May Bukas Pa (2009 TV series)

May Bukas Pa (lit. 'There's Still Tomorrow') is a Philippine drama television series produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and directed by Jerome Chavez Pobocan, Jojo A. Saguin, and Erick C. Salud. The series features an ensemble cast consisting of 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 series aired on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block from February 2, 2009, to February 5, 2010, replacing Eva Fonda and was replaced by Agua Bendita.

This article is about the 2009–2010 religious-oriented TV series. For the 2000 romantic drama series, see May Bukas Pa (2000 TV series).

May Bukas Pa
Title card
GenreDrama
Religious
Police procedural
Created byDindo C. Perez
Julie Anne R. Benitez
Rondel P. Lindayag
Written by
  • Dindo Perez[1]
  • Shugo Praico
  • Ayis de Guzman
Directed by
  • Jerome Chavez Pobocan[1]
  • Jojo A. Saguin[1]
  • Erick C. Salud
Starring
Theme music composerCharo 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]
ComposersVincent de Jesus (Eps. 1–20)[1][4]
Jessie Lasaten (Eps. 21–263)[5][2]
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageFilipino
No. of episodes263 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerRosselle Parana Soldao
Production locations
Editors
  • Froilan Francia[1]
  • Charlie Palanca[1]
  • Bren John de Leon
  • Irvin Cajayon
  • Ding Mora
  • Ray Ann Endaya
  • Mario Arbizo
Running time37–46 minutes
Production companyDreamscape Entertainment
Release
Original networkABS-CBN
Picture format480i (SDTV)
Original releaseFebruary 2, 2009 (2009-02-02) –
February 5, 2010 (2010-02-05)
Related
Mga Anghel na Walang Langit
Agua Bendita
Noah
100 Days to Heaven
Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig
Dahil sa Pag-ibig
Oh My G!
Nathaniel
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano
Huwag Kang Mangamba

The series was the highest rated program on Philippine television from 2009 to June 3, 2011 when the 2010–2011 series Mara Clara became the highest-rating show for 2011.[7][8][9]

It is the revival show of the original May Bukas Pa program that ran on IBC and RPN from 2000 to 2001.

Series overview
Main article: List of May Bukas Pa episodes and chapters
Season Chapter
numbers		 No. of
chapters		 Chapter numbers
(with episode
numbers)		 No. of
episodes
(each chapter
numbers)		 No. of
episodes
(overall)		 First aired
(by
chapter)		 Last aired
(by
chapter)		 First aired
(overall)		 Last aired
(overall)
2009 1–34 34 1–2 (1–21) 21 237 February 2,
2009		 March 2,
2009		 February 2, 2009 December 31, 2009
3–9 (22–48) 27 March 3,
2009		 April 8,
2009
9–29 (49–160) 112 April 13,
2009		 September 15, 2009
28–29 (161–195) 35 September 16, 2009 November 3, 2009
29–34 (196–237) 42 November 4, 2009 December 31, 2009
2010 34–38 5 34 (238–240) 3 26 January 1,
2010		 January 5,
2010		 January 1, 2010 February 5, 2010
34–35 (241–248) 8 January 6,
2010		 January 15,
2010
36 (249–253) 6 January 18,
2010		 January 22,
2010
37 (253–259) 6 January 22,
2010		 February 1,
2010
38 (260–263) 4 February 2,
2010		 February 5,
2010

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.[10]

It focuses about kindness and morality in humanity. A child who believes that there's always a way to fix everything even if you did something bad. He believes that "Bro", his nickname for Jesus Christ, will always guide them by the light. It has such a great impact in most of the Filipinos on how they view life on a positive sides.

Cast and characters
Main article: List of May Bukas Pa characters

Main cast
Zaijian Jaranilla (left) portrays Santino. Andre Tiangco (right) portrays Fr. George
Precious Lara Quigaman portrays Criselda "Selda" Rodriguez-Sta. Maria
Maja Salvador portrays Stella R. Sta. Maria
Rayver Cruz portrays Francisco "Cocoy" Bautista
Jaime Fabregas portrays Fr. Anthony

Spiritual characters

The Priests
  • Jaime Fabregas as Fr. Anthony Ruiz
  • Dominic Ochoa as Fr. José dela Cruz
  • Lito Pimentel as Fr. Gregorio "Ringo" Samonte and Rodjun Cruz as young Gregorio "Ringo" Samonte
  • 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

Supporting 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
Main article: List of May Bukas Pa guest stars

Production

The series was announced in late 2008 (the same year Zaijian Jaranilla became an actor of ABS-CBN/Star Magic) when the network's TV production team looked for a church fit to set its religious-themed story, with the series was originally named "Marcelino" before changing to its final title "May Bukas Pa" few months after the show's announcement. Story conference for the series was done on January 9, 2009 where the logo for the show was revealed, and taping or principal photography of the series was made from January 15, 2009 to February 5, 2010.[12] Most of the scenes are taped in San Guillermo Parish Church in Barangay Cabambangan & Municipal Hall of Bacolor in Barangay Calibutbut of Bacolor, Pampanga. Overall, production process of the series which included its announcement and story conference spanned for two years.

In 2009, Maja Salvador took a break from the show for three months in order to focus on Nagsimula sa Puso. At the same time, she and Precious Lara Quigaman had announced that they have joined their new show Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor which came out in 2010.

Marketing

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
May Bukas Pa (Conversations Of Bro & Santino)
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released2009 (2009)
GenreSoundtrack
Length47:11
LanguageFilipino
LabelStar Music
ProducerABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.
No.TitleArtistLength
1."May Bukas Pa"Kyle Balili4:25
2."Pagmamahal - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:49
3."Nariyan Ka"Juris4:32
4."Pagpapatawad - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:44
5."Gaya ng Dati"Erik Santos5:30
6."Kapayapaan - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:48
7."Sana"Yeng Constantino, Kyle Balili4:06
8."Pagpapagaling - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:40
9."Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad"Jaime Rivera3:05
10."Pagpaparaya - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:38
11."Pananagutan"Bugoy Drilon3:55
12."Pananampalataya - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:33
13."Awit ng Puso"Fatima Soriano3:35
14."Pagbibigayan"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:38
15."Ganyan ang Pasko"Toni Gonzaga3:47
16."Kaligayahan - Conversations"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:40
17."Tomorrow"Rhap Salazar3:31
18."Pag-Asa"Bro (Love Thadani), Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla)0:31
19."May Bukas Pa"Erik Santos4:37
Total length:47:11

ABS-CBN Christmas ID
Main article: Star ng Pasko
Parol ni Bro Promotion

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 that are sold to benefit ABS-CBN foundation's charity programs. ABS-CBN launched Parol ni Bro November 4, 2009, where an 18-foot Christmas lantern on the top of ABS-CBN building was lit up by the May Bukas Pa cast, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III.[13]

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". It also has 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 had its 2019 Christmas Station ID "Love Shines" having scenes patterned after the 2009 ID.

Reception

Due to the show's ratings, ABS-CBN's management has decided to extend it for 20 weeks instead of the initial eight weeks.[14] On June 23, 2009, ABS-CBN television head Cory Vidanes announced that the show would be extended until February 2010.[15]

May Bukas Pa became the first primetime TV series in the Philippines to have lasted at least a full year and end in the 2010s decade, peaking during its finale with 47.3% nationwide rating according to Kantar Media/TNS. It currently stands as the country's highest-rated show of all time since Philippine television switched to nationwide TV ratings system in 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 which are "poorly, shallowly staged, thus making genuine inspiration and devotion difficult to come by while viewing the series." He further criticized the show's use of extras mostly playing sick people, who turn out to be 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."[16]

Accolades
20091st MTRCB TV AwardsSpecial Award for Promoting Moral ValuesWon
Seoul International Drama Awards[17]Best Drama SeriesNominated
Catholic Mass Media AwardsBest Drama (tied with Tayong Dalawa)Won
ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice AwardsPop Kapamilya New Face (Zajian Jaranilla)Won
ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice AwardsPop Kapamilya TV ShowNominated
18th KBP Golden Dove AwardsBest Primetime Drama SeriesWon
PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionBest Primetime Drama SeriesWon
PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionBest Male New TV Personality (Zajian Jaranilla)Won
PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionBest Drama Actor (Albert Martinez)Nominated
20108th Gawad TanglawSpecial Jury Award for TelevisionWon
8th Gawad TanglawNatatanging Gawad TANGLAW para sa Sining ng Telebisyon (Zaijan Jaranilla)Won
41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards[18]TV Program of the YearWon
TV Directors of the Year (Jojo Saguin and Jerome Pobocan )Won

May Bukas Pa also received an award at the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Awards (besides its Best Drama award), given by Cardinal Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales. The award was received by lead star Zaijian Jaranilla and the supporting actors who play priests (who also wore cassocks for the occasion).[19]

Anak TV Seal Awards Most Admired Program, Zaijian Jaranilla as Male Makabata Awardee.

In other media

The movie Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!, released on April 23, 2011 one year and two months after May Bukas Pa ended, has similarities with the series where Zaijian Jaranilla (who portrays as Angelito in the movie) can able to do miracles to help other people such as healing the sick as well as communicating with spiritual beings (Bro/Jesus Christ and Satan (in the form of a red light) in May Bukas Pa, and God (as a white light) in Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!).

On May 22, 2011, ABS-CBN aired a documentary entitled Banál (Tagalog for "holy") on the occasion of the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Zaijian Jaranilla and Jaime Fabregas reprised their roles as Santíno and Father Anthony as they present the life of John Paul II and his significance for Filipinos.

References
  1. May Bukas Pa - Episode 1. YouTube. October 9, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  2. May Bukas Pa - Episode 31. YouTube. October 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  3. May Bukas Pa - Episode 32. YouTube. October 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  4. May Bukas Pa - Episode 20. YouTube. October 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  5. May Bukas Pa - Episode 21. YouTube. October 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  6. "Krista Ranillo appears in 'May Bukas Pa'". ABS-CBN News. December 16, 2009. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  7. ABS-CBN News (February 18, 2010). "ABS-CBN widens lead in TV ratings race: TNS". ABS-CBN News. Manila, Philippines: ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  8. ABS-CBN Corporation (January 5, 2011). "ABS-CBN cites Kantar Media report saying May Bukas Pa topped 2010 most watched list". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  9. "'Mara Clara' finale tops prime time block". ABS-CBN News. June 9, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  10. ABS-CBN Entertainment. "May Bukas Pa - About". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  11. "Choose Your Own Jesus: 10 Actors Who Played the Son of God". SPOT.PH. April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  12. Eric John Salut (January 12, 2009). "Boy, idedemanda si John". People's Journal. Archived from the original on January 24, 2009. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  13. "Showbuzz". ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  14. "May Bukas Pa” extended due to high ratings" Archived 22 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine by Noypitayo.com 15 February 2009.
  15. "ABS-CBN extends airing of 'May Bukas Pa'". ABS-CBN News. June 23, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  16. "‘May Bukas Pa,’ plus and minus" Archived 20 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine by Nestor Torre, 16 March 2009.
  17. "Cristine Reyes attends Seoul International Drama Awards; Eva Fonda wins Special Prize". Telebisyon.net. November 23, 2011. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012.
  18. "Chiz: Don't extend Pagcor chief's term | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star". philstar.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  19. ABS-CBN wins big at 31st CMMAs --- from ABS-CBN News Online
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