# May Bukas Pa (2009 TV series)

May Bukas Pa (lit. 'There's Still Tomorrow') is a Philippine television drama broadcast by ABS-CBN. 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. It 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.

## Overview

The show was developed following the success of Mga Anghel na Walang Langit and Princess Sarah as part of a lineup of family oriented Dreamscape Entertainment programs.
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. 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.
It was re-aired from March 16, 2020, to May 4, 2020, temporarily replacing 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 rerun. It ended on May 5, 2020 due to the network's shutdown that night, following the expiration of its broadcast franchise 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.
| Year | Chapter numbers (with episode numbers) | No. of chapters | No. of episodes | No. of episodes (overall) | First aired (by chapter) | Last aired (by chapter) | First aired (overall) | Last aired (overall) |
| 2009 | 1–12 (1–65) | 34 | 65 | 237 | February 2, 2009 | May 5, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 12–22 (66–121) | 34 | 56 | 237 | May 6, 2009 | July 22, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 22–28 (122–158) | 34 | 37 | 237 | July 23, 2009 | September 11, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 28–29 (159–195) | 34 | 37 | 237 | September 14, 2009 | November 3, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 29–30 (196–218) | 34 | 23 | 237 | November 4, 2009 | December 4, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 31 (219–223) | 34 | 5 | 237 | December 7, 2009 | December 11, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 32 (224–230) | 34 | 7 | 237 | December 14, 2009 | December 22, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2009 | 33–34 (231–237) | 34 | 7 | 237 | December 23, 2009 | December 31, 2009 | February 2, 2009 | December 31, 2009 |
| 2010–2013 | 34 (238–240) | 5 | 6 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 1, 2010 | January 5, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 34 (241–243) | 5 | 7 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 6, 2010 | January 8, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 35 (244–247) | 5 | 4 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 11, 2010 | January 14, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 35–36 (248–251) | 5 | 7 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 15, 2010 | January 20, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 36–37 (252–254) | 5 | 6 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 21, 2010 | January 25, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 37 (255–258) | 5 | 5 | 26 + 1 deleted scene | January 26, 2010 | January 29, 2010 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |
| 2010–2013 | 37–38 (259–263) and Uncut Airing Version | 5 | 5 + 1 deleted scene | 26 + 1 deleted scene | February 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 | January 1, 2010 | December 5, 2013 |

## Plot

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.
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.

## Cast and characters
### Main cast
#### 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

#### Spiritual characters

* Love Thadani (uncredited) as Jesus Christ
* Uncredited voice actor as Satan
* Charo Santos-Concio as Mother Mary

#### The Priests

* 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

### Recurring cast

* 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

#### Additional cast

* 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

### Guest cast
## Marketing
### Merchandise

In line with the show's immense popularity, various merchandise such as t-shirts, sandals, and other items were produced for children.

### Music
#### Theme song

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.

#### Soundtrack
### ABS-CBN Christmas ID

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.

## Reception

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

### Critical reception

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."

### Accolades

As a result of the show's success, many awards were given to the program and its cast. 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. The Anak TV Seal Awards were also awarded twice, in 2009 and 2010.
| 2009 | Anak TV Seal Awards | Mala Makabata Awardee (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Included |
| 2009 | 1st MTRCB TV Awards | Special Award for Promoting Moral Values | Won |
| 2009 | Seoul International Drama Awards | Best Drama Series | Nominated |
| 2009 | Catholic Mass Media Awards | Best Drama (tied with Tayong Dalawa) | Won |
| 2009 | ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards | Pop Kapamilya New Face (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Won |
| 2009 | ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards | Pop Kapamilya TV Show | Nominated |
| 2009 | 18th KBP Golden Dove Awards | Best Primetime Drama Series | Won |
| 2009 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Primetime Drama Series | Won |
| 2009 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Male New TV Personality (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Won |
| 2009 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actor (Albert Martinez) | Nominated |
| 2010–2011 | 8th Gawad Tanglaw | Special Jury Award for Television | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 8th Gawad Tanglaw | Natatanging Gawad TANGLAW para sa Sining ng Telebisyon (Zaijan Jaranilla) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 6th USTv Awards | Students' Choice of Actor in a Daily Soap Opera (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 12th Gawad PASADO Awards | Pinakapasadong Simbolo sa Kagandahang Asal (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | TV Program of the Year | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | TV Directors of the Year (Jojo Saguin and Jerome Pobocan ) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 32nd Catholic Mass Media Awards | Best Inspirational Album (May Bukas Pa (Conversations of Bro and Santino)) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | Anak TV Seal Awards | 2010 Anak TV Roster of Makabata Stars (Zaijian Jaranilla; also with Noah) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 1st Lingkod TV Awards | Most Favorite Child Personalities (Zaijian Jaranilla; also with Noah) | Won |
| 2010–2011 | 20th Golden Dove Awards | Best TV Specials Program (Sunday's Best: Banál) | Won |
| 2012 | 8th USTv Awards | Students’ Choice of Catholic Program (Sunday's Best: Banál) | Won |
| 2022 | Jeepney Fan Favorite Awards | Fave Child Star (Zaijian Jaranilla) | Won |

## Legacy

The movie Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!, released on April 23, 2011, 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, 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.
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.