“The Last Beergin” star Zaijian Jaranilla is cautious about giving comments or opinions when asked to weigh in on his friends’ issues.
The 24-year-old actor, who has become close to Sylvia Sanchez (and other members of her family) since working together in the past, couldn’t avoid questions about the allegations linking the veteran actress’ husband, Art Atayde, and son, Rep. Arjo Atayde, to questionable flood control projects.
While Zaijian made it clear that the political controversy didn’t change how he views his industry senior, he was firm about not getting involved.
“Ako po kasi, yung personal at saka yung sa trabaho, hinihiwalay ko (I keep the personal stuff and work separate),” Zaijian explained during an interview on the sidelines of the presscon for his new film “The Last Beergin.”
“Problema nila yun at saka hindi naman ako involved dun, bakit kailangan ko makialam or bakit kailangan may sabihin ako? Parang sa kanila na yun. Hindi ko na kailangang mangialam as ako… Parang OK, it’s their problem kaya nilang ayusin yun… Hindi naman ako damay dun, bakit ko kailangan problemahin?”
Nevertheless, Zaijian acknowledged that reactions from the public are beyond anyone’s control. “You also can’t control what people will say and think… just like I said, what you don’t know won’t hurt you.”
But when the news broke out, Zaijian was reportedly on set with Sylvia. “Ang hirap magsalita ng wala pang pruweba na ganun talaga yun... You can’t just say something and then retract it in the end.
“Of course, she was devastated (as a mom)… The least thing you can do is to be there, to be present for her. Kailangan niya ng mga kaibigan or yung mga malalapit na tao sa kanya, na nakapalibot sa kanya. Suportahan mo lang.
“I just told her, Tita, I’m just here… and I hugged her. Sobrang strong niya kung nakita niyo naman personality niya, on cam or off cam, parang walang pinagbago, walang tinatago.”
Even so, the former child star acknowledged that whether he speaks up or keeps quiet on things, particularly political issues, criticism will still come.
“Kahit wala kang sinabi or may sinabi ka, may masasabi pa rin sa iyo,” he said.
“Kaya ayoko na ilagay yung sarili ko dun sa position na yun na kailangang ‘pag may sinabi ako, kailangan kong i-defend, parang magiging thesis siya. Hindi mage-gets lahat ng tao.”
He, likewise, admitted that he’s not that informed or engaged in the political goings-on. “Honestly, I don’t know much about politics. I only know it’s dirty, especially here in our country, sobrang gulo, ayokong ipasok pa yun sa utak ko,” he said.
“Parang sa religion, kung ano ang paniniwala nung isa, ‘wag mo ng pakialaman, kasi ibang religion yan. Basta, ayoko…hindi ako nakikialam sa ganung issue.”
Though not politically related, Zaijian shared that he’s already experienced heavy bashing over a “playful” comment he made about a “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” housemate.
“The bashing happened during ‘PBB,’ about Dustin Yu. Na-bash ako ng malala kasi nag-comment daw ako ng wag iboto. I didn’t know but for me, it was just a joke kasi tropa ko rin yung nasa loob. That’s my personality. I like to joke around. But it was a learning experience also for me that you have to be careful with whatever you say on social media,” he reflected.
Now, he’d rather protect his peace and devote his energy to what matters most to him.
“Whether you’re an artista or not, kahit sa sampung ginawang tama mo, yung isa dun lang mapapansin nila. Ma-disregard lahat yun. Kasi yung mali lang ang makikita nila. Kung maging maingat ka, maging alerto ka, magiging tahimik yung buhay mo,” he said.
“Basta nabubuhay naman ako, kumakain naman ako tatlong beses sa isang araw. I’m able to provide for the needs of my family. So, as much as possible, ayoko siyang problemahin. I’ll just focus on work.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing projects, Zaijian is game and willing to take on any role and project.
“Honestly, I’m not choosy. Whatever is given to me, whatever is being pitched to me, I’d accept it. As much as possible, I really want to accept and accept because No. 1, it’s work. Second, it’s my chance for my growth as an actor. Especially, if you haven’t done it before, it means new discoveries. It’s a win-win situation.”
He acknowledged, however, that letting go of his iconic “Santino” image as a child star hasn’t been easy. “Yes, it was hard to shed the ‘Santino’ image kasi hindi talaga mawawala yung tingin sa tao sayo na ganun. You just have to accept it. But in terms of projects, I don’t hold back (nowadays).”
Just like his character in the comedy-drama “The Last Beergin,” directed by Nuel Naval, written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, and co-produced by Cineko Productions and Obra Cinema Productions (the same studios behind “Family Matters” and “Family of Two”).
According to the synopsis, “The Last Beergin” follows five strangers (Zaijian, Cherry Pie Picache, Pepe Herrera, JC Santos and Zyriel Manabat) who cross paths one evening, each carrying emotional baggage. As they begin to drink together, their walls start to crumble and what begins as small talk turns into confessions and healing shared with the level of honesty that rarely happens when sober.
Although he’s not really a drinker in real life, when asked who in showbiz he’d like to have a drink with, Zaijian mentioned Bela Padilla because he feels he can learn a lot from her, as well as GMA actors Dustin and Will Ashley.
And if everyone is loosened up, what would he ask them?
“What’s your biggest frustration in life?” he said.
When asked about his own frustrations in life, Zaijian candidly said, “When I was younger, my biggest frustration was maliit ako, pandak ako (being short). Then there was a time na sobrang dami kong acne, and I was very frustrated. But inisip ko na lang, para saan pa frustration, tatanda rin ako, kaya di na ako na-frustrate.
“Did I ever go through an awkward stage (while transitioning from being a child actor)? In terms of projects, hindi naman po kasi nagkaroon pa rin ako ng TV series, shows like ‘MMK,’ ‘Ipaglaban Mo.’ Dun ako nag-focus, dun ako dinala ng ABS (CBN), so I was able to do different roles.”
“The Last Beergin” opens in cinemas today.
