Zaijian Jaranilla (born Zaijian Godsick Lara Jaranilla on 23 August 2001) is a Filipino actor. He is best known for his roles in the films RPG Metanoia (2010), My Ex & Whys (2017), Boyette: Not A Girl Yet (2020), and I'mPerfect (2025), among others.
Did you know that Zaijian Jaranilla, despite his early success as a child actor, initially harbored dreams of becoming a pilot or a policeman before finding his calling in acting?
Zaijian's defining career moment came with his portrayal of Santino in the 2009 ABS-CBN primetime series "May Bukas Pa." This role, which he landed at just seven years old, captivated the nation and solidified his status as one of the most beloved child actors of his generation, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Zaijian Jaranilla has left a lasting cultural impact by successfully navigating the challenging transition from an iconic child star to a respected dramatic actor, proving his enduring talent and versatility in Philippine entertainment. He symbolizes the potential for child actors to evolve and thrive in the industry.
Also known as: Z. Jaranilla, Zai Jaranilla