Jairus Reuel Balagtas Aquino (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈdʒaɪɾʊs aˈkino], born April 1, 1999) is a Filipino actor best known for his roles in Super Inggo, Kung Fu Kids and Luv U.

Jairus Aquino
Aquino in 2014
Born
Jairus Reuel Balagtas Aquino

(1999-04-01) April 1, 1999 (age 25)
Caloocan, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Other namesJai, JJ
EducationMeridian International College
Occupation(s)Actor, VJ
Years active2006–present
Agents
Known forPareng Jomar in Super Inggo
Lembot in Kung Fu Kids
Drake in Luv U

He appeared in several television advertisements before his first television appearance as an actor in ABS-CBN's television series Super Inggo. The series became popular, earning him the household name "Pareng Jomar", also known as "Pambansang Bestfriend ng Pilipinas" (National Best Friend of the Philippines).[1] Since then, he is seen in ABS-CBN's television shows and films, as part of Star Magic.

Biography

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Early life

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Jairus Aquino was born in Caloocan, Philippines. His family is composed of two older siblings, a girl and a boy, father and mother named Carrie.[2][3][4]

With encouragement from friends and family support, Aquino began his career as a commercial model at the age of 7. He appeared in several advertisements both for print, media and apparel before he stopped short after his parents became concerned of him being at work at an early age. One of his commercial appearances, for "Dolfenal Mefenamic acid", tells about a father who has a headache and his tagline was "Sabi ni Daddy Mamaya nalang daw" (Daddy says later).[5]

Career

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Super Inggo series: 2006–2007

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In 2006, Aquino auditioned on ABS-CBN's upcoming series Super Inggo after his family's friends introduced it.[2]

The series is about a 17-year-old boy, played by Makisig Morales, who dreamed to become a superhero. Aquino was given the role of "Jose Mariano Jomar Sebastian", a young child who grew up as a street smart witty kid raised by his "Kuya Paloy", played by Alwyn Uytingco.[6] The series became popular, earning him the household name "Pareng Jomar", also known as "Pambansang Bestfriend ng Pilipinas" (National Best Friend of the Philippines) as his character defines a loyal brother, a loving son, and a good friend.[1] Since then, he is seen in ABS-CBN's television shows and films, as part of Star Magic. The series boosts his popularity, which paved way for more projects.

The popularity of his tandem with Makisig Morales in Super Inggo made him a co-host for ABS-CBN's Little Big Superstar[7] as well as his inclusion in the release of Little Big Star's debut album, Little Big Superstar.[8] It was then followed by another album release entitled Oldies but Kiddies under Star Records, after he joined the kiddie boy band group, "Mak and the Dudes".[9]

Following the end of the first season of the Super Inggo series, Aquino was offered to join the cast of Rounin, an ABS-CBN Philippine drama dubbed as tele-epiko or TV epic.[10] He played the young version of "Mythos" where he trained kick boxing for two weeks in preparation for his role. He was paired with Sharlene San Pedro who played as young Selene. Mythos and Selene were the young lovers of Lumeria, who were also the main protagonist of the show. This was their first team-up in a primetime series. In addition, he appeared as a young version of "Miguel" in ABS-CBN's adaptation of Lastikman. These two were his longest cameo primetime appearances during his early career.

During the same year, he did several roles, both for film and television, before reuniting with the cast of Super Inggo's sequel Ang Bagong Bangis.[11] He also did his first voice acting project for Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa, an animated version of the series where he voiced the character of "Jomar".[12]

2008–2010: Kung Fu Kids and other projects

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In 2008, Aquino was given the title role in Kung Fu Kids as "Lembot/Fish Boy" following the end of Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis.[13] Aquino auditioned for ABS-CBN's upcoming television series Kung Fu Kids. According to the director, Malou Sevilla, out of the many child stars who auditioned for "Lembot", the main character of the series, Aquino fits the role the most. Soon after, he learned a couple of martial arts sequences, particularly karate, in preparation for the series. His acting was complimented by his costars in the series, agreeing that he is the best actor among the four other male child stars.[3][4]

It was also the same year where he made his first afternoon television drama series Pieta which starred Ryan Agoncillo,[2] as well as his first comedy sitcom That's My Doc with Aga Muhlach, followed by M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop) together with Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas in 2010.

Aquino appeared in several films playing cameo roles since his early career. His first appearance was in Star Cinema's romantic comedy film, D' Lucky Ones. He also appeared in several Metro Manila Film Festival entries such as Resiklo, Wapakman, Shake Rattle and Roll XI and Super Inday and the Golden Bibe. In addition, he had few short films including his first independent film Ang Asawa kong si Nikulet which gained a positive response,[14] and Project Noel which was produced by Miss Earth Foundation.

His most notable film collaboration was when he voiced the character of "Bryan/Mang Ernie" in the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival entry RPG: Metanoia. The film won 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival's 3rd Best Picture, Best Sound Recording and Best Original Theme Song,[15] as well as being nominated in Asia Pacific Screen Awards.[16]

2011–present: Teenage years and Luv U

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After his two years of absence in the "Primetime", Aquino once again showed his acting prowess in the ABS-CBN adaptation of Mutya in 2011 where he played the role of "Aries".[17] It was followed by ABS-CBN drama series Kahit Puso'y Masugatan in 2012 where he played the role of Young Balong.[18] He also appeared in Star Cinema's Way Back Home topbilled by Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes.

2011 is the turning point of Aquino's life as he officially turns into a teenager. He starred as Frederick Drake Lagdameo in the second season of Luv U, opposite Shirley Bernardo portrayed by Sharlene San Pedro. After teaming-up in the series, Aquino and San Pedro are given another series entitled "Si Lulu at si Lili Liit" with Francis Magundayao. It is part of the Wansapanataym series that aired one-month long starting March 1.[19]

Personal life

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Jairus Aquino and Sharlene San Pedro, his on-screen loveteam in Luv U.

Aquino enjoys his time with his family and friends. He spends most of his time playing basketball and online games. He also allotted time visiting his Facebook and Twitter account to reach out his fans.[2] Jairus and his family are also active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.[20]

At age 9, Aquino already saved money from his earnings in working in the entertainment industry. As a matter of fact, he had helped his parents to have their own car, Toyota LT, which he had earned from Lastikman. He states: "Whenever I had to go somewhere else, we had to borrow my father's car. Whereas right now, I already have my own car, though it is only second-hand.[Note 1][13]

When he was cast in Pieta in 2008, he learns how to cry on set after being taught by the directors Rhayan Carlos and Gilbert Perez and Malou de Guzman. He states: "It was difficult for me to cry before that they had to tell me things before I cry. However, I discovered that drama is just as difficult as comedy because it is difficult to make the Filipinos laugh.[Note 2][2]

Education

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At 9, Aquino takes up a home study program at Angelicum College in order to balance his work and school. He is currently enrolled at Meridian International College.[citation needed]

Public image

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In 2014, Aquino is voted second as the "Most Promising Young Male Star" by fans, behind Nash Aguas. On March 26, Star Cinema created a poll on its website for the most promising young male star.[21] The response from his fans is huge, having a total of 37.57% votes.[22] The production company lists the reasons of him becoming the most promising star, which includes his good acting skills and charm, has "star quality" (talented, skilled, and being loved by people), and remarkable.[22]

In the same year, he, along with his current on-screen partner, Sharlene San Pedro, ranked fourth in another poll for the "Hottest Love Team" by the same website. Once again, fans voted for them, which garnered 14.03% of the total votes. Their loveteam, dubbed as "JaiLene", were just behind "Kath-Niel", "Vice-Rylle" and "Kim-Xi" loveteams.[23]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Character/Role Producer Notes
2006 D' Lucky Ones Young Lucky Boy Star Cinema
2007 Resiklo Arkin Imus Productions 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry; Nominated for Best Child Actor in the 56th FAMAS Awards
Supahpapalicious Cameo Role Star Cinema
2009 Ang Asawa Kong Si Nikulet Noknok Star Cinema Short film
OMG (Oh, My Girl!) Young Biboy Regal Entertainment
Wapakman Dingdong Meneses Solar Entertainment 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival official entry
Shake, Rattle & Roll 11 Kuya Dave Regal Entertainment
2010 Project Noel Noel Miss Earth Foundation Short Film
White House LJ Regal Entertainment
Super Inday and the Golden Bibe Francis Regal Entertainment 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival official entry
RPG: Metanoia Bryan/Mang Ernie (Voice) Star Cinema 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival official entry
2011 Way Back Home Junior Bartolome Star Cinema
2012 Biyaheng Kariton Klasrom Bogs CamErrol Productions Independent film
Amorosa Jun Skylight Films & Star Cinema
Suddenly It's Magic Young Marcus Star Cinema
Shake, Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion Teen Regal Entertainment
2016 Always Be My Maybe Tintin's brother Star Cinema
2018 Mary, Marry Me Young Pete Ten17P & TINCAN
2020 Boyette: Not a Girl Yet Pia Star Cinema

Television

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Year Title Character/Role
2006 Super Inggo Jomar
Love Spell Presents: Pasko Na, Santa Ko Boni
2007 Rounin young Mythos
Ysabella young Andrew / Albert Amarillo
Mars Ravelo's Lastikman young Miguel / Eskappar
Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis Jomar
Goin' Bulilit Himself
2008 Your Song Presents: Superstar Ng Buhay Ko Macoy
Kung Fu Kids Waldo "Lem" Ramos Jr. / Fei / Fish Boy
Your Song Presents: I'll Take Care Of You Harvie
That's My Doc Jai
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol Russel
Carlo J. Caparas' Pietà Toto
2009 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Wheelchair Mark
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Laruan Marco
Everybody Hapi Santiny
Komiks Presents: Nasaan Ka Maruja young Gabriel
May Bukas Pa young Enrique Gunsalvo
Nagsimula sa Puso young Carlo
Lovers In Paris young Martin
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: My Cheating Heart young Harry
Super Inggo At Ang Super Tropa Jomar (voice)
2010 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kariton Isko
Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Tonyong Bayawak Student (Cameo role)
Goin' Bulilit Nono Pinuno
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: You're Mine, Only Mine Raymond
Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Elias Paniki young Elias
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor young Anthony Florencio
M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop) Marcus
Noah young Gabriel Perez
Imortal young Mateo
Kokey @ Ako young Roland Reyes
Wansapanataym: Valentina young Robert
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Plane Ticket young Jerry
2011 Pablo S. Gomez's Mutya Aries
Wansapanataym: Swap Rayne
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tulay' young Nikko Mataro
Guns and Roses preteen Abel Marasigan
Wansapanataym: Mga Alipin Ng Lumang Aklatan Miko
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Itak young Rene
Wansapanataym: My Gulay Popoy
Real Confessions: Sulat Sa Langit Ralph
2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya: School Uniform Johnray
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bahay Young Tikboy
Kahit Puso'y Masugatan Preteen Balong
Ina, Kapatid, Anak young Oscar
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Pintada Bordy
Wansapanataym: Jingle's Bell Robert
2013 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Football Mige
Wansapanataym: OMG (Oh My Genius!) Harvey
Luv U Frederick "Drake" Lagdameo
2014 Wansapanataym: Si Lulu At Si Lily Liit Harvey
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Longboard Dandoy Tongco
Hawak-Kamay teenage Gin Agustin
2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Hagdanan Andre
Bridges of Love teenage Gael Nakpil
Nathaniel Joshua Casillas
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Rubber Shoes
2016 Wansapanataym: Susi Ni Sisay Marcus
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano teenage Edwin Maniego
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Salamin Edwin
Langit Lupa Lyndon "Batas/Junjun" Marasigan Jr.
2017 Ipaglaban Mo: Laro Axel
2018 Halik Young Gab
Spirits Reawaken Jesse
2019 Wansapanataym: Mr. Cutepido Michael
Ipaglaban Mo: Ingrata Adel
Ipaglaban Mo: Utang Arthur
2021 Encounter Justin Hilario
Niña Niño Richard
2022 Kalye Kweens Dino Catapang (Telly's Son)

Reality/Variety shows

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Year Title Network Notes
2006 Little Big Superstar ABS-CBN Co-host
2011 I Dare You Contestant

Hosting

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  • MYX VJ: 2016-2018
  • Aja Aja Tayo: 2018–2019 (Guest Host) twice a month

Discography

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Year Title Album details Track listing
2007 Little Big Superstar
  • Singers: Makisig with Sarah Geronimo, Lucky Me Kids and LBS Kids
Track listing
  • Sisikat 'Din Ako
  • All you need is Love
  • Araw 'natin Toh!
  • Lucky, Lucky Me
Oldies But Kiddies
  • Singers: Mak and the Dudes
Track listing
  • Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
  • Oh! Carol
  • Stand By Me
  • Runaway
  • Diana
  • Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo
  • Araw 'natin Toh!(Abs-Cbn Summer Station ID)

Videography

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Music videos

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Year Song Details Length
2016 "Ferris Wheel"[24] 4:28

Awards and nominations

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Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result
2008 56th FAMAS Awards Best Child Actor Resiklo Nominated
2014 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards Pop Teen Popsies (with Sharlene San Pedro)[25] Won
2016 11th Myx Music Awards Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ (shared with Sharlene San Pedro)[26] MYX VJ Celebrity for the month of February Nominated
2017 Myx Music Awards 2017 Favorite Guest Appearance in a Music Video (shared with Sharlene San Pedro)[27] "Ferris Wheel" Nominated

Notes

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  1. ^ Translated from the Filipino language: "Dati po kapag may lakad ako, yung kotse ng daddy ko ang ginagamit namin. Pero ngayon po nakabili na ako ng sarili kong kotse. Pero second-hand lang po yun..."
  2. ^ Translated from the Filipino language: "Natuto ako umiyak. Kasi dati po ang hirap lumuha, marami pa sila sinasabi sa akin bago ako umiyak. Pero pareho lang din po sa comedy yung hirap kasi mahirap patawanin ang Pilipino."

References

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  1. ^ a b "PEP PROMO: "Moose Kids dance album". Pep.ph. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Jairus Aquino: more than just a charming little kid". Telebisyon.net. June 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Child star is action hero in 'Kung Fu Kids'"[permanent dead link]. ABS-CBN News.
  4. ^ a b "Copy of Child star is action hero in 'Kung Fu Kids' article". Pinoy Exchange. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  5. ^ "Dolfenal-YET". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  6. ^ Super Inggo. Perf. Makisig Morales, Herbert Bautista, Angelu de Leon. ABS-CBN. 2006. TV Series.
  7. ^ Little Big Superstar. Perf. Sarah Geronimo, Makisig Morales, Jairus Aquino. ABS-CBN. 2007. TV Show.
  8. ^ Sarah Geronimo, et.al. Little Big Superstar. 2007. CD.
  9. ^ PEP.ph. "Mak and The Dudes release debut album "Oldies But Kiddies" | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  10. ^ PEP.ph. "Tele-epiko "Rounin" premieres this Monday, April 16 | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  11. ^ "Super Inggo 1.5 paves the way for Book 2 of the superserye". Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  12. ^ "Animated TV series "Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa" airs soon on ABS-CBN". Pep.ph. Retrieved 2014-06-01.
  13. ^ a b PEP.ph. "Child actor Jairus Aquino leads the pack of "Kung Fu Kids" | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  14. ^ beatlebum (May 1, 2009). "The Diary Underneath A Tree: Ang Asawa Kong Si Nikulet Day 1". Beatlebum.blogspot.com. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  15. ^ "Metro Manila Film Festival:2000". IMDB. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
  16. ^ "'RPG Metanoia' nominated in Asia Pacific Screen Awards". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  17. ^ Mutya. Perf. Mutya Orquia, Jairus Aquino, Precious Lara Quigaman, Alfred Vargas. ABS-CBN. 2011. TV Series.
  18. ^ Kahit Puso'y Masugatan. Perf. Iza Calzado, Andi Eigenmann, Jake Cuenca, Gabby Concepcion. ABS-CBN. 2012. TV Series.
  19. ^ "Sharlene, Jairus, and Francis start new love adventure in "Wansapanataym"". ABS-CBN. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  20. ^ "8 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Church". Moroni Channel. May 31, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  21. ^ "Who is the most promising young male star?". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
  22. ^ a b "The Most Promising Young Male Star is…". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
  23. ^ "The 'most kilig' love team is…". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  24. ^ "Yeng Constantino - Ferris Wheel (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 5 February 2016
  25. ^ "ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice 2014 winners announced". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2014-12-03.
  26. ^ "MYX MUSIC AWARDS 2016: Percentage Of Votes". myxph.com. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
  27. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Myx Music Awards 2017". rappler.com. March 16, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
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