Zaijan Jaranilla as Andy in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment

Young actor Zaijian Jaranilla is glad that even without the franchise, ABS-CBN is still able to churn out projects that are worth watching.

Jaranilla shared thoughts on the first anniversary of the ABS-CBN shutdown last May during the online conference for “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK) held on July 6.

“Dito na ako lumaki sa ABS-CBN. Dito na ako nakilala. Dito na ako nagkaisip so noong nangyari iyon siyempre para sa akin malungkot kasi lahat kami na mga artista, ‘yung mga director, lahat po ng nagtatrabaho sa ABS ay naapektuhan,” the actor said.

(ABS-CBN is where I grew up. This is where I became known. This is where I matured so when it occurred, of course, I was sad because all of us actors, directors and all those working for ABS-CBN were affected.)

For Jaranilla, however, not all is lost for the network as it continues to make its presence felt by putting out several shows and by airing on different platforms.

“Sobrang happy ako kasi kahit papaano, kahit hindi ni-renew ‘yung franchise ng ABS ay nakaka-survive pa rin tayo. Nakakagawa pa rin tayo ng teleserye na magaganda para maka-inspire at i-present sa mga tao sa kabila ng lahat,” the young actor emphasized.

(I am very happy because somehow, even when the franchise of ABS has not been renewed, we are still able to survive. We are able to make beautiful teleseryes that inspire, which we still present to the public despite everything.)

Jaranilla plays Andy Dayto, a nurse struggling with the illnesses of his mom and his sister, in the two-episode “MMK” story titled “Dialysis Machine.” It premiered on July 3 and will have air its final episode this Saturday, July 10. IB

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