Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla, born on August 23, 2001, in Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino actor and dancer who rose to fame as a child star.
Best known for his role as Santino in the 2009-2010 religious-themed teleserye May Bukas Pa, Zaijian captured the hearts of audiences with his emotional depth and natural talent.
Discovered at the age of three by talent manager Bryan Ancheta, he began his career as a commercial model before signing with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic in 2008.
Now in his early twenties, Zaijian has transitioned from child roles to more mature characters, showcasing his versatility in television, film, and digital series.
Siblings
Zaijian is the eldest of three siblings, raised primarily by his father, Zenon Jaranilla, and grandmother after his parents’ separation in 2006.
His two younger brothers, Zildjian Godweevil Lara Jaranilla and Zymic Demigod Lara Jaranilla, complete the family.
While little is known about Zildjian’s professional endeavors, Zymic has followed in Zaijian’s footsteps, carving out his own path in the entertainment industry.
Born on May 20, 2004, Zymic is a contract artist with GMA Network, a rival network to Zaijian’s ABS-CBN.
Zymic’s acting career began with a small role as Junjun in May Bukas Pa, alongside his older brother.
He later took on more prominent roles, including playing the younger version of Aljur Abrenica’s character in GMA’s Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko and starring in the 2014 series Yagit, a remake of a 1980s classic.
Like Zaijian, Zymic was homeschooled under Angelicum College during his elementary years, inspired by his older brother’s success to pursue acting at a young age.
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Career
Zaijian’s career began in 2004 when he was scouted for commercials, appearing in campaigns for brands like McDonald’s, Lactum, Tide, and Bench.
His television debut came in 2008 with a guest appearance on ABS-CBN’s children’s sketch comedy show Goin’ Bulilit, followed by roles in Mars Ravelo’s Komiks Presents and the variety show ASAP.
His breakthrough came in 2009 with May Bukas Pa, where he played Santino, a young orphan who communicates with Jesus Christ, earning widespread acclaim for his heartfelt performance.
The series became the highest-rated Philippine television program at the time, cementing Zaijian’s status as a household name.
Following this success, he starred in Noah (2010) as Jacob/Eli, a boy raised by apes after a car accident, and Lorenzo’s Time (2012) alongside Carmina Villaroel.
As he transitioned into his teens, Zaijian took on more mature roles, including Gio Ilustre in The Broken Marriage Vow (2021) and Ding, the brother of the superhero Darna, in the 2022 series Darna.
In 2020, he portrayed a gay character in the comedy film Boyette: Not a Girl Yet, showcasing his willingness to explore diverse roles.
His latest project, the 2025 digital series Si Sol at Si Luna, marks a bold step into mature content, featuring his first onscreen love scene alongside Jane Oineza.
Zaijian has also appeared in anthologies like Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ipaglaban Mo, and made a guest appearance in the American series Almost Paradise (2020).
Accolades
Zaijian’s performance in May Bukas Pa earned the series a special award at the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Awards, which Zaijian accepted alongside his co-stars.
The show also received the Anak TV Seal twice, and Zaijian was honored with the Male Makabata Award and a spot on the 2010 Anak TV Roster of Makabata Stars, recognizing his positive influence on young audiences.
His role in the 2021 Maalaala Mo Kaya episode “Dialysis” drew praise from television critic Gerry Plaza, who lauded Zaijian’s ability to create a deep emotional connection with viewers, describing his performance as “deeply felt and riveting.”
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