

Asked if he doesn't like being kissed and hugged by people he does not know, Jaranilla said: "Hindi naman po, nahihiya lang po kasi ako."

Jaranilla said he is happy that the teleserye has helped other kids his age to become closer to God and to believe that there is always hope.

"Sana po lagi silang mabait at lagi nilang pagbutihin ang pag-aaral nila. (Sa mga nanonood po ng 'May Bukas Pa') maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo at mga sumusuporta sa akin sa 'May Bukas Pa,'" he said.

He also revealed that he still dreams and prays of earning enough to buy a house and a car.

To see more of Jaranilla as Santino, don’t miss the heartwarming episodes of 'May Bukas Pa,' weeknights after TV Patrol on ABS-CBN.