General Roxas Elementary School (until 2009) Headway School for Giftedness (2009–2010) UST Angelicum College (2010–2018) Colegio de San Juan de Dios (2021–2023)
Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla was born on August 23, 2001,[12] in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, to Glendelle Lara Jaranilla and Zenon Louis Jaranilla. He grew up in Quezon City, Metro Manila and regularly spends holidays in Boac, Marinduque. Jaranilla is the eldest of three siblings, including his younger brother Zymic Jaranilla. His parents separated in 2006, and he currently resides with his father.[13][14][15]
He began his formal education at General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City. He was scheduled to enroll at Angelicum College for the second grade, but due to acting commitments, he temporarily continued his education through homeschooling and programs for gifted students before resuming regular schooling there in 2010. Jaranilla continued his education at Angelicum College while pursuing an acting career, remaining at the school for eight years and completing his sophomore year of junior high school in 2018.[16][17]
Due to increasing professional commitments, he discontinued regular schooling after completing his sophomore year. To continue his education, he took and passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) administered by the Department of Education, which allowed him to proceed directly to senior high school. In 2023, Jaranilla completed his studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand at Colegio de San Juan de Dios in San Rafael, Bulacan.[13][18][19]
Career
2004–2008: Start of career as model
Before starting his showbiz stint, Jaranilla was discovered by talent manager Bryan Ancheta of RDB Talents and Events Management in 2004. His grandmother, Maria Dulce Jaranilla, who worked with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Foundation, Inc., accompanied him after a doctor expressed interest in having him appear in commercials.[20] Together, they went to an audition in Makati, which proved successful, marking Jaranilla's debut as a model.[21]
He made his first appearance in the McDonald'sGood Kuya/Tweens commercial in 2006, playing the role as Paolo, a younger brother of Carlo Lacana who accused of drawing of the latter's assignment, later grabs a toy from Lacana until their mother stopped him from grabbing, and playing around using the said toy afterwards.[22][23] This was followed by a Lactum MTV (With Supers) commercial in 2007, and a TV ad for Tide in 2008.[21]
2008–present: Showbiz career
In 2008, Jaranilla joined showbiz industry upon signing with ABS-CBN and Star Magic while also allowing him to work concurrently with other TV networks when obligated to do so which began three years later in 2011. Among those he worked or shown support with outside ABS-CBN are the hosts of Eat Bulaga!, Shayne Sava, and Dingdong Dantes.
2008–2014: As child actor, May Bukas Pa popularity and other shows
Jaranilla (left, as a child actor) with Andre Tiangco in May Bukas Pa.
Jaranilla portrayed the lead role of Santino Guillermo in May Bukas Pa, the highest-rated Philippine television program of all time and was announced on late 2008.[25] His portrayal of Santino, a young boy who encounters Jesus Christ, earned him widespread recognition and made him a household name in the Philippines. It is also where he first meet his long time friend and partner both in showbiz and personal life Xyriel Manabat as one of the show's guests.[26][13][27] The series received a special award at the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Awards, presented by Cardinal Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, which Jaranilla accepted alongside his co-stars.[28] Additionally, May Bukas Pa won the Anak TV Seal twice, and Jaranilla was honored with several accolades, including the Male Makabata Award and a spot on the 2010 Anak TV Roster of Makabata Stars (the latter also recognizing his work on Noah).[29] Jaranilla's performance earned him multiple awards, such as the Best Male New TV Personality at the 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Television, the Natatanging Gawad Tanglaw para sa Sining ng Telebisyon at the 2010 Gawad Tanglaw Awards, the Students' Choice of Actor in a Daily Soap Opera at the 6th USTv Awards, the Pinakapasadong Simbolo sa Kagandahang Asal at the 12th Gawad PASADO Awards, and Most Favorite Child Personality at the 1st Lingkod TV Awards in 2010 (announced in 2011). The show underwent two airing versions, which are the ABS-CBN broadcast cut from February 2, 2009 to February 5, 2010 and extended clean feed versions released online on TFC and later continued on its sister channel Jeepney TV from July 2012 to December 5, 2013 three years after production and former ended, featuring a deleted scene of the show's finale episode 263. [30][31]
In 2010, Jaranilla voiced the character Otep, a fish, in Agua Bendita, the immediate successor to May Bukas Pa, another religious-themed series, and predecessor to the fantasy-adventure drama Noah in post-TV Patrol timeslot until the latter's premiere on July 2010.[32]Noah, alongside Piolo Pascual and Jodi Sta. Maria, replaced Agua Bendita in its timeslot when it moved to the second primetime slot, aired between the original cut and extended versions of May Bukas Pa, and lasted until February 4, 2011. For his role as Eli/Jacob Perez in Noah, Jaranilla wore a wig starting in June 2010 to portray longer hair, which he kept until July 2011, five months after the series' end. [33][34] Later that year, he voiced the character Nico in RPG Metanoia, his first animated film.[32][35]
On April 23, 2011, he made his first on-screen film appearance in Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! alongside Vic Sotto and Bea Alonzo, playing Angelito, an angel who was expelled from heaven.[36] Jaranilla appeared on GMA Network's noontime show Eat Bulaga! to participate in the segment "Pinoy Henyo" alongside co-actors Xyriel Manabat and Bea Alonzo while promoting the movie, marking his first working stint outside the primary ABS-CBN.[2][37]
ABS-CBN aired two specials in connection to Pope John Paul II leading to sainthood, with the first being which are Banál on May 22, 2011 where Jaranilla reprised his role as Santino to narrate about his beatification and then cumulated with the canonization three years later and after the December 5, 2013 end of extended version of May Bukas Pa on April 27, 2014 named John Paul II and John XXIII Mga Bagong Santo: The ABS-CBN News Special Coverage with it reported on TV Patrol Weekend that followed.[38] Jaranilla and Jaime Fabregas, who portrayed Father Anthony, presented the life of Pope John Paul II and his significance for Filipinos on the former.[39] Later that year, he appeared in the Christmas-themed TV series Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig alongside fellow child stars Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, and Manabat.[40] The series aired until January 2012.
In 2012, Jaranilla took on the lead role in the melodrama series Lorenzo's Time, alongside Carmina Villarroel.[41][42] He portrayed the titular character, a boy with progeria. Members of the production staff described Jaranilla as a "boy wonder" and referred to him as a natural and a "born actor" on set.[43]
In 2013, he starred in the TV series Juan dela Cruz as Tonton.[44] His character Tonton was a juvenile and young aswang.[24][45] Jaranilla also portrayed the role of Brian in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode, Alitaptap.[46]
On March 2014, Jaranilla also appeared in the TV series Ikaw Lamang as Young Samuel Severino, the younger version of Coco Martin’s character,[24] marking a brief reunion with Martin after their time together in Juan dela Cruz.[47]
2014–2021: Post-May Bukas Pa popularity, teen actor
He starred in Hawak-Kamay as Raymond "Emong" Agustin in July 2014.[48][49] Jaranilla turned 13 during the production of the series, officially marking his transition into a teenage actor.[13] This marked Hawak-Kamay as the first series he worked on as a teen actor.
In November 2014, Jaranilla expressed interest in taking on more teen-oriented roles following his work in the family drama Hawak Kamay.[50] He stated that he was ready to accept more mature projects offered by ABS-CBN.[51]
In 2015, he appeared in several episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya. That same year, he starred in the film Hamog, playing Rashid, a Muslim boy who spends 48 hours trying to seek help for his Christian friend who died under tragic circumstances.[52]Hamog was one of the 12 official entries in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).[52] Jaranilla’s performance received critical praise, and the film won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Golden Goblet Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Film Festival.[52] His role also earned him his first Best Actor nomination at the Cinema One Originals Awards.[53]Hamog was also screened at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival.[53] In the same period, Jaranilla returned to television with a minor role in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Cocoy Amaba, marking his third reunion with Martin.[54] He also appeared as Young Macoy in the television drama-romantic series, The Story of Us, in early 2016.[24]
In 2018, Jaranilla appeared in Bagani, portraying Liksi,[55] and starred alongside Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.[56] In 2019, he acted in his first digital series, Story of My Life, produced by Big Reveal Digital and streamed on iWantTV.[57][58] Jaranilla also joined the list of Filipino guest actors in the American crime drama Almost Paradise, appearing in the episode titled Lone Wolf.[59] He later starred in Ang sa Iyo ay Akin.[60]
Jaranilla returned to Bacolor Church in June 2019 as part of ABS-CBN's year-long 65th anniversary celebration. The 2009–2010 Christmas ID Star ng Pasko was used in two station IDs from the 2010s to 2020s: Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino (lit.'This Christmas, the Filipinos will Shine')[61] (2010–2011), and Family is Forever (2019–2020).[62] The 2010–2011 ID was linked to May Bukas Pa, which was the highest rating show on ABS-CBN for the period of February 2009 until Mara Clara on February 3, 2011. The 2019–2020 ID was part of the network's 65th anniversary from 2018 to 2019.[63] Both featured Jaranilla, highlighting May Bukas Pa as the top-rated show on Philippine television since the nationwide TV ratings system was introduced in 2009. The Star ng Pasko ID remains notable since its release on November 4, 2009.[64]
"Zaijian Jaranilla marvels with his brilliance in taking his character not only understandable or comprehensible, but a real person with whom viewers would share a deep emotional connection...He gave a performance that was deeply felt and riveting"
—Television critic Gerry Plaza on Jaranilla's performance in Maalaala Mo Kaya "Dialysis" episode (2021) [65]
On July 2019, Jaranilla made his second working collaboration with GMA Network after eight years through a public service announcement supporting Shayne Sava of StarStruck. He encouraged fans to also support for her to become an Ultimate Female Survivor of the show.
In 2020, Jaranilla expressed interest in portraying a gay character and had at least two films lined up.[66] He took on the challenge of playing a gay character in the coming-of-age comedy Boyette: Not a Girl Yet, directed by Jumbo Albano and produced by Star Cinema.[67][68] In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Jaranilla explained, "...I agreed to do the project because I wanted to change my image. I want people to know that I can portray different roles. Boyette has given me an opportunity to prove myself to people."[68] He acknowledged that his breakout role as the orphan boy Santino in the 2009–2013 inspirational teleserye May Bukas Pa had a lasting impact on his image. However, he was able to move on from that role work-wise after the series ended its extended run on December 5, 2013, stating that all of the show's contents were already originally aired while keeping its characteristics in a long-term.[69][68] Jaranilla emphasized that Boyette would give his fans the chance to see him in a different light both on working and viewing aspects.[70]
In February 2020, Jaranilla was interviewed about the comparisons between his responses when he portrayed Santino and his answers as a grown-up and teenage actor in a segment titled "Same Interview, Ten Years Apart.".[71]
On July 2021, he starred in the Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) 30th anniversary special, Loving 2 Care, in the episode titled "Dialysis", alongside Nonie Buencamino. Directed by Jerry Lopez-Sineneng, the episode featured Jaranilla portraying a nurse battling chronic kidney disease.[72] His performance received generally positive reviews, with critics noting his maturity and growth as an actor.[44]
2021–present: Adult actor, enhanced and increased working collaborations with other TV networks
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, and ABS-CBN's own free television shutdown due to broadcast franchise loss and the network's resulting collaborations, Jaranilla declared and clarified that ABS-CBN and Star Magic will remain as his primary network, agency, and workplace with other networks, including the previous two instances in 2011 and 2019 during his child and teen actor years before the collaboration of ABS-CBN with them on January 24, 2021, being only the secondary. It was reflected two years later when he renewed his contract with ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic on November 15, 2023, alongside JM de Guzman, continuing their primary partnership with the network. ABS-CBN Chairman Martin López, President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, CFO Ricardo B. Tan Jr., ABS-CBN Studios and Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi, and talent managers Cris Tapang and Portia Dimla were present at the contract signing. During the signing, Jaranilla made his signature praying pose, a reference to his role in the 2009–2013 drama series May Bukas Pa.[73][74][75][76]
In 2022, Jaranilla portrayed Gio Illustre in The Broken Marriage Vow, a remake of the British series Doctor Foster.[77] This marked his first series role as an adult actor. He was awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his performance in the series and represented the Philippines at the awards ceremony on December 2022.[78][79] His portrayal in the series made him realize the importance of self-love.[80]
Following The Broken Marriage Vow, Jaranilla was cast as Ding, the younger brother and sidekick to the titular Filipino character, Darna, from August 15, 2022 to February 10, 2023, in what became his biggest role to date.[10][11] During the first week of the show, Jaranilla received praise from critics for his acting skills.[81] As the series aired at 8:00 pm ABS-CBN primetime slot between the two long-running action series of Coco Martin which are Ang Probinsyano and Batang Quiapo, it marked his return as adult to the said and showbiz breakthrough timeslot that began with the cut version of May Bukas Pa 12-13 years earlier after eight years since Hawak Kamay when he was recently transitioned from child to teen actor.
From August 28, 2023 to August 30, 2024, Jaranilla reunited with Andrea Brillantes and Manabat to star in ABS-CBN's mystery thriller and youth drama duology, Senior High and High Street.[82] He portrayed Tim Castro in the series, an initial boyfriend to Manabat's character, Roxy, and student, and later became a police officer. Jaranilla received critical and public praise for his performance.[83]
On May 31, 2025, Jaranilla made his first non-ABS-CBN drama appearance on Si Sol at Si Luna as Sol de Dios, a photographer and film critic who falls in love with Luna (Jane Oineza). The series consists of 13 episodes and lasted until August 23, 2025, exactly at his 24th birthday. Also on that same year and five years after Boyette: Not a Girl Yet, he appeared on a first film not produced by ABS-CBN's film outfits through The Last Beergin as Isaac on October 1 and later on I'mPerfect featuring Down syndrome artists Earl Amaba and Krystel Go as Ryan, the younger brother of Amaba's character. The latter film won Best Picture and Best Ensemble, with Jaranilla himself nominated as Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Movie Actor of the Year from December 2025 to January 2026. He also portrayed as Nate/Nathaniel Tan on Last Online: A Player Short Film in October 28, 2025.
On March 2026, Jaranilla portrays the role of a priest-martyr Rhoel Gallardo at the documentary film Seeds of Peace, another legacy media that is similar to May Bukas Pa, and the first non-ABS-CBN produced and under his adulthood religious-oriented media.
Other ventures
Endorsements
Jaranilla started out as a model.[21] After signing with ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic, Jaranilla became a brand endorser for several companies. He endorsed the brand Bench from 2009 to 2012 and 2025, and Moose Gear from 2012 to 2016. He also appeared in campaigns for Globe Telecom (2009–2010), various Nestlé products (2009–2011), Argentina Andale Hotdog (2011) Converse, and Libre Funalo Max (set at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center) and Casino Plus (2025). In 2009, he was featured in a television commercial for the real estate development Morningfields at Carmeltown.[87]
Advocacy and philanthropy
In 2009, Jaranilla publicly advocated for Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4, which aims to reduce child mortality. He urged both candidates and voters to support this goal, which sought to reduce the mortality rate of children under five years old by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015.[88]
On November 4, 2009, the Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko campaign was launched with the release of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID and the lighting of an 18-foot parol. The event was attended by ABS-CBN executives, including chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, president Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN talents, including Jaranilla. The campaign, which involved contributions from various ABS-CBN departments, divisions, and subsidiaries, aimed to unite the network’s employees with the shared goal of bringing joy to Filipinos and encouraging them to embrace the Christmas spirit, particularly following the damage caused by tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng. The planning for the Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko campaign began as early as June, with teams from Sales, Marketing, Creative Communications Management (CCM), Licensing, Production, and Property presenting ideas to a leadership committee that included Channel 2 head Cory V. Vidanes and department heads. Vidanes suggested combining several of these concepts, including Marketing's company-wide Christmas tree lighting, Licensing’s Parol ni Bro, CCM's station ID and tagline, a Christmas bazaar, and the Win sa Bituin viewers’ promo, into one cohesive campaign.[89]
In 2010, Jaranilla took part in ABS-CBN’s “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig” project, an environmental awareness campaign led by the ABS-CBN Foundation and environmental advocate Gina Lopez.[90] The campaign, directed by Brillante Mendoza,[91] aimed to promote the seven-year clean-up effort for the Pasig River, which had become heavily polluted.[92] Jaranilla appeared in infomercials alongside other ABS-CBN talents including Coco Martin, Kim Atienza, Karen Davila, and Efren Peñaflorida.[91]
On April 2011, his appearance on Eat Bulaga! aimed to promote Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! and donate the prize money to Silid-kaalaman, the show's Library Project for underdeveloped schools in the Philippines.
In 2022, ABS-CBN and Star Magic launched the "Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-Ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan" campaign to seek financial support for survivors of Typhoon Odette.[93] Jaranilla, along with other celebrities, participated in sports and online gaming events to raise sponsorships and donations.[93] Through this campaign, the ABS-CBN Foundation was able to deliver 584 home repair kits, provide food packs to 207,649 families in Palawan, and parts of Visayas and Mindanao, and restore the livelihoods of fishermen by supplying boats and other essential resources.[93][94]
Through his family's appearance on GMA Network's Family Feud on December 2025, they won 20,000 pesos for the charity Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., an association that gives support to persons with down syndrome. It is in line of the film I'mPerfect, on which Zaijian is part of the film's cast.
Personal life
Jaranilla has long had an interest in Hot Wheelsscale modelcar toys, which inspired him to begin owning personal vehicles starting in 2011.[95][96] He developed his driving skills from a young age, starting at 11 years old while working as a child star in 2012.[citation needed] In 2022, he obtained his LTO non-professional driving license.
He also made Bible study sessions to people, spreading the lessons of Christianity and Catholicism resulting from his drama series related to them including the breakthrough May Bukas Pa.[citation needed]
"Gagambuboy", "Number One Father & Son", "Kapitan Liit", "Si Paolo at Si Apollo", "Nicolas Layas", Kilalang Kilala Ka Ba Niya?", "Teacher's Pest", "Gigie in A Bottle", "Kukotakot", "Baby Ko ang Daddy Ko", "Hungry Games", "No Read No Write Nomar", "Petrang Paminta", and "Sako Lantern" (2013)
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