‘Santino’ chronicles the life of Blessed John Paul II in ‘Banal’

Miracle boy Santino was able to touch the lives of Filipinos with his inspiring story in the hit primetime series May Bukas Pa. Just like him, Blessed John Paul II touched the lives of many— not just of Filipinos but the rest of the world.

Child actor Zaijian Jaranilla reprises his role in the phenomenal santaserye, alongside veteran actor Jaime Fabregas who played Father Anthony, this Sunday (May 22) in ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ Banal, a special documentary that chronicles the most inspiring and poignant moments in the life of the well-loved Pope who is widely regarded as one of the most important world leaders of the 20th century.

“Marami pong matutunan ang mga bata rito. Matutunan nila maging masunurin, maging madasalin, at maging mabait,” Zaijian said in an interview with Umagang Kay Ganda. “Nung nabubuhay pa po siya, para po siyangartista. Pero mas magaling pa siya sa artista,” he shared. “Sabi ng lola ko ang dami po na gusto makakita sa kanya.”

Relive the excitement of his visit through the inspiring images and stories from the lucky few who had direct access to the Holy Father and listen to faith testimonials of Filipino devotees who claim to have received healing through his intercession.

Look back at how Blessed John Paul II touched the lives of many Filipinos, who are undeniably close to his heart. He visited the country twice as Pope and not many people know he also visited the Philippines once when he was still a cardinal. He also named one of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Pudenziana, as a national church of the Philippines that serves OFWs in Italy.

That is why, Blessed John Paul II is just so well loved by Filipinos all over the world and it was further affirmed when about five million Filipinos flocked to Luneta during the final night of the 1995 World Youth Day. This remains to be the biggest crowd ever assembled for a papal event anywhere in the world.

Who is the Blessed John Paul II to Filipinos? Why did he create such impact in out lives?

ABS-CBN brought the most comprehensive coverage of Blessed John Paul II’s beatification last May 1. Its coverage aired through TV Patrol Weekend proved to be the most watched coverage as it hit a national TV rating of 19.1% on the said day as compared to 24 Oras, which aired earlier that day and only managed a measly national TV rating of 9%. The network also sent its top anchor Korina Sanchez to Vatican City to bring you live updates on this momentous Catholic event alongside ABS-CBN Europe Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe and correspondent Rose Eclarinal.

Don’t miss this special documentary and know the Blessed John Paul II in the eyes of Filipinos this Sunday (May 22) in Banal, with Zaijian Jaranilla and Jaime Fabregas, after Gandang Gabi Vice.