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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Zaijian Jaranilla honors martyrdom in 'Seeds of Peace'

Zaijian Jaranilla honors martyrdom in 'Seeds of Peace'

Published Mar 1, 2026 02:26 pm
From the child who once moved a nation in "May Bukas Pa," Zaijan Jaranilla steps into one of the most meaningful roles of his career.
Known for portraying Santino, a character synonymous with faith and innocence among Filipino audiences, Zaijan now embodies Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF, in the upcoming meta-documentary "Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF."
Zaijian Jaranilla (Instagram)
Zaijian Jaranilla (Instagram)
Directed by Rommel Galapia Ruiz and presented by the Claretian Missionaries and the Gallardo family, the film marks a powerful evolution for the actor, from a symbol of childlike devotion to the portrayal of a real-life missionary whose life was defined by service and sacrifice.
The decision to cast Zaijan was a deliberate and personal choice by the producers and director. Beyond his proven talent, they saw in him the same quiet strength, gentleness, and spiritual depth that once made his role in May Bukas Pa resonate so deeply.
His calm presence and humility reflect the character of Fr. Rhoel, whose life was marked by compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to peace even in the face of adversity. The casting was later affirmed and approved by the Claretian Missionaries and the Gallardo family, reinforcing the production’s dedication to authenticity and respect.
Zaijian Jaranilla (right) and director Rommel Galapia Ruiz
Zaijian Jaranilla (right) and director Rommel Galapia Ruiz
This biographical documentary traces Fr. Rhoel’s journey from childhood to his martyrdom in Basilan, going beyond recounting his tragic death to focus on the life that shaped him into a missionary.
Through interviews with Claretian missionaries, family members, close friends, survivors of the kidnapping incident, and members of the small Christian community of Tumahunong, Sumisip, Basilan, the documentary presents a deeply human portrait of a man whose courage grew from years of faithful service.
On the set of the upcoming meta-documentary 'Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF.'
On the set of the upcoming meta-documentary 'Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF.'
Director Rommel Galapia Ruiz approaches the project as both storyteller and witness. Filming in Basilan allowed the team to see firsthand the community Fr. Rhoel once nurtured and to reflect on the evolving landscape of peace in Mindanao, from the turbulence of the early 2000s to the progress seen today.
The documentary highlights not only Fr. Rhoel's martyrdom but also the seeds of love, peace, and sacrifice he planted in the hearts of those he served.
Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF will be released on March 20, 2026, and will be available for nationwide block screenings. Official still photographs from the film are available upon request for media release and distribution.
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