The former child wonder, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, shared his takeaways from growing up and his decade-long career in showbiz
Since his first big break on television in 2009, Zaijian Jaranilla has taken on several important roles in his life and career.
From being Santino, the miracle boy in May Bukas Pa, who reminded the viewers of the healing power of prayers and ‘Bro’, to Ding, Darna’s ever-reliable sidekick, the 21-year-old actor certainly has played much more interesting characters, than most of his contemporaries.
But beyond showbiz, Jaranilla has been pulling off a far more rewarding role: being his family’s breadwinner. During his guesting on the morning talk show, Magandang Buhay, last September 5, the young actor had the chance of reminiscing his humbling start in show business, and how he has been able to help his family get by, through his acting career.
“Yes po, totoo po na ako ang bread winner ng family namin. Nagsimula po ako sa murang edad. Bago pa po noon, nagtatalent talent na po ako sa mga teleserye. Tapos ‘yun po nag-boom ‘yung May Bukas Pa, and nakita ko na natutulungan ko ‘yung family ko sa ga’nong paraan.
“(Yes, that’s correct… I am the breadwinner of the family. I started at a very young age. But before that, I can recall I was already trying out small teleserye roles. When May Bukas Pa boomed, I saw how I was able to help my family through showbiz),” he passionately shared.
He also admitted that because how his job can help his family financially, he learned how to value his work and his accomplishments in showbiz, noting how it helped him provide for himself and the rest of his family.
“Minahal ko na rin po ang trabaho ko, tapos ‘yun masaya po ako, kung ano ang mayroon ako ngayon. Lahat ng mayroon ako ngayon dapat meron din sila.
“(I learned to love my job, and it made me happy. Whatever I can provide for myself, I also try to provide them with those things),” he recalled.
Jaranilla paid tribute to his parents, but especially to his grandmother, who he confessed has been with him, since he started his showbiz career. The young actor takes pride in being a certified ‘lola’s boy.’
He currently appears as Ding in ABS-CBN’s TV adaptation of the Mars Ravelo superheroine, Darna.
