May Bukas Pa (2009 TV series)

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May Bukas Pa
Title card
Genre	Christian drama
Created by	ABS-CBN Studios Dindo C. Perez Julie Anne R. Benitez Rondel P. Lindayag
Developed by	ABS-CBN Studios
Written by	Dindo Perez[1] Shugo Praico Ayis de Guzman
Directed by	Jerome C. Pobocan[1] Jojo A. Saguin[1] Erick C. Salud
Starring	Zaijian Jaranilla Albert Martinez Dina Bonnevie Tonton Gutierrez Maja Salvador Rayver Cruz Dominic Ochoa Desiree del Valle Precious Lara Quigaman Lito Pimentel Jaime Fabregas
Theme music composer	Charo Unite[1] Ernie Dela Peña[1]
Ending theme	"May Bukas Pa" by Kyle Balili (eps. 1–31),[1][2] by Kyle Balili and Erik Santos (eps. 32–263)[3]
Composers	Vincent de Jesus (Eps. 1–20)[1][4] Jessie Lasaten (Eps. 21–263)[5][2]
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Filipino
No. of episodes	263 + 1 deleted scene (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer	Rosselle Parana Soldao
Production locations	Metro Manila Tanay, Rizal Santa Rosa, Laguna[6] Bacolor, Pampanga San Fernando, Pampanga Mexico, Pampanga Minalin, Pampanga Apalit, Pampanga Dinalupihan, Bataan Morong, Bataan Subic, Zambales
Editors	Froilan Francia[1] Charlie Palanca[1] Bren John de Leon Irvin Cajayon Ding Mora Ray Ann Endaya Mario Arbizo
Running time	37–46 minutes
Production company	Dreamscape Entertainment
Original release
Network	ABS-CBN
Release	February 2, 2009 (2009-02-02) – February 5, 2010 (2010-02-05)[a]
Network	Jeepney TV
Release	March 11 (2013-03-11) – December 5, 2013 (2013-12-05)[b]
Related
Budoy Dahil sa Pag-ibig Huwag Kang Mangamba

May Bukas Pa (lit. 'There's Still Tomorrow') is a Philippine television drama broadcast by ABS-CBN. The series is a remake of the 2000–2001 Philippine television series of the same title produced by Viva Television (now Studio Viva) and aired on IBC and RPN. Directed by Jerome C. Pobocan, Jojo A. Saguin, and Erick C. Salud, it stars Zaijian Jaranilla, Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnevie, Tonton Gutierrez, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Desiree del Valle, Precious Lara Quigaman, Lito Pimentel, and Jaime Fabregas. The original ABS-CBN airing version without a deleted scene was aired on the network's Primetime Bida line up and worldwide on TFC from February 2, 2009 to February 5, 2010, replacing Precious Time and Eva Fonda and was replaced by Agua Bendita. The series full version was aired three years later on Jeepney TV from March 11 to December 5, 2013.

The show was developed following the success of Mga Anghel na Walang Langit and Princess Sarah as part of a lineup of Dreamscape Entertainment family and religious-oriented series since 2005. It was succeeded by Agua Bendita. May Bukas Pa is the first of the one-year trilogy of ABS-CBN religious series that were released from February 2, 2009 to September 17, 2010 before Agua Bendita and Momay.

The series was announced in late 2008, the same year Zaijian Jaranilla became an actor for ABS-CBN/Star Magic. The network's TV production team sought a church suitable for the series' religious-themed story. Initially titled "Marcelino," the name was later changed to its final title, May Bukas Pa, a few months after the show's announcement. The story conference for the series took place on January 9, 2009, where the show's logo was revealed. Taping or principal photography of the series occurred from January 15, 2009, to February 5, 2010.^[7] Most of the scenes were taped in San Guillermo Parish Church in Barangay Cabambangan and the Municipal Hall of Bacolor in Barangay Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga. The overall production process of the series, including its announcement and story conference, spanned two years.

In 2009, Maja Salvador took a three-month break from the show to focus on Nagsimula sa Puso. During this time, she and Precious Lara Quigaman announced that they had joined the new show Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor, which premiered in 2010.

As a result of the show's popularity, other media related to the series continued to be aired and released.

The show aired two reruns of its first season. The first rerun was from April 9 to 11, 2009, during the Paschal Triduum of that year, in which the first 48 episodes were re-aired.

The series is to coincide the upcoming 2010 national and barangay and Sangguiniang Kabataan elections, and transition from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Benigno Aquino III and of barangay and SK officials, from which are the highlights of the Philippine events that focused on from 2009 to December 2010, where election-related aspects is featured within the series, with it continued even after the show's original 2009–2010 ABS-CBN airing without a deleted scene of the finale episode ended and between the said airing and the full version three years later in 2013 on Jeepney TV until the said last month of 2010.

From March 11, 2013 to December 5, 2013, the full version of the show was aired on Jeepney TV where a scene of the show's finale episode not shown on an original airing was released, completing the show's entire storyline and content. The scene was cut on the original ABS-CBN airing due to time constraints as it has commercial breaks when it was originally aired on TV which made the show have a longer airtime than usual, and then released and aired online and further releases of the episode, such as YouTube and iWantTFC as well as on re-airings of the show after the original airing of the uncut version on Jeepney TV.

The second rerun aired from March 16, 2020, to May 4, 2020, ten years after the show's original ending on February 5, 2010 and seven years after the finale episode's deleted scene was aired on December 5, 2013. It temporarily replaced Ang Probinsyano due to the community quarantines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, which led ABS-CBN to suspend tapings of their ongoing drama series. During this period, the first 65 episodes of the series were re-aired.^[8] It ended on May 5, 2020 due to the network's shutdown that night, following the expiration of its broadcast franchise granted in 1995 the day prior.

The third rerun on ALLTV, channel 2, formerly ABS-CBN's channel space as DWWX-TV, premiered on May 13, 2024, as part of Jeepney TV on ALLTV's programming.

The story revolves around Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla), a wide-eyed young boy who was orphaned as a baby before being adopted and raised by Franciscans. Living in the fictional town of Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, he eventually discovers the ability to see and speak with Jesus Christ, whom he fondly called “Bro”. He also gains the ability to miraculously heal the sick. With these special abilities, Santino goes out to help other people with their problems and make a difference in their lives.^[9]

The series focuses on kindness and morality in humanity, depicting a child who believes that there's always a way to rectify mistakes, no matter how serious. He trusts that "Bro," his nickname for Jesus Christ, will always guide them with light. The show has had a significant impact on many Filipinos, shaping their outlook on life in a positive manner.

Lead cast

• Zaijian Jaranilla as Santino Guillermo/Gabriel M. Policarpio/Rodrigo

Supporting cast

• Albert Martinez as Mayor Enrique D. Rodrigo/Gonzalvo Policarpio†
  • Jairus Aquino as young Enrique Rodrigo/Gonzalvo Policarpio
• Dina Bonnevie as Malena Rodriguez-Rodrigo/Policarpio†
• Precious Lara Quigaman as SPO3 (P/MCSgt.) Criselda "Sélda" Rodriguez-Sta. Maria
• Tonton Gutierrez as SPO1 (P/MSgt.) (Mario Sta. Maria
• Jaime Fabregas as Fr. Anthony Ruiz
• Dominic Ochoa as Fr. José dela Cruz
• Lito Pimentel as Fr. Gregorio "Ringo" Samonte
  • Rodjun Cruz as young Gregorio "Ringo" Samonte
• Maja Salvador as Stella R. Sta. Maria
• Rayver Cruz as Francisco "Cocoy" Bautista
• Desiree del Valle as Clautilde Katerina "Tilde" Magdayo-Rodrigo/Policarpio

• Love Thadani^[10] (uncredited) as Jesus Christ
• Uncredited voice actor as Satan
• Charo Santos-Concio as Mother Mary

• Badjie Mortiz as Fr. Paul Makopa
• David Chua as Fr. Chino "Chi" Wang
• Andre Tiangco as Fr. George
• Ruben Gonzaga as Fr. Patrick
• Edgar Sandalo as Fr. Jude

• Ogie Diaz as Renato "Atong" Arguelles
• Arlene Muhlach as Viviana "Baby" Arguelles
• Timothy Chan as Rico R. Rodrigo/Policarpio
• Phoebe Khae Arbotante as Joy R. Sta. Maria
• Victor Basa as Fr. John Delgado

• Francis Magundayao as Paco
• Miguelito de Guzman as Alfred
• Liza Lorena as Doña Anita Rodriguez
• Michael Conan as Dante Maoricio
• Ron Morales as Robert Sanchez/ Gustavo Policarpio
• Jerry O'Hara as Senior Superintendent Raul Guevarra
• Rosalie, Kimberly, and Jennifer as fictitious versions of themselves
• Erin Panlilio as Grace

In line with the show's immense popularity, various merchandise such as t-shirts, sandals, and other items were produced for children. They were available during the show's original ABS-CBN airing without a deleted scene of its finale episode from 2009 to 2010 and could still be purchased even after the original airing ended on February 5, 2010 until the stock ran out or they became out of stock in all stores.

The theme song of the religious drama with the same title was originally performed by Rico J. Puno. The first version is sung by Kyle Balili, and the second version is sung by Erik Santos.

ABS-CBN's Christmas 2009 campaign was inspired by the show's popularity. The song is entitled "Star ng Pasko" (lit. 'Star of Christmas'). Christmas lanterns were specially created by ABS-CBN and sold to benefit ABS-CBN Foundation's charity programs. ABS-CBN launched Parol ni Bro on November 4, 2009, where an 18-foot Christmas lantern atop the ABS-CBN building was lit up by the cast of May Bukas Pa, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III.^[11]

It was later used for the network's 2010 and 2019 Christmas Station IDs: "Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino" (lit. 'This Christmas, the Filipinos will Shine') and "Family is Forever". The song also shares musical similarities with the 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2017, and 2020 Christmas Station IDs: "Isang Pamilya, Isang Puso, Ngayong Pasko", "Sabay Tayo, Kapamilya", "Walang Mag-iisa Ngayong Pasko", "Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino", "Just Love Ngayong Christmas", and "Ikaw ang Liwanag at Ligaya". GMA also featured its 2019 Christmas Station ID "Love Shines" with scenes reminiscent of the 2009 ID.

Due to the show's ratings, ABS-CBN's management decided to extend it for 20 weeks instead of the initial eight weeks.^[12] On June 23, 2009, ABS-CBN television head Cory Vidanes announced that the show would be extended until February 2010.^[13]

May Bukas Pa was the highest-rated program on Philippine television from 2009 to June 3, 2011, when the 2010–2011 series Mara Clara took over as the highest-rating show from 2011 to 2012. The series became the first primetime TV series in the Philippines to last at least a full year in the 2010s decade, peaking during its finale with a 47.3% nationwide rating according to Kantar Media/TNS. It currently holds the record as the country's highest-rated show of all time since Philippine television switched to a nationwide TV ratings system on the opening day of 2009.^[14][15][16]

Entertainment columnist Nestor Torre of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said, "It must have been a big decision for the new show’s producers to get away from that downbeat view of life and come up with this Marcelino Pan Y Vino-inspired tale. But it’s great to note that the gamble has paid off in a big way: May Bukas Pa has been enjoying very good ratings, proving what we’ve been saying all this time--that viewers want to be inspired by the dramas they watch." However, he criticized the show's "religious" scenes as "poorly, shallowly staged," which he felt made genuine inspiration and devotion difficult to come by while viewing the series. He further criticized the show's use of extras, who mostly played sick people but were perceived as bad actors. He adds, "Any director worth his salt would have sensed that the montage of healing needed good actors to make it meaningful and moving. Why were inept actors used instead? Possibly because the production was scrimping on talent fees. Well, it was a penny-wise pound-foolish decision, because the important sequence was botched."^[17]

As a result of the show's success, many awards associated with it were announced via telecast from 2009 to 2011. In 2022, eleven years after the last award (1st Lingkod TV Awards - Most Favorite Child Personalities) was broadcast on TV in 2011, the Jeepney Fan Favorite Awards - Fave Child Star was awarded to the show's lead actor Zaijian Jaranilla. May Bukas Pa also received an award at the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Awards, besides its Best Drama award, presented by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales. The award was accepted by lead star Zaijian Jaranilla and the supporting actors who portrayed priests, dressed in cassocks for the occasion.^[18] The Anak TV Seal Awards were also awarded twice, in 2009 and 2010. From 2010 to 2011, Noah, Jaranilla's next drama appearance after May Bukas Pa, also received the award.

The movie Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!, released on April 23, 2011, one year and two months after May Bukas Pa ended, shares similarities with the series. Zaijian Jaranilla, who portrays Angelito in the movie, has the ability to perform miracles such as healing the sick and communicating with spiritual beings. In May Bukas Pa, he communicates with Bro/Jesus Christ and Satan (in the form of a red light), while in Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!, he communicates with God (depicted as a white light).

On May 22, 2011, between the original ABS-CBN airing without a deleted scene and uncut airing version on Jeepney TV, ABS-CBN aired a documentary entitled Banál (Tagalog for "holy") to commemorate the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Zaijian Jaranilla and Jaime Fabregas reprised their roles as Santino and Father Anthony to present the life of John Paul II and his significance for Filipinos.

The show spawned two sequels: Budoy and Dahil sa Pag-ibig, which aired from October 10, 2011, to June 29, 2012. Nine years later, a reboot named Huwag Kang Mangamba aired from March 22 to November 12, 2021.

In June 2019, Zaijian Jaranilla returned to Bacolor Church, where he revisited Bro (Jesus Christ) as part of ABS-CBN's 65th anniversary year-long celebration.^[21]

• May Bukas Pa at IMDb