Zaijian bares thoughts on MMFF controversy, Gela Atayde and butt exposure

Actor Zaijian Jaranilla opens up about “Seeds of Peace” controversy, girlfriend Gela Atayde, and mature roles.

Zaijian Jaranilla has a few things to say about the controversy surrounding his MMFF movie, his relationship with girlfriend Gela Atayde, and whether he would bare his behind for a role. He also shares what moviegoers can expect from his QCinema entry.

The Kapamilya actor spoke with radar Entertainment during the recent launch of the 14th QCinema International Film Festival, which will run from Nov. 13 to 22 in Quezon City.

MMFF controversy

“Seeds of Peace: The Life of Father Rhoel de Gallardo,” one of the official entries in the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival’s Magic 8 lineup, has faced questions over a promotional screening held last May. Critics have questioned whether it violated MMFF rules requiring films to premiere during the festival season. The MMFF Executive Committee has yet to publicly address the issue.

Zaijian, who portrays Father Rhoel, said he could not comment on the technical aspects of the controversy.

“Gaya nga ng sabi ko sa isang interview, ‘di ko siya masasagot on the technical side kasi nag-share lang ako doon ng kuwento ni Father Rhoel. Sa mga ganyang usapin, parang ‘di ko na alam kung paano aayusin,” he said.

He admitted worrying about the issue, adding, “Sayang ang pagkakataon na ma-share ang kuwento ni Father Rhoel sa mga kababayan natin.”

Zaijian also stars in “Sana’y Nandito Ka,” a short film competing at QCinema. The story follows a mother and child who reunite through an election after years apart, exploring the questions and feelings left unspoken.

“Basically, ang kuwento ay sa mga mahal natin sa buhay, sabihin natin kung ano ang mga gusto nating sabihin, gawin natin ang mga gusto nating gawin kasama sila, habang nandiyan pa sila,” he said.

Update on Gela

Asked about his relationship with fellow Kapamilya actress Gela Atayde, Zaijian said things were going well.

“Okay naman kami. Sobrang solid niya, sobrang understanding, mahal na mahal namin ang isa’t isa kaya okay naman,” he said.

He also praised Gela’s family, saying, “Sobrang bait ng family nila. Wala akong masabi sa bait ng pamilya nila.”

Butt exposure?

At 25, Zaijian has taken on increasingly mature roles and is open to exploring different characters. Asked if he would consider butt exposure, he said it would depend on the material.

“Sa mga ‘di nakakaalam, sa ‘Si Sol at si Luna’ ng Puregold, nakagawa na ako ng gano’n. ‘Di na rin siya bago sa akin,” he said.

He was careful not to rule it out completely. 

“Butt exposure? Depende ‘yan. ‘Di ko masabi. Pag sinabi ko naman na ‘di ko gagawin, paano kung in the future gawin ko? Parang kinain ko na rin ang sinabi ko, kaya parang ‘di ko pa alam,” he added.

Career and family

After prioritizing high school between 2015 and 2017, Zaijian returned to television in “Bagani” in 2018. He has since appeared in projects such as “The Broken Marriage Vow,” “Darna,” and “Senior High.”

As a breadwinner, he remains grateful for steady work.

“Sobrang thankful dahil kahit papaano tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang blessings. ‘Pag may pelikula or kung ano mang ganap, ‘di naman ako tumatanggi, game ako palagi. Mahal ko ang paggawa ng pelikula o teleserye,” he said.

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