Why Zaijian is sticking with his home network
CEBU, Philippines — At a young age, actor Zaijian Jaranilla finds fulfillment in being able to provide for his family despite the present limitations in the entertainment industry. And he continues to dream bigger for them.
“Yung dream ko sa pamilya ko ay patuloy pa rin hanggang ngayon kasi gusto ko pa rin ibigay sa kanila ‘yung mga gusto kong ibigay, ‘yung mga pangangailangan nila. Yung mga kapatid ko, gusto ko rin mabigyan ng magandang buhay, pinapa-aral ko pa rin sila hanggang ngayon. Kahit ngayong pandemic binibigyan ako ng ABS-CBN ng project kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung dream ko – to showcase my talent and act,” Zaijian said Tuesday during virtual conference for his “Maalala Mo Kaya” episode.
The former child star expressed his gratitude to his home network for trusting him with projects that he believes will inspire Filipinos, particularly during these difficult times. Zaijian sees a silver lining in the fact that actors like him are able to bounce back even without the network’s franchise.
Asked why he stays true as a Kapamilya despite the uncertainties, Zaijian replied, “Kasi dito na ako nakilala, dito ako nagsimula. Utang na loob ko sa kanila na ang dami na rin nilang nabigay sa akin katulad ng makatulong ako sa pamilya ko, makilala ako ng ibang tao. Willing talaga ako dito na mag-stay and hindi ako lumipat sa kung saan man. I’m so happy sa ABS-CBN kasi kahit papaano na walang franchise, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ‘yung projects at masaya ako doon.”
Zaijian stars in Maalaala Mo Kaya’s two-part episode entitled, “Dialysis Machine,” the first installment of which aired July 3 and part two airing tonight. It follows the life of Andy (Zaijian), who enrolls in a nursing program in the hopes of improving his family’s situation – until his mother succumbs to a chronic kidney disease. His elder siblings develops the same sickness not long after their mother’s death. Eventually, he also experiences the same symptoms. Part of the cast are Karen Reyes and award-winning actor Nonie Buencamino as Zaijian’s father.
Even with 13 years of acting experience under his belt, Zaijian felt pressure during his scenes with Nonie.
“Alam naman natin na sobrang beteranong actor, sobrang galing niya. So kailangang professional ka palagi para pagdating mo sa set, ready ka. Kailangan kung ano ‘yung gusto niyang ibato sayo, kailangan mong maibalik kasi parang ganun naman ang mga artista, give and take. Kailangan mong masabayan si Tito Nonie kasi sobrang galing niya talaga parang anytime pwede ka niyang lamunin tapos sobrang happy ko rin kasi naging tatay ko din siya sa pangalawang MMK ko. I’m so happy na nakatrabaho kami ulit ni Tito Nonie,” Zaijian said.
The 19-year-old actor has been seen in many MMK episodes but it never occurred to him that one should be done about his life. He might consider sharing his love life when he gets a bit older.
Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, the second episode of “Dialysis Machine” airs 8:30 tonight on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live YouTube channel, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page, and iWantTFC.– Niel Anthony Lajot, Silliman University Intern
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