May Bukas Pa (2009 TV series)

May Bukas Pa
File:May Bukas Pa.jpg Promotional poster, with the protagonist (Jaranilla)
Created by	ABS-CBN Corporation
Developed by	ABS-CBN Corporation
Directed by	Jerome Pobocan Jojo Saguin
Starring	Zaijan Jaranilla Dominic Ochoa Albert Martinez Dina Bonnevie Tonton Gutierrez Jaime Fabregas Precious Lara Quigaman Maja Salvador Rayver Cruz Lito Pimentel Liza Lorena Ruben Gonzaga Ogie Diaz Arlene Muhlach Victor Basa
Ending theme	"May Bukas Pa" by Kyle Balili/ Erik Santos
Country of origin	Philippines
Original languages	Filipino/Tagalog, English
No. of episodes	263 (total)
Production
Production locations	Metro Manila Bacolor, Pampanga
Running time	30-45 mins.
Original release
Network	ABS-CBN
Release	February 2, 2009 – February 5, 2010
Related
The Miracle of Marcelino

May Bukas Pa (lit. There Is Still Tomorrow) is a Philippine drama series which started airing on February 2, 2009 at ABS-CBN. The show's incredible success was extended multiple times until it's end run on February 5, 2010.

Production

Most of the scenes in May Bukas Pa are taped in the 4th class municipality of Bacolor, Pampanga. This includes its municipal hall, bank, public market and its church (San Guillermo Parish Church) which creates the fictional town of "Bagong Pag-asa."

Plot

Set in the fictional town of Bagong Pag-asa (Filipino for "New Hope"), the story revolves around Santino (Zaijan Jaranilla), an orphan abandoned as a baby in a graveyard where he was found by the old cemetery groundskeeper. The cemetery groundskeeper brought the baby to the priests of the nearby monastery. The priests raised the child, and Santino grew into an adventurous young boy.

As Santino wandered one day into the cemetery, he found a dirty statue of Jesus Christ, standing with arms wide open. Santino noticed the wounds on the palms and feet of the statue (a reference to the Holy Wounds into which the nails bore through during the Crucifixion). Remarking that Jesus was hurt, Santino takes the monastery's first aid supplies and used them to treat the statue's wounds. The statue came to life and becomes Santino's friend and confidant. Santino affectionately calls Jesus the modern nickname, "Bro" (short for brother).

When Santino's friend Joy (Phebe Khae Arbotante) turns ill and dying, he seeks the mercy of Bro, and prayed for a miracle to continue Joy's life. Bro then bestows Santino the power to heal sick and disabled people. The priests and Joy's parents, a couple who work as cops, witnessed Santino praying for the miracle which immediately healed Joy. The news of the miracle was heard across town. People who sought healing for their illnesses and disabilities came to the monastery and Santino heals them one after another.

The new town mayor, Enrique Rodrigo/Gonzalvo Policarpio (Albert Martinez), lusting for money, drives him to claim the land where the monastery stands, on where he could build a casino. He starts by attempting to put the monastery to bankruptcy. He sends mercenaries to rob the church's funds and destroy the monastery's farm. Although he diminished the monastery's financial resources, the townspeople offered aid to the priests after discovering their loss.

Enrique then hears about Santino's ability to heal people. Believing that Santino brings luck to the monastery, he starts his plan to take him away from the priests by sending social workers to assess the boy's condition in the monastery. Enrique made them believe that the priests were abusing Santino by forcing him to heal people. Worsening the events, a jail escapee kidnaps Santino in order to heal his sick child. After Santino was rescued from the kidnapper, the social workers decided that the monastery is unfit for Santino to live in, and he was taken away from the monastery. He was brought to an orphanage where he would be waiting for parents to adopt him.

A couple comes to the orphanage planning to adopt Santino. Santino overhears the husband telling his wife about his plan of using Santino to earn money by healing rich people with illnesses. Santino then flees from the orphanage and rode inside a vegetable delivery truck. He then arrives in another town, where he finds care from Berting Aragon (Robert Arevalo), a puto vendor. Santino befriends Berting's biological granddaughter, whose father, Jojo, loathed Berting for leaving him and his mother for another woman, years ago.

Meanwhile, Enrique sends mercenaries to find Santino. They find the boy and attempt to abduct him, but he was rescued by Jojo, who was stabbed and was rushed to the hospital. There he realized Berting's fatherly love for him, and with Santino's help, Berting and Jojo reconciled. Jojo then drives Santino back to the monastery in Bagong Pag-asa. The custody of Santino was returned to the priests.

Cast

Main cast

File:Santino MBP.JPG

Santino, the show's central character, is portrayed by Zaijan Jaranilla

• Zaijian Jaranilla as Gabriel "Santino Guillermo" M. Policarpio/Rodrigo - A kind-hearted and clever young boy. Longing for the love of his real mother, he finds a friend in the person of "Bro" (Jesus Christ), who helps him change the lives of the people in their town. Known for his healing powers. He is Enrique and Teresa's biological son.

• Albert Martinez as Mayor Enrique D. Rodrigo/ Gonzalvo Policarpio† - The mayor of Bagong Pag-asa. His lust for wealth and power will drive him to do illegal acts. He never treats Stella as his real daughter; it is revealed later on that Enrique is, in fact, not her biological father. He is Santino's biological father, but didn't knew about it from the start, and he later gives in, developing a sense of compassion for the boy. Later on in the story, he is actually the child of the couple who was killed when Doña Anita was taking over the land he was living on before. Now, he finally married Tilde. He was killed by his younger brother Robert after saving Santino's life and backing out of the mayoralty race, but not before informing Santino of his parentage to the boy.

• Dina Bonnevie as Malena Rodriguez-Rodrigo/Policarpio† - The wife of Enrique. She will do everything to prove her love for her husband. Coming from a wealthy family, Malena envied her sister Selda's intelligence and love with Mario, for she loved him too. This pushed her to commit wrong deeds. Underneath her beauty and glamor is a dark secret that continues to haunt her: she is the only one who knows Santino's biological mother. It was later revealed in a flashback that she accidentally killed Santino's mother. She is initially mistaken to be Santino's mother. She was once the only one who can prove that Santino is indeed Enrique's son with Teresa until it was later revealed that Tilde also knows about Malena's hidden secret. Later, after being involved in a tragic accident along with Rico, Malena is forced to get help from Santino causing her to forget her anger against Santino and accept him as a friend. Irony takes its place after she and Tilde comes face to face in the place where she accidentally killed Teresa. After a fight, Tilde accidentally pushed and killed Malena similarly to the way Malena killed Teresa.

• Tonton Gutierrez as Mario Sta. Maria - A loyal policeman whose terminally-ill daughter Joy was miraculously healed by Santino. He is Selda's husband, Malena's ex-lover and Stella's real father. He, however, was dismissed from service for alleged insubordination and absence without leave, but resumed with the help of Santino and the townspeople. He nearly separated from Selda. According to several mentions from his superior, his father was also a loyal policeman who was shamefully dismissed by false charges accused against him, causing him to die as a broken man. Now, he wants to challenge Enrique by running against him in the upcoming mayoral elections.

• Maja Salvador as Stella R. Sta. Maria - The obedient daughter of Enrique and Malena. She treats Santino as her younger brother. It is revealed that her biological father is Mario. She was once the girlfriend of Cocoy. She later leaves her parents for their differences, and moves in with Selda and Mario's. Stella went to the States but has now returned together with her grandmother. As she returns to Bagong Pag-asa, her anger to Cocoy still emerged until she found out the truth and came back with him. Later on the series, she was kidnapped by prostitute dealers after trying to visit her mother in a beachhouse. Stella tried to escape or the goons, but accidentally lit a fire and cause an explosion. As the Bagong Pag-asa police have witnessed, they have claimed Stella is deceased, until it was revealed that she did survive the explosion. Stella sadly haven't spent much time with her mother as when she returned to Bagong Pag-asa, the household was currently having Malena's funeral.

• Rayver Cruz as Francisco "Cocoy" Bautista - An orphaned young man who works as an assistant at the monastery. He was previously detained several times for petty crimes. He is currently in a relationship with Stella, but they both broke up when Stella asked to, and further distanced away when Stella was sent to the US. But then after explaining everything to her, they came back together. Cocoy have applied for a scholarship in a college to prove that he's worthy for Stella. He plays as part of a varsity team for basketball in college.

• Dominic Ochoa as Fr. Jose - Serves as the cook in the monastery. Santino considers him to be a father-figure. It was revealed by Enrique that he had a wife and a child who were killed in a car accident years prior to the setting, and Father Jose was the one blamed for their deaths.Later on the series, after being ashamed on breaking the seal of confession to save Santino, he quit the priesthood. However, this gave him an opportunity to legally adopt Santino. Father Jose formerly worked as a chef (where he later resigned) in a mansion, where, apparently, Enrique and his brother are hiding their gambling place.

• Desiree del Valle as Clautilde Katerina "Tilde" Magdayo-Rodrigo/Policarpio - The mayor's mistress, who (formerly) worked as a prostitute, turned (2nd) wife of the Mayor. She helps in executing the mayor's orders in threatening Santino and the priests. It was later revealed that she's pregnant with Enrique's son. Later in the series, it was revealed that Tilde also knows that Malena killed her friend Teresa; she used this to threaten Malena so that the latter would separate with Enrique, which would ultimately result in Tilde finally having Enrique back in her hands. After a fight with Malena, she accidentally killed Malena after pushing her in a hill. Months after Malena's death, Enrique married Tilde, in the midst of an ongoing crisis in Bagong Pag-Asa. She was arrested after authorities have already known the truth about Malena's death, but escaped after pretending to go into labor. Kidnapped (and later, accdientally killed) Santino in an attempt to heal her colon cancer and save her baby.

• Precious Lara Quigaman as Criselda "Selda" Rodriguez-Sta. Maria - The wife of Mario, the mother of Joy, and the younger sister of Malena. She works as a policewoman. Santino looks up to her as a mother-figure. Along with her sister Malena, she also came from a rich family but she gave up her lifestyle in order to be with her lover, Mario and she nearly separated from Mario after learning that Stella is Mario's daughter. Selda is currently pregnant with her second child.

• Lito Pimentel as Fr. Gregorio "Ringo" - A priest who left his life of parties and music to become a priest. His true past was revealed when Enrique was uncovering the dirty secrets of the monastery's priests. Father Ringo was an ex-convict for theft, and his calling to the priesthood came when he served as a sacristan during his time in prison. He is called 'Ringo' because he is the one who rings the church bells.

• Jaime Fabregas as Fr. Anthony - The rector and rigid chief administrator of the monastery. Underneath his strict demeanor lies his love and concern for Santino. An assassin sent by Robert killed Father Anthony, Santino tried to ressurect him but it was already late for Santino to heal him. However, he had a vision of Bro (Lord Jesus Christ) saying that he will rise again and he woke up after the vision.

• Bro (Lord Jesus Christ) - Santino's Friend and Confidant, and the source of his healing powers. It is to Him that Santino runs to for help or consolation. He appears to Santino from the statue in the cemetery. His face is never revealed whenever He is seen talking with Santino; camera shots of Him consist mostly of those from behind the back, or from the chest downwards or with the face obscured in some other manner.

• Satan - An evil parody of Bro who gave Rico psychic powers in order to foretell misfortunes in Bagong Pag-Asa; he influenced Santino in order for the latter to leave Bagong Pag-asa and the former to execute his evils in that town.

Extended cast

• Ogie Diaz as Renato "Atong" Arguelles - the flamboyantly gay husband of Baby. Sometimes parodies Philippine broadcaster/TV host Gus Abelgas, specifically his voice.
• Arlene Muhlach as Viviana "Baby" Arguelles - the "Queen Of Gossips", and Malena's best friend. When Baby discovered that Malena's earrings are the same with Santino's, she (initially) suspected Malena as being Santino's mother.
• Victor Basa as Fr. John Delgado - the son of a wealthy haciendero, his father had a lot of dreams for him, but he entered the religious life, estranging him from his father. Later, John and his father reconciled, the latter accepting John's choice.
• Badjie Mortiz as Fr. Paul Makopa - He is the monastery's gatekeeper. He was also shot by Tatay Ben's men, but was healed by Santino.
• David Chua as Fr. Chino "Chi" Wang - The treasurer of the monastery; a Chinese-Filipino and apparently was supposed to become a businessman, but eventually chose the priesthood. His sister has sought comfort from him after running away from an arranged marriage with a man she did not love.
• Andre Tiangco as Fr. George - Father "Linis" (Clean), this obsessive-compulsive priest is always seen with a towel draped on one shoulder, and carrying brooms and mops. He leads the priests in keeping the monastery clean.
• Ruben Gonzaga as Fr. Patrick - takes care of the monastery's little farm and garden. His family engages in fishing for a family; he discovered on a visit to his family that his younger brother, Jepoy, was involved in dynamite fishing.
• Edgar Sandalo as Fr. Jude - one of the 12 priests in the monastery, Father Jude is characterized as a grumpy man with a white moustache, beard and hair.
• Timothy Lambert Chan as Rico R. Rodrigo/Policarpio - Enrique and Malena's son and half-brother to Stella. He started befriending Santino after seeing the boy's good nature. Rico is not privy to the secret of Santino being his paternal half-brother. After Enrique died, Rico was discovered to possess the power of foresight (mostly tragic events, including Santino's death).
• Phebe Khae Arbotante as Joy R. Sta. Maria - Mario and Selda's daughter, and Stella's half-sister/cousin. When she was terminally ill, she was saved by Santino. As one of Santino's closest friends, she became a member of Santino's Angels.

Additional Cast

• Francis Magundayao as Paco - one of Santino's closest friends. He used to beg with his grandmother by acting very poor but after his grandmother got involved in accident and apparently healed by Santino, He promised to God that he will never do those things again. He also became one of the scholars of the monastery and as Santino's friends became a member of Santino's Angels.
• Miguelito de Guzman as Alfred - He became friends with Santino after running away from home after his parents are about to have divorce. He's also a member of Santino's Angels.
• Liza Lorena as Doña Anita Rodriguez - Malena & Selda's mother. After living in the United States for several years, she returns to the Philippines to pay a visit to the family together with Stella and Robert, her personal assistant. Doña Anita was imprisoned after being formally charged and being proclaimed guilty after being accused for the murder that happened to Bagong Pag-asa 30 years ago. On the day of Malena's burial, she was acquitted on all charges due to lack of evidence.
• Michael Conan as Dante Maoricio - a new Police Officer assigned for his mission to Bagong Pag-asa.
• Ron Morales as Robert Sanchez/ Gustavo Policarpio† - Doña Anita's personal assistant who practically takes care of every files Doña Anita got. He has worked for Doña Anita since she was in the United States, he previously took care of Doña Anita's case. It is later revealed that he is the younger brother of Enrique or Gonsalvo Policarpio. Shot Enrique.
• Jerry O'Hara as Senior Superintendent Raul Guevarra - the Chief of Police in Bagong Pag-asa. Seems to have known (and possibly have worked with) Mario's father, also witnesing his downfall.
• Rosalie, Kimberly, and Jennifer - a trio of idle ladies who do nothing but spread rumours. The additional comic relief of the show, the three always rush into the Arguelles' store to gossip, only to end up being hilariously dismissed by Atong, who accompanies their expulsion with shouts of "Layas!" (Tagalog for "Go away!").
• Erin Panlilio as Grace - Moy & Jackie's daughter. Grace didn't want to live with her mom because she knows for the fact that Jackie have abandoned them due to her father's lack of money. As part of her wishes, she only wants to be with her father, her grandfather Pilo and their dog, Rocky. Now, she's going to the same school with Santino and his friends (Rico, Joy, Alfred & Paco).

Guest Stars By Chapter

Chapter One: Mystery

Found abounded as an infant in a cemetery, Santino is adopt by a group of priests in a small town, who all pitch in to raise him as a little boy. Santino grows up happily in the church living with the priests, who raise him as their own.

• Chin-Chin Gutierrez as Narrator (pilot episode)/Teresa Malimban† - Santino's biological mother and Enrique's former mistress before Malena. Accidentally killed by Malena. Father Anthony does not believe that she is Santino's true mother because the earring found with the infant Santino did not match Teresa's own pair.
• Cris Daluz as Emong - cemetery groundskeeper.
• Tony Mabesa as Mayor Pio J. Ruiz† - former mayor of Bagong Pag-asa
• Liza Lorena as Doña Anita Rodriguez - Malena & Selda's Mother.
• Francis Magundayao as Paco - He used to beg with his grandmother.
• Eva Darren as Lola Belen - Paco's grandmother.

Chapter Two: Remorse

Santino was kidnapped by an unknown man in the middle of the night. It was later revealed that this man is Olegario Pineda, a criminal who Mario have imprisoned years ago. Mario suspects that Olegario kidnapped Santino to take revenge, however, this is not the real reason. As the two journeys to an unknown location, Olegario tells Santino that he needs him to heal his son who has a brain tumor allowing his son to only have a shorter life. Olegario and santino successfully made it to town of Sta. Maria where Santino could finally heal Olegario's son. In these events, Olegario was taken over by the police as they arrive, he was numerously shot by another policeman even though Santino begs that he is a good person. Later, Santino grants his promise to Olegario that he would heal his son.

• John Estrada as Olegario "Oleg" Pineda† - a prison escapee who kidnaps Santino in hopes for a miracle to heal his seriously illed son. He later befriends with Santino in their way to Olegario's home. He then later surrenders himself to the police, but is unfortunately killed.
• Kimberly Diaz as Olegario's wife. She went to Santino in wish to heal their son, however, the court have forbidden Santino to heal people, due to the suspecting of this as a scam.

Chapter Three: Forgiveness

Meanwhile, after being held in an orphanage, Santino runs away after learning that a couple would want to take him just to make money on his healing abilities. As Santino runs away, he meets Lolo Berting, a puto vendor who helped him find his way home. As Santino lives with Lolo Berting, Santino slowly learns that Berting has mysteries of his own. His son, Jojo, has despised him for leaving him and his mother alone till his mother dies. Santino then makes Berting's son to realize that he has to forgive his father because everyone also needs to be forgiven.

• Robert Arevalo as Berting - a puto vendor who helped Santino when he was lost after running away from the shelter. His son has forbidden him from his life as it caused his mother to die. He comes around his son's house secretly and gives puto to his granddaughter, Bea.
• Richard Quan as Jojo - Berting's son, who has forgiven his father after Santino makes him realize that other people also needs to be forgiven. He also knows martial arts as he thought that after his father left him, he should learn how to protect himself. He helped Santino from being taken by Mayor's allies.
• Xyriel Anne Manabay as Bea - Jojo's daughter & Berting's granddaughter.
• Steven Christian Fermo as Young Jojo
• Jeffrey Hidalgo as Young Berting
• Jan Marini Alano as Fely Aragon - Berting's wife
• Tess Antonio - one of the social workers who came to the monastery to take custody of Santino.

Chapter Four: Memories

Julia suffers due to her mom's recent memory losses, causing her whole career, life and lovelife to be ruined. She feels depressed and tired about problems comes to her way. Her life then changes after meeting Santino.

• Claudine Barretto as Julia - a woman who carries bitterness in her heart. Her life will change after she meets miracle boy Santino.
• Boots Anson-Roa as Esmeralda - Julia's mother, an old woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease, causing her to quickly forget memories and sometimes being too childish as what most old people become.
• Ryan Ramos as Winston- Julia's ex-boyfriend, he broke up with her because of her concentration on taking care of her mother.

Chapter Five: History

Mayor spills all the malodorous secrets of the priest in the monastery revealing that Father Ringo was an ex-convict and Father Jose's family are all dead.

• Rodjun Cruz as young Ringo - As a teenager, Ringo was imprisoned for robbing a shop so that he can get money to help cure his ailing mother.

Chapter Six: Marriage

Alfred, one of the students in the Bagong Pag-Asa school, has a family problem because his parents are about to separate. As so Alfred moves to the monastery, causing his parents have a hard time looking for him. Thus, Santino helped the couple overcome their problem.

• Kaye Abad as Minerva - Alfred's mother and Peter's wife. She and her husband have been having problems due to family crisis and have been planning to separate, causing their child to run away from home.
• Joross Gamboa as Peter - Alfred's father and Minerva's husband. He and his wife have been having problems due to family crisis and have been planning to separate, causing their child to run away from home.
• Miguelito de Guzman as Alfred - Peter and Minerva's son. He ran away from after discovering that his parents would separate. He ended up in the monastery where he met Santino.

Chapter Seven: Magic

Santino visits the circus and meets a magician named Ricardo. Ricardo and Santino later became friends revealing that Ricardo has a broken family he longs to see but due to some issues, meeting them is not easy.

• Gabby Concepcion as Ricardo - a magician that Santino met in the circus. Santino later finds out that he is just a lonely man looking for the comforts of his broken family.
• Jobelle Salvador as Kate - the wife of Ricardo who separated with him due to family crisis
• Jacob Rica as Michael - Ricardo and Kate's 2nd child
• Alexa Ilacad as Michelle† - daughter of Ricardo and Kate who died because of Leukemia
• Archie Alemania as Tipoy - Ricardo's friend works on with him on a circus

Chapter Eight: Wealth

Santino and the priests visited Father John's hacienda, where they've meet the latter's father, Don Miguel. However, Don Miguel doesn't welcome his son's priesthood and thinks that John's plans are just silliness. He believes that his son becoming a priest is not the way to happiness. He only believes that the only thing that will let his son gain happiness in life is money.

• Dante Rivero as Don Miguel Delgado† - father of Brother John. He initially refused Brother John's plan of being a priest because he believed that being rich and wealthy is the best way to get happiness, but soon realizes after having a talk to Santino that it is not.
• Nanding Josef as Manding - helper of Don Miguel whom Father John is more closer to, which caused Don Miguel to feel jealous because John treats Manding more as a father.
• Peewee O'hara - as Manding's wife.

Chapter Nine: Search

Santino meets a runaway woman named Cheska. She later reveals to Santino that she was searching for her biological mother who from what she knows still lives in Bagong Pag-asa. Her mother was later revealed to be the owner of the strip club of the town, "Heaven's Gate", but unluckily isn't excited to meet her daughter.

• Cristine Reyes as Cheska - a runaway young woman who searches for real self. After finding out that she was an adopted child, she searched to find her whole life to meet her biological mother
• Lotlot De Leon as Natty - Cheska's adoptive mother. A woman who never gets a chance to get pregnant. She bought Cheska from Ella just after they saved her from committing suicide. Nattie and her husband took care of Ella while she's pregnant and bought the kid after it was born.
• John Arcilla as Edwardo - Nattie's husband and Cheska's adoptive father. He, together with his wife, Nattie, saved Ella from committing suicide. The couple have been trying so hard to have a baby and got the idea of buying the baby from Ella.
• Glenda Garcia as Margie/Ellen - Cheska's biological mother. She's the lead "prostitute" in Heaven's Gate at her young age, but after she got pregnant all of her riches have disappeared. After giving up with life, she decided to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge while pregnant. Natty and her husband then saved her from killing herself. They took care for her, and eventually Ellen sold her baby to them.
• Andrea del Rosario as Janet - A woman who searched for her bestfriend in the town of Bagong Pag-asa. It was later revealed that her friend was Teresa Malimban, a woman connected to the lives of people of Bagong Pag-asa. She found out that her friend was dead more than 5 years ago and later decided to search for Teresa's son Gabriel (who is Santino).

Chapter Ten: Values

A lone teacher suffers through pain after discovering that her whole life of teaching children will later be ended due to her age. She feels alone and sad as she remembers all of her students, sacrificed her whole life for them and eventually became their second mother, yet, none of them seems to remember her works for them.

• Susan Roces as Ms. Nieves Antazo - A teacher in Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary school, who is being forced to retire because of some budget issues. She begs for the school to stay because she doesn't care about the money, all she cares about are her students. She has spent her lifetime taking care of her students, which caused of her losing most of her loved ones in life.
• Roxanne Guinoo as young Ms. Nieves Antazo - as a young woman, Nieves has sacrificed her whole life for her students. Her life and lovelife has been destroyed due to her career.
• Toby Alejar as Ms. Nieves Antazo's father
• Mikan Ong as Butsoy - Ms. Antazo's ex-student/pupil in her class.
• Zeppi Borommeo as Chris - Ms. Antazo's ex-student/pupil in her class.
• Jacq Yu as Eliza - Ms. Antazo's ex-student/pupil in her class.
• Chinggoy Alonzo as Mr. Manolo Sandoval - The school's principal. He was the one who told Ms. Antazo that she needs to retire from her work in the school.

Chapter Eleven: Fame

Adela, a former pornography star is abusing her son out of her hate and anger towards him. Adela was lucky to be given a starring role in a movie which unfortunately ended due to her pregnancy for her son. Boy George, her son, suffers to a lot of assault his mother gives because of his below average IQ, which unfortunately isn't enough for him to even enter a good college.

• Rosanna Roces as Adela San Jose - Mario's half-sister and is a former pornography actress. After given a serious dramatic role for a movie, unfortunately she got pregnant causing her whole career to shut down.
• Ejay Falcon as Boy George - Adela's son, a battered teenager due to his mother's greed of him causing her whole career to be ruined. Also, he is Mario's nephew. Boy George returns Bagong Pag-asa to pay a visit. At the same time he met Abby and fell in love with her. Now, Boy George is having troubles on how to court Abby. He returns to Bagong Pag-Asa and later learns that Mario was sacked from the police force.
• Janna Dominguez as young Adela San Jose - as a young woman, Adela stars on dramatic pornographic movies.
• John James Uy

Chapter Twelve: Truth

Carla, the daughter of the Bagong Pag-Asa school principal, is born into a rich and well-educated family. She is the "good and obedient" daughter. She is obedient to her father. She does well in school receiving high grades and is on her way to a good career path or so it seems. Her sister, Judith, is the complete opposite. She is the rebellious daughter. However, due to an unfortunate turn of events, Carla gets pregnant causing her dad to turn the wheel and treat her as a disgrace to the family.

• Anne Curtis as Carla- a simple, good daughter who later discovered that she's pregnant.
• Wendy Valdez as Judith - a rebel daughter who seems to be very emotional. She's been sent to rehab after being caught taking drugs, which she says she only did once. This makes his father become ashamed of her.
• Evangeline Pascual as Myrna - mother of Carla and Juliet and wife to Manolo.

Returning Characters

• Chinggoy Alonzo as Mr. Manolo Sandoval - Carla's father. He likes Carla more than Judith. But then after finding out about Carla's pregnancy, he turned the wheels making Carla a disgrace.

Chapter Thirteen: Love

A woman and a man mysteriously appears in Bagong Pag-Asa and started searching for their son. Santino, as he knows that his real mother is probably alive have been mistakenly thought as the son of Miriam.

• Lorna Tolentino as Miriam - A woman who searches for her long-lost son named Ogie in Bagong Pag-asa who they believe was kidnapped by their family driver.
• Gardo Versoza as Gary - Miriam's husband. He always guides Miriam in all her searching for Ogie. However, he nearly loses hope that they will ever find Ogie again.

Chapter Fourteen: Inheritance

As Santino searches for his real mother, through the way of "lukso ng dugo" (a feeling), he meets a young woman named Abby, who helped him when he was lost. Santino thought that Abby is his mother as he felt a great connection between them, however Abby is too young to be his mother, which Abby herself implies. Abby is the granddaughter of the owner of the most know Tocino branch in the Philippines, "Tocino King". Her grandfather wants her to inherit the business; however, Abby doesn't feel a great perseverance to accept the offer.

• KC Concepcion as Abby Cruz - A young woman who will meet Santino. She is the granddaughter of the owner of a food company known as "Tocino King". Abby then studies in America; however, his grandfather wants her to inherit the company. Abby is coming in great crisis either to accept the offer or not. Toward the end of the chapter, she accepts the offer. It is also implied that Boy George has a crush on her.
• Charlie Davao as Don Carlos - Abby's grandfather, some businessmen wanted to buy his company, yet he doesn't want to because he is willing to inherit it to his granddaughter Abby. However, Abby at first doesn't want to accept it.

Returning Characters:

• Ejay Falcon as Boy George - Boy George returns Bagong Pag-asa to pay a visit. At the same time he met Abby and fell in love with her. Now, Boy George is having troubles on how to court Abby.

Chapter Fifteen: Return

As Miriam and Gary are leaving Bagong Pag-asa, they meet Janet while having problems with their car. Miriam and Janet share their stories about the people they have been looking for. Miriam instantly realizes that Janet's story fits with Santino's life story. Meanwhile, Malena and Selda's mother Doña Anita returns to Bagong Pag-asa, where she started to connect with the characters' life. The recollection with Selda due to their conflict about Selda marrying a policeman, Anita meeting her granddaughter and the never-ending punishment of harsh words to Malena's husband, Enrique.

• Ron Morales as Robert Sanchez/ Gustavo Policarpio - Doña Anita's personal assistant who practically takes care of every files Doña Anita got. He has worked for Doña Anita since she was in the United States, he previously took care of Doña Anita's case. It is later revealed that he is the younger brother of Enrique or Gonsalvo Policarpio.
• Jerry O'Hara as Senior Superintendent Raul Guevarra - the Chief of Police in Bagong Pag-asa. Seems to have known (and possibly have worked with) Mario's father, also witnesing his downfall.

Returning Characters:

• Lorna Tolentino as Miriam - Miriam and her husband continue their search for their son. They then meet Janet who brings a great miracle in Santino's life.
• Gardo Versoza as Gary - Miriam's husband who continues his search for his son. He, along with his wife, then meets Janet who brings a great miracle in Santino's life.
• Andrea del Rosario as Janet - A woman who searched for her bestfriend in the town of Bagong Pag-asa. It was later revealed that her friend was Teresa Malimban, a woman connected to the lives of people of Bagong Pag-asa. She found out that her friend was dead more than 5 years ago and later decided to search for Teresa's son (who is Santino).
• Liza Lorena as Doña Anita Rodriguez - Malena & Selda's mother. After living in the United States for several years, she returns to the Philippines to pay a visit to the family together with Stella and her personal assistant, Robert.

Chapter Sixteen: Hope

Santino and Paco are kidnapped by a gang who make little children beg in the streets. They also somehow sell children to couples who are unlikely to get pregnant. As Santino stays in the gang, he met Tatay Ben, a lonely old man whose the leader of the gang. In this whole new world of pain and suffering, Santino will derive to survive. Meanwhile, Father Paul was shot by one of Father Ben's allies and was taken in the hospital, where his family came to visit him. Santino then finally have returned home at the right time to heal Father Paul.

• Johnny Delgado† as Tatay Ben - the leader of the gang who kidnaps children to beg in the streets.
• Mark Bautista as Victorio - the father of Angelie (one of the kidnapped children). He soon reunites with his daughter after she escaped from Tatay Ben's household.
• Matet de Leon - as Kim -Father Paul's sister. She visited Father Paul as he was admitted in the hospital after being shot by one of Santino's kidnappers.
• Carl John Barrameda as Ryan - a kid who is a member of the gang who kidnaps children. He uses toys as baits to attract the kids. He admitted to Santino that his older brother was killed years before after drowning in the river. Afterwards, he went to Manila and met Tatay Ben. He told Santino that Tatay Ben is not a good person, and plans to escape along with Santino and the other children.
• Lloyd Zaragoza as Pedro - one of Tatay Ben's workers, he is actually a good guy as he helps the children when they are in trouble.He also has a crush on a public school teacher named Anna.
• Marvin Yap as Juan - one of Tatay Ben's workers.
• Archie Adamus as Andong - Tatay Ben's right hand man when his gang entering Bagong Pag-Asa and tries to kidnapped Santino and Paco. He was shot by the police after attempting to kidnap another pair of children.He told Father Paul's sister that if he will live,tell him that he is asking for forgiveness.
• Jacob Dionisio as Leopoldo/Leo - one of the children to beg in the streets, he has been having severe coughs lately.
• Philip Nolasco as Sid/Sidney - one of the kidnapped children and is a child genius.
• Tom Olivar - Manila Police Chief who helps Mario and Father Jose to find Santino and Paco who were kidnapped by Tatay Ben's armed men when Angelie was escaped from Tatay Ben and returns to her father, Victorio.

Chapter Seventeen: Justice

Pedro and Juan helps the kids escape from Tatay Ben's household. Tatay Ben then gets arrested and Santino told Angelie that he will return to Bagong Pag-Asa when the former healed the latter's mother. Santino and Paco return to Bagong Pag-Asa as classes were to resume and they have a Father's Day program. Meanwhile, Mario is sacked from the police force by his boss due to alleged insubordination and AWOL. Mario later chokes the police chief in the neck for insulting the former's dead father, also a former policeman. This results in a huge blow to Mario, whose daughter would have praised him in their Father's Day program. Santino will then urge Enrique to do something for Mario. People will hold rallies for Mario, whom they regard as a hero. Don Miguel dies despite Fr. John's bringing of Santino to heal him, and as Doña Anita prepares to reconcile with Selda, Stella's parentage is revealed.

Returning Characters

• Dante Rivero as Don Miguel Delgado† - father of Father John. He initially refused Brother John's plan of being a priest, but with Santino's help, he attended his son's ordination. At this time he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Though Father John wants Santino to save his life, he is ready to die.
• Nanding Josef as Manding - as the helper of Don Miguel who gave the news to Father John about his father's condition. Later was entrusted the whole hacienda.
• Peewee O'Hara - as Manding's wife.

Chapter Eighteen: Runaway

Mario is forced to leave his family alone due to the gossips and the shame of the revealed fact that Stella is his daughter. As the their family goes to crisis, Malena's whole family has persecuted her, from her mother to her husband. Selda is also suffering as she seeks for a sign from God, if she would ever need to forgive Mario for what he has done. Meanwhile, at the middle of the night a big surprise has startled the monastery as Brother Chi's sister seeks for help after being forced to marry a man she doesn't love. Selda forgives Mario and reconciles with her mom, while Alex' father tries to relocate his daughter's wedding in Bagong Pag-asa, despite opposition from the priests.

• Toni Gonzaga as Alex Wang - Brother Chi's sister who runs away during her wedding dress fitting and seek help from her brother.
• Ricardo Cepeda as Wilson Wang - Alex and Father Chi's rich father. He is a Chinese businessman who forces his daughter to get married just to save their family business
• Mico Palanca as Bong - Alex's ex-boyfriend whom she broke up with after her father have made him leave her.
• Chesca Inigo as Raquel Wang - Alex and Father Chi's mother.
• Kontin Roque as Philip Chua - the man who Alex's father is being forced to her to get married with.
• Michael Conan as Dante Maoricio - a new Police officer assigned his mission to Bagong Pag Asa

Chapter Nineteen: Past

Meanwhile, Santino meets a street vagrant after being bullied by children. Santino, along with his friends, helped the poor woman and took her to Selda's house, where Selda has cleaned her up. However, the vagrant is unable to speak due to trauma or whatever has happened to her in the past. Santino takes the vagrant for a stroll in the cemetery where he introduced her to the priests and to "Bro". Santino healed the woman and later finally remembers her name, Ina. Ina after a long time time in trauma, somehow, couldn't remember anything from her past except for her name. She then dreams about a guy named Andrew, whom she believes is her best friend.

• Maricar Reyes - as Ate Ina - a "taong grasa" or a street vagrant whom Santino helped after being bullied by the public people.
• Jason Abalos- as Andrew† - Ina's bestfriend since highschool whom took care of her after her parents have died. He's an aspiring pilot, which signifies the "airplane toy" that Ina always brings with her. He died after trying to protect Ina from a group of bad guys.

Chapter Twenty: Revenge

Doña Anita is having difficulties about the case she's being involved with. Because of the matter becoming serious, she swallows her pride and asked Enrique for help. Meanwhile, Doña Anita is accused and imprisoned for murders that happened when her men were evicting people from her land; however, Enrique refuses to help her but instead seeks revenge for the past sins his mother-in-law did to him. Anita suffers a heart attack and is hospitalized. It was later revealed that the couple that was murdered in Sitio Hulo was the parents of Enrique. It's also revealed that Enrique was the one behind the recent accusations to Doña Anita because he wants revenge.

• Jairus Aquino - as Young Enrique/ Gonzalvo Policarpio - as a young kid, Enrique lost both of his parents after Doña Anita's men accidentally killed them.
• Bert Martinez as Enrique's father - Albert Martinez's (real-life) father made an appearance on the show.
• Liza Lorena as Doña Anita Rodriguez - Doña Anita was captured and imprisoned after being accused for the murder that happened to Bagong Pag-asa 30 years ago.
• Ron Morales as Robert Sanchez/Gustavo Policarpio - He has worked for Doña Anita since she was in the States, he also now takes care of Doña Anita's case. It is later revealed that he is the younger brother of Enrique or Gonsalvo Policarpio.
• William Lorenzo as Enrique & Robert's father.

Chapter Twenty One: Sacrifice

Father Patrick receives a letter regarding his younger brother Jepoy. He finds out that Jepoy have given up his studies to work as a fisherman to earn money for the family. Hence, Father Patrick quickly asks for Father Anthony's permission to leave and go back home. Santino with Father Jose and Father Paul joined Father Patrick in his way back to their province which turned out to be a seaside. As they arrive they saw Jepoy about to leave with one of the fishermen in the middle of the night. After learning that the person Jepoy is working with uses dynamite when fishing, Father Patrick stops him as he think this is way too dangerous for a child to handle. Jepoy gets mad at Father Patrick and later starts to explain to him why he needs to earn money.

• Makisig Morales as Jepoy - Father Patrick's younger brother who, unknown from Father Patrick, had given up his studies to start working. He has completely abandoned his childhood unlike other children who always plays, he spends his time working as a fisherman to earn money.
• Jeffrey Santos - as Anton - one of the fishermen who Jepoy works with. Father Patrick learns that he uses dynamite when fishing - which is illegal.

Chapter Twenty Two: Rivalry

A surprise visit shocks Baby after her sister, Delilah, drops by for a visit. Apparently, she didn't just comeby for a visit, she came of help with her problem, money-wise. Unfortunately, Delilah has lost most of her money, and went for Baby in need of help. It turns out that Baby hates her so much, because their father had always liked Delilah over her. As she stays in Baby's place, she didn't feel very much welcomed by her sister. She was very nice and very joyful when meeting people including Santino. Baby got jealous and started a rumour that she is a witch, which the public easily believed after an unknown illness has struck the people. She was boycotted by the townspeople where she was forced to run to the monastery to seek help.

• Ai-Ai Delas Alas as Delilah - Baby's half-sister. Between the siblings, she is the most favorite one of their parents. She used to be rich, but because of some problems, she unfortunately lost all her money. She pays a visit to Baby to find some comfort, who is unfortunately isn't enthusiazed to see her. She was then mistaken by the townspeople as a witch after Baby have started the rumor that she is one.

Chapter Twenty Three: Epidemic

Since the hospital is starting to overflow with patients infected with the West Nile Virus, the doctor facilitating the health center decides to close their doors to other incoming patients. Unfortunately, the said event further enrages everybody in town, thus causing Mayor Enrique to take immediate action. In order to cure everybody in town, Enrique finally seeks the help of a doctor with expertise on infectious diseases, Dr. Marcelito Azarcon. It turns out that Dr. Marcelito is a previous resident of Bagong Pag-Asa where he met his first love Patricia, however, chose his career path over her. As he returns tp agon Pag-Asa, he met Santino in the church where they a little talk. Lito told Santino that he doesn't believe in God, he thinks that its only one way to let other people feel calm during problem and science is always the one finding that solution. As he help stop the disease, he discovered that Patricia has leukemia after being badly infected by the West Nile Virus. Lito seeks help to Santino to heal Patricia, which Santino granted.

• Christopher de Leon as Dr. Marcelito "Lito" Azarcon - a doctor who have helped Bagong Pag-asa after a mild illness has struck in the midst of the people. He doesn't have faith to God because he believes that only science and the people's freewill can make their wanted things to happen. It was also later revealed that he had a relationship with Nurse Patricia but broke up because he chose his career over her.
• Ana Capri as Patricia - a nurse in the hospital in Bagong Pag-asa. It was later revealed that she had a relationship with Dr. Azarcon, but apparently broke up because Marcelito chose his job over her. It was also revealed that she has leukemia.
• John Wayne Sace as Arnel - a guy who was trapped in Bagong Pag-asa during the epidemic. He was suppose to come to his mother's funeral.
• Joseph Bitangcol as Bryan - Pam's boyfriend, who is trying to get into Bagong Pag-asa to tend to his pregnant girlfriend, he is currently with Cocoy. Before he couldn't handle the fact that he was going to be a father and ran away. Now he's ready and is trying to get to Pam.
• Dianne Medina as Pam - Bryan's pregnant girlfriend, who is trapped in Bagong Pag-asa and stayed in the monastery. Pam dreams of getting married at the church in Bagong Pag-asa because her parents got married there
• Benjie Felipe as Arturo† - a man that Malena paid to destroy Mayor from the public.

Chapter Twenty Four: Pestilence

After surpassing the town epidemic, it seems that Bagong Pag-asa is about to face another dilemma. To everybody’s surprise, a threatening swarm of locusts suddenly attacks the whole town giving problems to the farmers, an alarming number of cockroaches destroying the town's livestock and a group of wild animals such as rats and snakes scaring the townspeople. It was later discovered that whats causing the animals to move and wonder about is the activities being done by an active volcano nearby, which apparently disturbs them. However, the townspeople doesn't seem to believe this and through Malena's plans, they rather believe that Mayor Enrique is a pest in town spreading bad luck around the people.

Meanwhile, Santino is helped by a taho vendor named Moy. Santino learns more about his new friend Moy through the latter’s daughter Grace. The little girl reveals that her father currently has 4 jobs in order to get them though each and everyday. Aside from that, she also shares to Santino that her mother had left them before due to her father’s lack of wealth. To Grace’s surprise, her mother unexpectedly returns. Upon his wife’s sudden comeback, Moy is in fact glad; but he just couldn’t help but fear the thought that she might take their child away from him sooner or later.

• Vhong Navarro as Moy - A taho vendor who was struck in the midst of the locust invasion. Since his wife left him, he ended up as a single father who does everything just to take care of his only child, Grace. They have a dog named Rocky.
• Mylene Dizon as Jackie - Moy's wife. She went abroad to find work without even saying goodbye to Moy. Now she came back richer than before and tries to take Grace away from Moy.
• Erin Panlilio as Grace - Moy & Jackie's daughter. Grace didn't want to live with her mom because she knows for the fact that Jackie have abandoned them due to lack of money. As part of her wishes, she only wants to be with her father, her grampa Pilo and their dog, Rocky.
• Rocky - a German Shepherd dog owned by Moy and Grace. He has been with the family for quite a long time and have apparently been a special part of them.

Chapter Twenty Five: Home

Moy is disappointed upon granting the 5 wishes of his daughter Grace. Specially the first one in which she wishes that both of them will always be together for Moy has finally decided to give Grace to Jackie; thinking that the latter could take better care of their child. Another one of the of Grace's wishes is to be with his Grandfather Pilo who is in the home for the aged. Pilo was left by his son in the center due to lack of money. After being given to Jackie, Grace thought that she was just kidnapped by her mother without her father knowing, so she ran away back to the monastery to comeback for Moy. Moy then later explained to Grace everything which she couldn't really understand. After being returned to Jackie again, Grace runs away for the second time, but this time she went to her grandfather in Manila. Riding on a banana delivery truck, Grace invites Santino to join her. Santino, in worries for Grace came along. The whole monastery and Grace's parent have panicked due to the children's disappearance. After looking for them, they figured out that the two maybe in Manila with Pilo. They went to the home for the aged and asked Pilo, but denies that Grace and Santino are with him. It was later revealed that they actually are, and Pilo was just hiding them in his room. Pilo worries about Grace being taken away, so he ran away from the Home and took the kids in an old house to hide. However, a tricycle driver mistook Pilo as a pedophile and reported him to the police, where Jackie figured out that the girl being reported is Grace. In the middle of the night, the three were surrounded by the police. Although being surrounded, no one knew that the guy being mistaken as a criminal was Pilo. It was later revealed that it was actually Pilo when Moy and the others arrive at the old house. Pilo refuses to give Grace up to the police even though three snipers have been targeted on him. Jackie decided that she wouldn't take Grace anymore, as long as Pilo would give her up. Pilo gave up the children and although Jackie promised, she still tried to take Grace away, but after a talk to Santino, she decided to leave Grace with Moy, however, to give her a better life, she would help pay for Grace's needs. The family then rejoices as they're finally back together again.

• Dolphy as Pilo - Moy's father whom he never have spoken to in ages. He's in a home for the aged.
• Lou Veloso as Paeng - one of the old people in the home for the aged. He helped Pilo to run away from the home.
• Ramil Rodriguez as Pedring - one of the old people in the home for the aged. He offered his old house as a hiding place for Pilo and the children.
• Nina Dolino - Paeng's daughter.
• Martin del Rosario - Pedring's grandson.

Chapter Twenty Six: Care

Santino and the priests in the monastery meet a girl named Sara, who is then accompanying a special child named Val. The young lady introduces the child as her very own son. According to her, she and the boy escaped from his spiteful husband with completely nothing at hand. The very next day, Santino and his friends drop by their household in order to befriend them. To Sara’s surprise, Val seems to be completely receptive of Santino’s intention to extend a friendly hand. Meanwhile, the town is planning to have a celebration from all the pestilence that have happened. A surprising event happened on a rehearsal, where Val shows a talent of playing the piano. Upon seeing the child's skills, he was considered as a gifted child by the townspeople where everybody had talks about him. As Val's fame rises, his father have discovered where Sara and the child is hiding. The father surprises everyone on one of the practice session of the celebration where he revealed that Sara isn't the child's real mother. She was only a caregiver who took the kid and tells everyone that he's her own son. On Sara's side, she explain that the kid in not being given good care by his father, he was always being scold for and sometimes being hid from the public by imprisoning him in a room. The father, Carlo, explains that he hates Val because when his wife was giving to him, an unexpected problem happened which caused her death. Carlo later slowly realizes that it is his own fault why the child was driven away from him. As he hears his son play, he remembers his wife who is also a pianist, and through his son's music, he realizes that Val is a remembrance from his wife. After the celebration he promised that he will never be ashamed about his son again and will be proud of him no matter what. He also dropped that charges for Sara.

• Bea Alonzo as Sara - A woman who was taking care of Val, a special child. She presumes that she was Val's mother and she's trying to hide from their husband because she is being abused. It was later revealed that she wasn't really the kid's mother, but the family's caregiver. She kidnapped the kid because his fater doesn'y take care him. She loves Val too much because she also had an autistic older sister who died after being hit by a jeep.
• Nash Aguas as Joey/Val - The child who was with Sara, which everyone assumed as his mother. He's autistic which makes it very hard for him to communicate with other people, especially kids his own age. On a church celebration, he was revealed to be a gifted child on playing the piano. His mother died after giving birth to him.
• Vice Ganda as Maxie - Sara's gay bestfriend. He's a Vilmanian and a very joyful person. He went with Sara to help them hide from her husband.
• Ryan Eigenmann as Carlo - Joey/Val's father. He went in Bagong Pag-asa upon knowing that this is where the caregiver he hired took his kid. He hates Val because his wife died after giving birth to him.

Chapter Twenty Seven: Lost

Malena identifies Tilde to be Enrique’s secret girlfriend. Upon realizing this, Malena relentlessly drags the young lady out of the monastery to confront her regarding the matter. Tilde fails to deny the allegation, thus causing Malena to make a big scene in front of everybody. The said revelation further heightens up her hatred against her husband; and on her personal enumeration of all the troubles Enrique caused her, truth has been told that Enrique is in fact Santino’s real father. Meanwhile, fed up with his parents’ constant warring, Rico suddenly decides to runaway. Upon learning this, Santino together with three of his other friends decide to chase him and convince him to come back home. Enrique, the priests and the children's families mistakenly believe the kids were kidnapped. The children then succeed on convincing the boy but they faced trouble on their way back to their town. Aside from being lost in the middle of nowhere without food and water, Rico encounters a rather unfortunate situation. He ends up being caught in quicksand. On Santino’s way to help the poor boy out, he too falls in the trap. Their other friends rescued them, but they haven't returned yet to Bagong Pag-asa. It is also revealed that the place they are in is the hideout of insurgents and criminals. The kids then seek help from someone living in the forests, but it turns out that he is a member of the gang, "Batang Iwahid" (Iwahid Kid). Batang Iwahid is a group of young teenager boys based in the town of San Isidro who either rob people, kidnap them for ransom. However, they never kill citizens, they are only getting blamed for what the other gangs do. They shoot Enrique while he and the policemen were finding Santino and the other kids; Enrique survives as Santino prays over him while he was under the kidnappers, and the search for the children goes on. Some of the other children were able to be rescued, but Santino was still being held captive. It seems that the rebel group’s leader, Froilan, has a special income generating plan for the child. Upon learning this, Enrique hassles the authorities’ search and rescue operation, in order to save their town’s hailed child, and promote his political agenda as well. On the other hand, Malena runs out of town with her son Rico to get Enrique, and her growing love for him, out of her mind once and for all, which immediately infuriates the latter. Santino, however, was then rescued by the police, with Froilan and his men going to jail.

• Bing Pementel as Lilia - mother of Heide, whom Santino healed first in the town where the gang have brought to make money over his abilities.
• Ronnie Lazaro as Artemio - a man in which the gang seems to know. He's a resident in the place where the gang have brought Santino. He has a plan to save Santino from the gang.
• Carmelia del Rosario as Heide - daughter of Lilia.
• Igiboy Flores as Randy - a member of the Batang Iwahid gang.
• Renzo Cruz as Froilan - leader of another gang together with the Batang Iwahid. He's the brother of the leader of Batang Iwahid.
• EJ Jallorina as Abner - the leader of the Batang Iwahid gang.

Returning Characters

• Chin-Chin Gutierrez as Teresa Malimban† - Malena remembers the day she met Teresa Malimban.
• Kaye Abad as Minerva - After the children's disappearance, Minerva came searching for her son, Alfred.
• Eva Darren as Lola Belen - Noticing that Paco is lost, his grandmother came searching for her grandson.

Chapter Twenty Eight: Choices

After saving Rico, Malena runs away with the kid after knowing that she still loves Enrique. In Malena's disappearance, Enrique launched his secret plan to build a town casino. The town was divided by the choices of Yes or No on the plan. A kidnapper then called Enrique if he wants his son back. Enrique gave a 1 million ransom money in exchange of his son. Havok is in the midst, when the farmers refuses to leave their land because of the building being planned to be made. Stampede accidentally happened after one of the farmers was shot. Santino was the most affected by the stampede, where he had a near death experience in the hospital and where he met his mother in Heaven telling him that it is not his time yet because he still needs to find his father. After surviving the stampede. The social workers showed up saying that they need to take Santino away due to the accident. Upon this, Enrique planned to take temporary custody of Santino so that he wouldn't need to leave the town. Surprisingly, Malena finds her way back home after she accidentally fell asleep in a delivery truck bound to Atong and Baby’s store; unfortunately, she is very weak so she has to be sent immediately to the hospital. During Enrique’s visit with Rico and Santino, Malena grows inevitably furious. Enraged in anger, she persistently exclaims that Enrique is the one responsible for all her mishaps. Malena sneaks out of the hospital to purposely barge in Enrique’s house; and there she shamelessly blames her husband and his newly adopted son, Santino, for all her mishaps. The next day, Malena unexpectedly bumps into Santino and Rico in the monastery. Immediately, she excitedly approaches her son, but refuses to even come near her; and after she accidentally hurts Santino on the incident, she finally realizes how attached his son has grown towards his undisclosed half-brother. Malena then pays Arturo to kidnap Santino; the latter agrees to do so in order to prevent he and his wife to have their child adopted. However, the wife of Arturo confessed to Father Jose about the situation. Whilst Father Jose told Mario about what could happen, Father Jose broke the seal of confession in exchange for Santino's safety.

• Gerard Pizarras - The kidnapper who took Rico and Malena. He turns out to be working for Robert.
• Jennifer Illustre as Lorena - the wife of the farmer who was fatally shot but survived in a riot over the land where the casino will be built.
• Dindo Arroyo as Gregor Mendez - one of Robert's right hand men.

Returning Characters:

• Chin-Chin Gutierrez as Teresa Malimban† - On a near death experience after being seriously hurt in a stampede, Santino meets his mother in heaven. However, Santino did not have any physical contact with her. She said that "his father" (Enrqiue) still needs help.
• Jairus Aquino - as Young Enrique/ Gonzalvo Policarpio - as a young kid, Enrique remembers the day his parents were killed. And now he starts comparing his childhood from another farmer's life.
• Tess Antonio - the social worker who took Santino from the priests before. She again comes back to take Santino away because of the accident that occurred which nearly caused Santino's death.
• William Lorenzo as Enrique & Robert's father.
• Benjie Felipe as Arturo† - a man that Malena paid to kidnap Santino. It was later revealed that Malena just takes his family as her bait to make him do what she wants. His wife was about to take their kid for adoption, but with Malena's dirty money, he's able to keep his daughter. After a botched attempt to kidnap Santino and the ensuing chase by Mario, Arturo was killed when he was hit by a truck.
• Erin Panlilio as Grace - Moy & Jackie's daughter and also Pilo's granddaughter. She's now going to the same school with Santino.

Chapter Twenty Nine: Foster

Malena and Enrique started a reconcile. Rico and his family went back together again. Santino also started to reunite with the priests already. Meanwhile the DSWD came to the monastery and needed to take Santino away from the priests because another couple saw the records of all the kids in the DSWD. They also saw the records of Santino so they planned to take Santino. The couple adopted Santino, but the wife tried to "re-live" her dead son in the person of Santino. This caused the couple problems, and it was decided that he be returned to the DSWD. Meanwhile, Rico’s accident finally makes Malena a changed woman. Aside from paying Santino the proper apologies for all her misdeeds, Malena also drops by Baby and Ato’s store to say sorry for all her shortcomings. Later, after having a fight with Tilde, Malena’s fall off a cliff put her in a rather critical condition, which eventually led to her untimely death. Santino tries reviving her, just as Rico requested, but unfortunately even his miraculous hands couldn’t change Malena’s fate. On the other hand, Tilde’s previous threats to Malena instantly backfire. Incidentally, someone witnessed what she had done to Malena. Father Jose applies for a job in a nearby resort, but it was discovered that his workplace is actually a casino. Santino sees Enrique in the place; the latter asked him to remain silent about that, but the former refused. Jueteng is prevalent in Bagong Pag-Asa, and Mario and the other policemen begin to hunt down the perpetrators. It is revealed that Enrique himself is involved in jueteng.

• Mickey Ferriols as Vicky/ Momskie - one of the parents who adopted Santino.
• Bernard Palanca as Manny/ Dadskie - Vicky's husband.

Chapter Thirty: Greed

Santino meets the infamous Aling Soledad, a grumpy old lady who happens to be everyone’s enemy due to her remorseless greed. Pretty much aware of the scarcity of water in Bagong Pag-asa, she ends up selling her remaining supply for a pretty unreasonable price. Despite the old lady’s bad reputation, Santino and his friends end up defending her from enraged neighbors; but instead of showing gratitude to the said kids, she ends up driving them away. On the other hand, the heat wave phenomenon in Bagong Pag-asa finally takes its toll on its residents; but despite the said fact, Enrique remains unmoved regarding the matter. Enrique then verbally harasses Mario, whom he accused of being Bagong Pag-asa's jueteng lord. A fire in Bagong Pag-asa destroyed Atong and Baby's livelihood; a newly-wed [to Tilde] Enrique helped them, but in return they would have to blame Cocoy for the fire, even if the fire was just an accident. This causes the disappearance of both Cocoy and Santino from Bagong Pag-asa.

• Ms. Gloria Romero as Aling Soledad - a grumpy old lady who seems to be angry to anyone she meets. She has a water supply business.
• Aldred Gatchalian as Young Romulo - Aling Soledad's husband
• Jessie Mendiola as Young Soledad
• Jojit Lorenzo as Agusto - a gambler who kidnapped Santino after losing a cockfight. He said that his solution for his money problems is to make money through Santino's abilities.

Returning Characters:

• Dindo Arroyo as Gregor Mendez - one of Robert's right hand men as illegal gambling lord inside his residence from Bagong-Asa while Jose works with him as a chef. when Father Jose was quit his work as a chef to Gregor. Robert and Enrique's orders and tries to plot to kill Father Anthony's life then Father Anthony was resurrected when Robert got anger to him.

Chapter Thirty-One: Reunion

The authorities found a way to track down Cocoy; and in order to save Santino from the forthcoming pursuit, Cocoy then decides to leave his little brother alone in a safe place as he tries misleading his hunters. Unfortunately, after the said incident, Cocoy discovers that Santino has actually gone astray. And given the said situation, he is left with no other choice but to remain at large up until he finds the missing miracle kid. Incidentally, after obliviously walking around the streets of Manila to look for his big brother Cocoy, Santino finds himself spending sometime with Santa Claus. Santa Claus pursues his calling of giving out gifts from one house to another, and surprisingly, he ends up finding himself in his very own house. Immediately, his son Ramon recognizes him; but instead of greeting him with a hearty welcome, the lad instantly shoves him away. Ramon tries warning his younger sister Lea. Surprisingly, in contrast to her brother’s display of disgust, Lea is somehow looking forward to see her biological father; so she makes it a plan to look for him before her time finally runs out. In order to fulfill his promise to Totoy, Santino drops by the hospital to lay his miraculous hand on Lea; and after successfully doing so, they rush to the precinct in order to check on Totoy’s condition. Incidentally, Totoy had decided to donate his own heart in order to save his daughter’s life but Santino heals Lea. Lea & Ramon reunion their estranged father named Totoy.

• Pen Medina as Totoy -a man who disguises himself as Santa Claus after breaking out of jail. His only wish is to see and meet his youngest child who he has never met since birth to give her a toy he has dearly been kept. After being taken to jail, his wife died and both their children were sent to a home where they were both separated.
• Shaina Magdayao as Lea - Totoy's long lost younger daughter. It was revealed that she's terminally ill due to a heart disease and her last wishes is to finally meet her real father before she passes away, although she was healed by Santino.
• Ping Medina as Ramon - Totoy's elder son.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Trust

In the midst of Santino and Jose’s pursuit, Mia tries giving them a lift; and upon learning that they have no place to go, she gladly offers her house to be their temporary refuge. Incidentally, all these good deeds she has to offer have corresponding prices. Apparently, she is a self-professed material girl, and any thing that could bring her cash is basically worth her while. During one of their conversations, Santino tells Mia about the 1-million-peso reward Enrique is giving out in exchange of him (wherein a lot of people are already searching for Santino out of this reward); and upon learning about this, the young lady couldn’t help but feel the urge of getting her hand on the said bundle of cash. Upon getting her chance, Mia tricks Santino to come with her, alone. On the last minute, Mia changes her mind about bringing Santino back in Bagong Pag-asa. Surprisingly, she somehow grows guilt-stricken upon realizing how the kid actually trusts her with his dear life. Mia gets mad at her family, saying she has worked hard for them and yet they do not appreciate her for what she has been sacrificing for them; while she was driving a taxi, she was stabbed by robbers, and Santino healed her. Meanwhile, Gregor has been arrested and evidence soon implicates Robert in the illegal gambling in Bagong Pag-asa. Anita gets mad at Robert, whom she treated as her son.

• Krista Ranillo as Mia - a tomboyish young woman who does every work that she just to give support for her family. She basically does everything she can, taxi driver or even becoming a circus entertainer.
• Susan Africa as Isay - Mia's mother. She takes money from Mia that she says she needs for a very important use. It turns out she lied and used the money for her own selfish shenanigans. But in the end, she saved some of it for her daughter's user.
• Empress Schuck as Danica - Mia's youngest sister
• Charles Christianson as Julius - Mia's younger brother

Returning Characters:

• Dindo Arroyo as Gregor Mendez - one of Robert's right hand men. He was arrested by Mario.

Chapter Thirty-Three: Joy

Father Jose’s way to search for employment, he tries his luck in a job opening at Boss Jeff’s house. Surprisingly, he instantly gets the job after the said employer brusquely fires the newly hired for the particular position. Incidentally, Boss Jeff is pretty notorious among his employees. Apparently, he is vastly cruel to them, most especially to those who work in his toy store.

• Sam Milby as Jeff - commonly being called as "Boss Jeff", a crippled owner of a very known toy store. Jeff was said to have been abused as a child causing him to lose his ability to walk this cause him to be mean to his workers.
• Spanky Manikan as Mino - Buboy's father. Jeff's personal driver and housekeeper.
• Ketchup Eusebio as Buboy - Jeff's assistant manager for the toystore.
• Pokwang as Amy - a woman who gave some ice cream in a church choir. She claims that Santino healed a friend of hers before.

Chapter Thirty-Four: Alone

Santino fortunately escapes his pursuers with the help of a happy-go-lucky traveling sales lady named Libay. Upon learning that the poor kid is actually lost, the young lady gladly offers to help him go back home. In order to return the said favor, Santino then volunteers to help Libay with her sales; and together they go from town to town asking around for directions towards the small town of Bagong Pag-asa. She was then discovered by her brother, and asked to come home so that she could be with her father. It was revealed that Libay left her family because she couldn't carry on seeing her father suffering from Stage 4 cancer. Santino healed Libay's father.

• Judy Ann Santos as Libay - a basket merchant who Santino met after running away from the kidnappers. It was later revealed that she's actually running away from her family, who is rich and wealthy. She said the reason she ran away is because she can't carry on seeing her dad suffer.
• Juan Rodrigo - Libay's father who has a stage 4-cancer.
• Neil Ryan Sese as Rupert - Libay's brother.
• Adriana Agcaoili as Leling - Libay's older sister.
• Allan Paule as Onin - a man who was paid by Tilde to create a scene which she believe would make Enrique look like a "hero". He tried act that as if he would drive off the school bus used by Santino and his class on their field trip.

Returning Characters:

• Pokwang as Amy - she celebrated the New Year with Santino.

Chapter Thirty-Five: Father

A strange man named Franco de Jesus roams around Bagong Pag-asa to search for Teresa Malimban; but instead of finding his former girlfriend, he ends up finding her son Santino instead. Upon learning about this said information, Franco instantly claims custody of the said kid; and in order to successfully do so, he tries seeking Mayor Enrique’s help. Without hesitation, Enrique gives his full support to Franco’s case. He instantly suggests a DNA test; and once the DNA test results prove that Franco is in fact Santino’s biological father, the DSWD will then be awarding Santino’s custody to him. After Enrique finds out that Franco is not the real father, Enrique decided to have a DNA test. It is thus proven that Enrique is Santino's real father, and the DNA sample Franco gave was actually Enrique's. Enrique then decided to back out of the mayoral race in order to spend more time with his children, and gets ready to face corruption charges that may be filed against him after leaving office. Meanwhile, a fugitive Robert greets Enrique during his birthday, with Rico and Santino abducted by Robert. Mario and Enrique then pursue a chase against Robert, which leads to the death of Enrique and injuries to Rico during the rescue process.

• Jay Manalo as Franco de Jesus - a man who claims that he is Santino's real father. He and Teresa had a previous relationship, but he and Tilde are just engaging in fraud.

Returning Characters

• Andrea del Rosario as Janet - A woman who searched for her best friend in the town of Bagong Pag-asa. It was later revealed that her friend was Teresa Malimban, a woman connected to the lives of people of Bagong Pag-asa. She found out that her friend was dead more than 5 years ago and later decided to search for Teresa's son Gabriel (who is Santino).

Chapter Thirty-Six: Temptation

After Enrique's death, Tilde was arrested for being involved in the death of Malena. However, she was able to escape by pretending that she gone in labor; while being driven, she got the gun of Dante, the policeman driving the vehicle. Rico was resentful of Santino because of their father's death. Santino then felt sad as he believes he was a bad luck due the death of Enrique and the anger of Rico; Father Jose told him that he was not the Santino who was trying to be happy despite the hardships and trials. Meanwhile, Santino was being told by a voice (possibly Satan's) that he should come to it and he was cursed by Bro. He ends up being helped by angels on his way and ends up at a home for the homeless, run by Lola Milgaros, a blind grandmother.

• Gloria Sevilla as Lola Milagros - A blind old woman who is the owner of a home open to those who have no roof over their heads. Apparently, a rich businessman named Mr. Chan is trying to take the where the home stands.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Believe

A journalist named Paulo Peñaflor arrives Bagong Pag-asa to search for a news feature regarding the miracles within the small town. And to his delight, he alone gets his hands on the most sensational news there is Rico's exclusive encounters with his so-called Bro (actually Satan). Though a non-believer of such events, Paulo pursues this rather controversial issue for his show's sake. Santino has now returned to Bagong Pag-asa, but his former petty argument with Rico turns out to be a completely heated dispute. Apparently, Santino tries relaying Bro’s real message to Rico, which instantly infuriates the latter. Given the rather controversial situation, Paulo then gets another angle for a truly sensational scoop. And to his delight, the tension is further heightened up by Tilde’s hired con-artist. Unfortunately, this hype results to a rather terrible accident, which endangered Stella’s life; but fortunately, Santino is around to save her dear life. Meanwhile, detainees in Bagong Pag-asa's jail held the police chief hostage, and ordered all policemen to give them their arms.

• Ryan Agoncillo as Paulo Peñaflor - A journalist and CBN News Reporter who went to Bagong Pag-asa after hearing about the news of Rico's encounter with "Bro". He was a former missionary but he abandoned that vocation when the chapel that he and his co-missionaries had built was bombed, resulting in the death of his colleagues and the people. He managed to save a crying baby but it also died even after he thought Jesus would help the baby. In his despair, he threw his cloak and went away with the dead baby. It was this event that triggered his loss of faith in Christ.

Chapter Thirty Eight: Amen

Now that Santino is back, Tilde’s hope of surviving her fatal disease increases. And in order to assure that the miracle boy will be granting her request, she deviously abducts Mario’s daughter, Joy. Aware of his friend’s current predicament, Santino voluntarily submits himself to Tilde’s request. Immediately Santino tells Mario to bargain him in exchange Joy; and since Mario is left with no other choice, he agrees with the said set up without any hesitation. Out of desperation, Mario tries bringing Santino to Tilde. He was not actually planning to give the child, but due to unforeseen events, the miracle boy ends up falling under her custody. Immediately, she kindly asks the kid to cure her sickness. But after Santino refused to do the task, given the fact that he had already lost the power, Tilde gets extremely furious. And out of her rage, she relentlessly locks the kid up inside the closet. Despite Santino’s unrelenting claim that he had already lost his power to heal, Tilde insistently commands him to lay his miraculous hands on her. And during one of their arguments, the pregnant woman accidentally pushes Santino off a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, the said fall brings Santino’s life in great danger. Apparently, he had hit his head pretty hard on the floor. Thus, causing him to instantly lose his consciousness--just as Rico once predicted.

Returning Characters:

• Albert Martinez as Enrique Rodrigo
• Chin-Chin Gutierrez as Teresa Malimban
• Charo Santos-Concio as Mama Mary

On Cameo Characters:

• Claudine Barretto as Julia
• Gabby Concepcion as Ricardo
• Rosanna Roces as Adela San Jose
• Ejay Falcon as Boy George
• Susan Roces as Ms. Nieves Antazo
• Anne Curtis as Carla
• Wendy Valdez as Judith
• Lorna Tolentino as Miriam
• Gardo Versoza as Gary
• KC Concepcion as Abby Cruz
• Maricar Reyes as Ate Ina
• Ai-Ai Delas Alas as Delilah
• Vhong Navarro as Moy
• Christopher de Leon as Dr. Marcelito "Lito" Azarcon
• Dolphy as Pilo
• Mickey Ferriols as Vicky/ Momskie
• Bernard Palanca as Manny/ Dadskie
• Ms. Gloria Romero as Aling Soledad
• Shaina Magdayao as Lea
• Krista Ranillo as Mia
• Judy Ann Santos as Libay - a basket merchant.
• Ryan Agoncillo as Paulo Peñaflor - A journalist and CBN News Reporter.

The Singers:

• Piolo Pascual
• Charice Pempengco
• Zsa Zsa Padilla
• Arnel Pineda
• Jed Madela
• Martin Nievera
• Vina Morales

Reception

Ratings

In terms of nationwide ratings released by TNS, May Bukas Pa reached 57.5%, surpassing its pilot rating. The show's highest rating so far was 64.8% on August 3, 2009..

Due to the show's ratings, ABS-CBN's management has decided to extend it for 20 weeks instead of the initial eight weeks. On June 23, 2009, ABS-CBN television head Cory Vidanes announced on May Bukas Pa's recent thanksgiving party that the show will be extended until January/February of next year (2010).

Reviews

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."

Christmas Eve Inspiration

Parol ni Bro Promotion

Due to its public impact, ABS-CBN station have dedicated this year's Christmas celebration to the show. Bro or Jesus Christ was the centralized idea of the station's official Christmas station ID. The main song entitled "Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko" (Bro, You are the Star of Christmas) was used to promote hope and happiness this Christmas Eve although the country has been disruptively harmed by recent events such as the Tropical Storm Ondoy and Super Typhoon Pepeng. Inspired by the show, Christmas lanterns or commonly being called as Parol ni Bro (which have been shown in recent episodes of the show such as in Chapter Twenty Seven: Lost, where Santino and Heidi created a Parol, which Santino then gave as a gift for Enrique.) were specially created by ABS-CBN that are sold in public for a charity. This project aims to gather proceeds for the benefit of ABS-CBN foundation’s charity programs such as Bayanijuan and Sagip Kapamilya. ABS-CBN launched Parol ni Bro November 4, 2009, where an 18-foot Chistmas 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.

Awards

Year	Organization	Category	Result
2009	1st MTRCB TV Awards	Special Award for Promoting Moral Values	Won
2009	Seoul International Drama Awards	Best Drama Series	Nominated
2009	Catholic Mass Media Awards	Best Drama (tied with Tayong Dalawa)	Won
2009	ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards	Pop Kapamilya New Face (Zajian Jaranilla)	Won
2009	ASAP Pop Viewer's Choice Awards	Pop Kapamilya TV Show	Nominated
2009	18th KBP Golden Dove Awards	Best Primetime Drama Series	Won
2009	PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Primetime Drama Series	Won
2009	PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Male New TV Personality (Zajian Jaranilla)	Won
2009	PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Drama Actor (Albert Martinez)	Nominated
2010	8th Gawad Tanglaw	Special Jury Award for Television	Won
2010	8th Gawad Tanglaw	Natatanging Gawad TANGLAW para sa Sining ng Telebisyon (Zaijan Jaranilla)	Won

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

Also Anak TV Seal Awards Most Admired Program & also Zaijian Jaranilla as Male Makabata Awardee.

Special re-run

In observance of the Lenten season, May Bukas Pa had its encore telecast on Maundy Thursday (April 9, 2009) and Good Friday (April 10, 2009) at 7-10 pm, and on Black Saturday (April 11, 2009) at 6-10 pm as part of ABS-CBN's Holy Week presentation.

The 3-part marathon special garnered high ratings nationwide from TNS Media Research.

Extension till February 05,2010

Supposedly, the show would air until the end of June or first week of July after its initial 20 weeks extension last February. However, due to its ratings success, after the Thanksgiving Mass attended by some of the bosses of ABS-CBN and all artist and crew of the show last Monday, Cory Vidanes (station's television head) announced that the airing of the show will be extended until February 05,2010

See also

• List of programs broadcast by ABS-CBN
• ABS-CBN

External links

• May Bukas Pa at IMDb
• May Bukas Pa May Bukas Pa Drama
• May Bukas Pa ABS-CBN