Kapamilya actor Zaijian Jaranilla shared his experiences on growing up in front of the cameras in an interview with Toni Gonzaga on ‘I Feel U.‘
The 19-year-old actor rose to prominence after starring in the hit TV series ‘May Bukas Pa’ (2009) which is a religious-themed series where he played as the orphaned Santino.
In the said interview with Toni, Zaijian expressed his gratitude to ABS-CBN network for taking care of him throughout the years. He mentioned that despite the challenges that the Kapamilya network is facing now, the network still offered Zaijan a new project.
“Syempre sobrang thankful po ako kase hindi ako pinabayaan ng [ABS-CBN], kahit ngayon po na may mga naging problema binibigyan pa rin po nila ako ng projects,” he said.
The young actor has also talked about the challenges he faced himself as a child star who grew up in the showbiz industry. He said that it was hard for him to go out leisurely because would recognize and approach him.
But he added saying that he enjoyed his moments of being an artist and was able to make friends along the way.
“‘Yung hindi ko po makumpara ‘yung sarili ko sa ibang mga normal na bata, like ‘yung ‘pag lalabas po kailangan itago ko ‘yung pagiging artista ko kasi makikilala ako,” said Zaijian.
“Pero kahit naman po ganun, in-enjoy ko pa rin po siya kaya hindi naman po ako ‘yung, hindi ko masabi na wala akong naging kaibigan, ‘yun po masaya po,” he added.
When asked about his opinion on whether entering the industry at a young age affected his outlook on life, Zaijian said that it did because he became aware of his responsibilities to his family early and was motivated to work hard.
“Yes po. Feeling ko po mas maaga kong naintindihan ‘yung mga bagay-bagay. Kase po sa family po namin parang ako ‘yung naging bread winner. So simula po nung bata ako hanggang ngayong 19 years old na ako, parang nasa mindset ko na kailangan ko silang (pamilya) tulungan po and kailangan [marunong] akong makisalamuha sa ibang tao,” he explained.
The ‘May Bukas Pa’ actor also revealed that he is currently in a relationship saying, “In a relationship po ako ngayon.”
He said that he was also able to experience heartache in a relationship but he got over it with the help of his supportive friends. He mentioned that one thing that he learned in relationships is that a person could easily fall in love but find it hard to stay in love.
“Natutunan ko po na sobrang dali lang po palang ma-inlove pero mahirap mag stay inlove, parang madali lang magsawa,” he said.
Zaijan is currently working on his latest project with ABS-CBN which is a movie called ‘Boyette (Not a Girl Yet).’ The actor will star along with fellow Kapamilya artists Inigo Pascual and Maris Racal. The movie is a ‘coming-out; movie where he will play the role of a gay named Boyette.
In his upcoming movie, Zaijan said that he learned about “love and acceptance.”
‘Boyette‘ will premiere on November 30, which can be watched on different platforms such as ktx.ph, Sky Cable, iWantTFC, and Cignal TV.
