Jake Vargas and Angel Satsumi enjoy the family atmosphere in ‘Pepito Manaloto’

MANILA, Philippines — Jake Vargas and Angel Satsumi have been playing siblings Chito and Clarissa in the situational comedy series, “Pepito Manaloto,” for more than a decade now.

Jake was in his late teens, while Angel was four when the opportunity of becoming part of the iconic show presented itself to them.

It’s safe to say that they’re loving every bit of being the son and daughter of Pepito Manaloto (portrayed by Michael V. or Bitoy), who now enjoys a very comfortable life as compared to his down-on-one’s luck situation before. Manilyn Reynes is Pepito’s wife named Elsa.

If my memory serves me right, Jake’s Chito and Angel’s Clarissa entered the “Pepito Manaloto” picture five years after Pepito’s winning in the lottery. At this point, the family was managing a book store.

“Ang dami na pong nangyari sa character ko na si Chito (a lot has happened in my character’s life),” said Jake during the recent press conference for GMA Entertainment Group’s “Basta’t Sama-Sama… Best Time Ever” campaign launch. Also joining him in the event were Angel, Chariz Solomon, and Arthur Solinap, who all represented “Pepito Manaloto.”

Jake and Angel (second and third from left) with ‘Pepito Manaloto’ co-stars (from left) Chariz Solomon and Arthur Solinap.

“I think a lot (of young people) can relate to him, given his age and being the oldest child of Pepito, ang daming pagsubok na kung ano ang dapat gawin ni Chito sa buhay niya, ano ba ang dapat maging trabaho niya kasi ang tatay niya ay very successful (he’s been encountering lots of problems like what Chito should do with his life and what work he should have, knowing that his father is very successful),” added he. “Chito also has a love life, and he’s managing his personal and work lives well.”

Regarding the latest developments in Clarissa’s life, Angel shared, “For me, my character has Jacob in her life, but a lot of things will be tackled.” One of them is Jacob’s health condition which presents life struggles that teenagers may be facing these days. They will go through them with, as Angel said, “the help of tatay at nanay (their dads and moms), paano kami a-advisan at tutulungan (like how they will advise and guide us in these life realities).”

As artists, Jake and Angel have the privilege to be part of a resilient and successful entertainment program.

“When I started in ‘Pepito (Manaloto),’ naiisip ko po na parang bagong adventure (ito), hindi ko po i-ni-expect na magkakaroon ako ng second family sa show na ito (I thought it was going to be like a new adventure to me, and I didn’t expect that I would find a second family while doing the show),” said Angel, who was referring to her Tito Bitoy, Tita Manilyn, and the rest of the cast and crew.

Since the sense of family on the set of “Pepito Manaloto” is strong, stars could talk about some aspects of their personal lives and gain insights from each other’s experiences. Jake’s Kuya Bitoy-Michael V. is ready to offer the Sparkle GMA artist pieces of advice.

“That’s how supportive he is to us,” said Jake.

Aside from Jake and Angel, Arthur and Chariz are two of the other “Pepito Manaloto” regular artists that bring joy to the viewers through their funny, inspired portrayals of Robert and Janice, respectively.

“Of course, we first have the script read with the guidance of Kuya Bitoy,” Arthur gave everyone a sneak peek at their work process. “Everybody gives their input. We are given the freedom to approach our own characters.”

Chariz recalled that “maraming lapis sa gitna, so isusulat mo talaga (there are pencils and papers on the table. So, you can write down your thoughts).”

“Sineseryoso namin kahit na comedy kami, sineseryoso namin ang trabaho namin (we take our job seriously even if we do comedy),” shared Arthur. So, they work and find enjoyment in it.

The stars would also bring food and share it with everyone. Arthur and Chariz could attest to the fun atmosphere on the “Pepito Manaloto” set.

From having such titles as “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento” and “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento” to “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento,” the sitcom will continue to bring fun and inspiration to Kapuso viewers with, as the information from the show’s website puts it, “the merry mix of characters” of Pepito, Elsa, Chito, Clarissa and their house helpers and neighbors.

(“Pepito Manaloto” airs Saturday nights at 7:15.)