How a rejected script became Zaijian Jaranilla’s riskiest project yet

Particularly known for his breakout role as Santino in the ABS-CBN television series “May Bukas Pa,” Zaijian Jaranilla is making a huge milestone in his showbiz career as he takes on his “most mature performance” yet in Puregold Channel’s “Si Sol at si Luna.” The digital series, now streaming on YouTube, is about a May-September affair.

The former “Goin’ Bulilit” actor essays the role of Sol, a film student seeking creative spark, who falls for the older, emotionally scarred Luna (played by Jane Oineza). Their relationship forces a confrontation with the hard truths of age, loss and love, which doesn’t fit the mold.

Zaijian’s Sol will do an intimate scene with Jane’s Luna in the latter episodes.

“It’s a big step for me because I’m going to show that I can do those types of roles. And yes, it’s a big career change for me because once I started this, papasok na ako sa iba-ibang mature (roles). So, I really have to be prepared,” Zaijian told The STAR at the exclusive screening of the first two episodes of the series at the Wolfgang Premiere Cinema.

He is ready to take on more daring roles after “Si Sol at si Luna.” “I’m also considering the material. Hindi lang basta may daring or kissing scene, gagawin ko na. The (future) series or film should have a heart. I just want to show that I’ve become more mature and I can do those kinds of scenes.”

He further told this paper that it’s always tough to execute such scenes and he took it as a challenge for him to become a better actor. “I just want to give my best like in the scene that I did. It’s like jumping off a plane na wala ng atrasan. ‘OK, let’s do this.’ But there’s a need to have communication and respect with your co-actor.”

In terms of limitations for his “future daring roles,” Zaijian said, “That’s hard to answer. Maybe hanggang kissing scene muna at my age. Maybe when I turn 28 and up, I can do that. I think I need to work out my body if the script requires it or if the director asks for it.”

He hoped to act more in films and any projects that would be offered to him. “I’m not picky in any role as long as I’m comfortable doing it, I will do it.”

The young actor and Xyriel Manabat have an upcoming film titled “Guryon” and Daniela Stranner for “Ang Magtutuli,” directed by Jun Robles Lana.

At 23, Zaijian confessed he already experienced love but didn’t come across having feelings for someone who’s older than him.

The script for “Si Sol at si Luna” was penned by direk Dolly Dulu in 2017. It was originally submitted to Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 but didn’t make the cut in the Top 8. Later on, festival director and producer Chris Cahilig gave direk Dolly a call and asked if the filmmaker would be interested in turning the material into a digital series.

From left: Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, ‘Si Sol at si Luna’ director Dolly Dulu, Jane, Zaijian and executive producer Chris Cahilig at the exclusive screening of the series’ first two episodes at the Wolfgang Premiere Cinema.

“From a rejection ng CinePanalo, I was actually redirected — (the script) becoming a series for them. Nakakatuwa mga ganung paglalaro ng tadhana,” direk Dolly shared.

The series’ pilot episode, “Babae sa Bus,” has been released.

Joining Zaijian and Jane in the series are Joao Constancia, Karina Bautista, Cheena Crab, Marnie Lapus, Uzziel Delamide, Lyle Viray, Vaughn Piczon, Jem Manicad and Atasha Franco.

“Si Sol at si Luna” drops new episodes every Saturday.

From left: Zaijian, Jane, Karina Bautista and Joao Constancia at the special screening of ‘Si Sol at si Luna.’

Meanwhile, Uzziel, an indie actress from Pilar, Capiz, has passed away due to aneurysm, according to Cahilig. She appeared in the film “A Lab Story” and in the short film “Uwian.” She was in her 20s.