Jairus Aquino

Jairus Reuel B. Aquino

Jairus Aquino on ASAP backstage
Born Jairus Reuel Balagtas Aquino
April 1, 1999
Caloocan City, Philippines
Nationality Philippines Filipino
Other names Jai
Occupation Actor
Years active 2006-present
Agent Star Magic (2006–present)
Known for Pareng Jomar in Super Inggo
Lembot in Kung Fu Kids
Drake in Luv U
Religion LDS (Mormon)

Jairus Reuel Balagtas Aquino[1] (born 1 April 1999), simply known as Jairus Aquino, is a Filipino actor.

He appeared in several television advertisements before his first television appearance as an actor in ABS-CBN's television series Super Inggo.[1] The series became popular, earning him the household name "Pareng Jomar", also known as "Pambansang Bestfriend ng Pilipinas" (National Bestfriend of the Philippines).[2] Since then, he is seen in ABS-CBN's television shows and films, as part of Star Magic.

At present, Aquino is portraying Drake Lagdameo in the ABS-CBN teen oriented show, Luv U, since 2013.

Biography

Early life

Jairus Aquino was born on April 1, 1999 in Caloocan City, Philippines. His family is composed of two older siblings, a girl and a boy, father and mother named Carrie.[3][4][5]

With encouragement from friends and family support, Aquino began his career as a commercial model at the age of 4. 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).[6]

Super Inggo series: 2006–2007

In 2006, Aquino auditioned on ABS-CBN's upcoming series Super Inggo after his family's friends introduced it.[3][7] The series is about a 10-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.[8] The series became popular, earning him the household name "Pareng Jomar", also known as "Pambansang Bestfriend ng Pilipinas" (National Bestfriend of the Philippines) as his character defines a loyal brother, a loving son, and a good friend.[2] 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[9] as well as his inclusion in the release of Little Big Star's debut album, Little Big Superstar.[10] 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".[11]

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.[12] 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.[13] 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".[14]

2008-2010:Kung Fu Kids and other projects

Aquino's signature at age 9.

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.[15] 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.[4][5]

It was also the same year where he made his first afternoon television drama series Pieta which was starred by Ryan Agoncillo,[3] 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,[16] 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,[17] as well as being nominated in Asia Pacific Screen Awards.[18]

2011-present: Teenage years and Luv U

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".[19] It was followed by ABS-CBN drama series Kahit Puso'y Masugatan in 2012 where he played the role of Young Balong.[20] 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 currently stars 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 Wansapanataym series that will air one-month long starting March 1.[21]

Personal life

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.[3] Jairus and his family are also active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints.

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.<ref group="Note" "i">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..."</ref>[15]

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.<ref group="Note" "ii">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."</ref>[3]

Education

At 9, Aquino takes up a home study program at Angelicum College in order to balance his work and school.

Public image

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.[22] The response from his fans is huge, having a total of 37.57% votes.[23] 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.[23]

In the same year, he, alongside 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.[24]

Filmography

List of acting performances for Television
Title Year Role Produced by Notes
, Super InggoSuper Inggo 2006 Jomar ABS-CBN TV Series
, Love Spell Presents: Pasko Na, Santa KoLove Spell Presents: Pasko Na, Santa Ko 2006 Boni ABS-CBN TV Series
, Little Big SuperstarLittle Big Superstar 2006 Himself / Co-host ABS-CBN Variety Show
, RouninRounin 2007 young Mythos ABS-CBN TV Series
, YsabellaYsabella 2007 young Andrew / Albert Amarillo ABS-CBN TV Series
, Mars Ravelo's LastikmanMars Ravelo's Lastikman 2007 young Miguel / Eskappar ABS-CBN TV Series
, Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong BangisSuper Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis 2007 Jomar ABS-CBN TV Series
, Goin' BulilitGoin' Bulilit 2007 Himself / Guest ABS-CBN Comedy Show
, Your Song Presents: Superstar Ng Buhay KoYour Song Presents: Superstar Ng Buhay Ko 2008 Macoy ABS-CBN TV Series
, Kung Fu KidsKung Fu Kids 2008 Waldo "Lem" Ramos Jr. / Fei / Fish Boy ABS-CBN TV Series
, Your Song Presents: I'll Take Care Of YouYour Song Presents: I'll Take Care Of You 2008 Harvie ABS-CBN TV Series
, That's My DocThat's My Doc 2008 Jai ABS-CBN Sitcom
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Sanggol"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Sanggol" 2008 Russel ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Pietà Pietà 2008 Toto ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Wheelchair"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Wheelchair" 2009 Mark ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Laruan"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Laruan" 2009 Marco ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Everybody HapiEverybody Hapi 2009 Santiny TV5 Sitcom
, Nasaan Ka MarujaNasaan Ka Maruja 2009 Young Gabriel ABS-CBN TV Series
, May Bukas PaMay Bukas Pa 2009 young Enrique Gunsalvo ABS-CBN TV Series
, Nagsimula sa PusoNagsimula sa Puso 2009 young Carlo ABS-CBN TV Series
, Lovers In ParisLovers In Paris 2009 young Martin ABS-CBN TV Series
, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: My Cheating HeartPrecious Hearts Romances Presents: My Cheating Heart 2009 young Harry ABS-CBN TV Series
, Super Inggo At Ang Super TropaSuper Inggo At Ang Super Tropa 2009 Jomar (voice) ABS-CBN Animated Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Kariton"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Kariton" 2010 Isko ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Tonyong BayawakTonyong Bayawak 2010 Student (Cameo role) ABS-CBN Mini Series
, Goin' BulilitGoin' Bulilit 2010 Guest as Nono Pinuno ABS-CBN Comedy
, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: You're Mine, Only MinePrecious Hearts Romances Presents: You're Mine, Only Mine 2010 Raymond ABS-CBN TV Series
, Elias PanikiElias Paniki 2010 young Elias ABS-CBN Mini series
, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: ImpostorPrecious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor 2010 young Anthony Florencio ABS-CBN TV Series
, M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop)M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop) 2010 Marcus ABS-CBN Sitcom
, NoahNoah 2010 young Gabriel Perez ABS-CBN TV Series
, ImortalImortal 2010 young Mateo ABS-CBN TV Series
, Kokey @ AkoKokey @ Ako 2010 young Roland Reyes ABS-CBN TV Series
, Wansapanataym: "Valentina"Wansapanataym: "Valentina" 2010 young Robert ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Plane Ticket"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Plane Ticket" 2010 young Jerry ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Pablo S. Gomez's MutyaPablo S. Gomez's Mutya 2011 Aries ABS-CBN TV Series
, Wansapanataym: "Swap"Wansapanataym: "Swap" 2011 Rayne ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Tulay"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Tulay" 2011 young Nikko Mataro ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Guns and RosesGuns and Roses 2011 preteen Abel Marasigan ABS-CBN TV Series
, I Dare YouI Dare You 2011 Himself ABS-CBN Reality Show
, Wansapanataym: "Mga Alipin Ng Lumang Aklatan"Wansapanataym: "Mga Alipin Ng Lumang Aklatan" 2011 Miko ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Itak"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Itak" 2011 young Rene ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Wansapanataym: "My Gulay"Wansapanataym: "My Gulay" 2011 Popoy ABS-CBN TV Series
, Real Confessions: "Sulat Sa Langit"Real Confessions: "Sulat Sa Langit" 2011 Ralph TV5 Drama Anthology
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "School Uniform"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "School Uniform" 2012 Johnray ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Bahay"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Bahay" 2012 Special Role: "Young Tikboy" ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Kahit Puso'y MasugatanKahit Puso'y Masugatan 2012 Preteen Balong ABS-CBN TV Series
, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: PintadaPrecious Hearts Romances Presents: Pintada 2012 Bordy ABS-CBN TV Series
, Wansapanataym: "Jingle's Bell"Wansapanataym: "Jingle's Bell" 2012 Robert ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Football"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Football" 2013 Mige ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Wansapanataym: " OMG (Oh My Genius!)" Wansapanataym: " OMG (Oh My Genius!)" 2013 Harvey ABS-CBN TV Series
, Luv U (season 2)Luv U (season 2) 2013 Frederick "Drake" Lagdameo ABS-CBN Comedy
, Wansapanataym: Si Lulu At Si Lily LiitWansapanataym: Si Lulu At Si Lily Liit 2014 Harvey ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Longboard"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Longboard" 2014 Dandoy Tongco ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Hawak-KamayHawak-Kamay 2014 young Gin Agustin ABS-CBN TV Series
, Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Hagdanan"Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Hagdanan" 2015 Andre ABS-CBN Drama Anthology
, Bridges Of LoveBridges Of Love 2015 teenage Gael Nakpil ABS-CBN TV Series
, NathanielNathaniel 2015 Joshua ABS-CBN TV Series
List of acting performances for Film
Title Year Role Produced by Notes
, D' Lucky OnesD' Lucky Ones 2006 Young Lucky Boy Star Cinema Film
, ResikloResiklo 2007 Arkin Imus Productions Entry to 2007 MMFF
, SupahpapaliciousSupahpapalicious 2007 Cameo Role Star Cinema Film
, Ang asawa kong si NikuletAng asawa kong si Nikulet 2009 Noknok Star Cinema Independent Film
, OMG (Oh, My Girl!)OMG (Oh, My Girl!) 2009 Young Biboy Regal Entertainment Film
, WapakmanWapakman 2009 Dingdong Meneses Solar Entertainment Entry to 2009 MMFF
, Shake Rattle and Roll XIShake Rattle and Roll XI 2009 Cameo Role Regal Entertainment Entry to 2009 MMFF
, Project NoelProject Noel 2010 Noel Miss Earth Foundation Short Film
, White House (film)White House (film) 2010 LJ Regal Entertainment Film
, Super Inday and the Golden BibeSuper Inday and the Golden Bibe 2010 Francis Regal Entertainment Entry to 2010 MMFF
, RPG: MetanoiaRPG: Metanoia 2010 Bryan/Mang Ernie (Voice) Star Cinema Entry to 2010 MMFF
, Way Back HomeWay Back Home 2011 Junior Bartolome Star Cinema Film
, Biyaheng Kariton KlasromBiyaheng Kariton Klasrom 2012 Bogs CamErrol Productions Independent Film
, AmorosaAmorosa 2012 Jun Skylight Films & Star Cinema Film

Discography

Album
Year of release Track Listing
Little Big Superstar

(Makisig with Sarah Geronimo, Lucky Me Kids and LBS Kids)

2007

Sisikat 'Din Ako
All you need is Love
Araw 'natin Toh|
Lucky, Lucky Me

Oldies But Kiddies

(Mak and the Dudes)

2007

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)

Awards and nominations

Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result
200856th FAMAS AwardsBest Child Actor Resiklo Nominated
201410th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice AwardsPop Teen Popsies (with Sharlene San Pedro)[25] Won

Notes

    References

    1. 1.0 1.1 "Jairus Aquino biography". IMDB. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
    2. 2.0 2.1 "PEP PROMO: "Moose Kids dance album". Pep.ph. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
    3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Jairus Aquino: more than just a charming little kid". Telebisyon.net. 2010-06-14. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
    4. 4.0 4.1 "Child star is action hero in 'Kung Fu Kids'". ABS-CBN News.
    5. 5.0 5.1 "Copy of Child star is action hero in 'Kung Fu Kids' article". Pinoy Exchange. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
    6. "Dolfenal-YET". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
    7. "Jairus Aquino Biography". WikiPilipinas. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
    8. Super Inggo. Perf. Makisig Morales, Herbert Bautista, Angelu de Leon. ABS-CBN. 2006. TV Series.
    9. Little Big Superstar. Perf. Sarah Geronimo, Makisig Morales, Jairus Aquino. ABS-CBN. 2007. TV Show.
    10. Sarah Geronimo, et.al. Little Big Superstar. 2007. CD.
    11. PEP.ph. "Mak and The Dudes release debut album "Oldies But Kiddies" | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
    12. PEP.ph. "Tele-epiko "Rounin" premieres this Monday, April 16 | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
    13. Super Inggo 1.5 paves the way for Book 2 of the superserye
    14. "Animated TV series "Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa" airs soon on ABS-CBN". Pep.ph. Retrieved 2014-06-01.
    15. 15.0 15.1 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 2012-12-26.
    16. beatlebum (2009-05-01). "The Diary Underneath A Tree: Ang Asawa Kong Si Nikulet Day 1". Beatlebum.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
    17. "Metro Manila Film Festival:2000". IMDB. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
    18. "'RPG Metanoia' nominated in Asia Pacific Screen Awards". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
    19. Mutya. Perf. Mutya Orquia, Jairus Aquino, Precious Lara Quigaman, Alfred Vargas. ABS-CBN. 2011. TV Series.
    20. Kahit Puso'y Masugatan. Perf. Iza Calzado, Andi Eigenmann, Jake Cuenca, Gabby Concepcion. ABS-CBN. 2012. TV Series.
    21. "Sharlene, Jairus, and Francis start new love adventure in "Wansapanataym"". ABS-CBN. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
    22. "Who is the most promising young male star?". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
    23. 23.0 23.1 "The Most Promising Young Male Star is…". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
    24. "The 'most kilig' love team is…". Star Cinema. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
    25. "ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice 2014 winners announced". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2014-12-03.

    External links