Serving as Zaijian Jaranila’s debut series, May Bukas Pa is the highest-rated television drama of 2009 and 2010.
Back in 2009, the miracles of Santino captured millions of hearts during May Bukas Pa’s year-long airing. The multi-awarded primetime series also earned the nods of many award-giving bodies in the country, including the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), and the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).
The story of May Bukas Pa revolves around the orphaned kid named Santino, who was adopted and raised by the Franciscan priests of Bagong Pag-asa. After meeting Jesus in the flesh, Santino assumed the power of healing and touching people’s souls, which caught the attention of bad and good people alike. Throughout his journey as ‘Bro’s’ faithful and miraculous disciple, Santino stumbled upon many personalities, whose individual life stories became the many subplots of the show. Santino became a constant presence in these secondary plotlines, by becoming the driving force in the characters’ quest for healing and redemption. This aspect of the show allowed Santino touched more viewers, which is undoubtedly the biggest reason why it became the highest-rated TV show in the country, that year.
Big stars, seasoned and up-and-coming alike, were invited to guest the show. Among these huge celebrities are Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos, Anne Curtis, Susan Roces, Lorna Tolentino, Toni Gonzaga, Makisig Morales, Dolphy, AI-ai de las Alas, and Bea Alonzo.
May Bukas Pa is also widely credited to be the catalyst for ABS-CBN to reclaim its dominance in Mega Manila homes. The show defeated Marian Rivera’s Darna in AGB Nielsen’s rating scorecards. The success of the show went on for a year and ended its run on February 5, 2010, with a whopping 47% national TV rating according to Kantar Media. The show also finished on top, according to AGB Nielsen, with a 37.1% rating, and beating Darna’s 26.9%.
Aside from Zaijian Jaranilla, veteran, seasoned and young stars were also part of the show’s main cast.
The show’s extensive ensemble cast includes Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnvie, Jaime Fabregas, Precious Lara Quigaman, Tonton Gutierrez, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Desiree del Valle, Dominic Ochoa, Lito Pimentel, Ogie Diaz, and Arlene Mulach.
Browse through the photo gallery below to reminisce the miraculous and magical moments of Santino. Don’t forget to share your recollection and additional thoughts on the series. Which of Santino’s many miracles is your favorite?
