So, it’s finally over. 
I loved the small twist in the last episode. Just when everything seems to have been going as everyone had predicted (that Santino would die) the show turns around to give us a formulaic but happier ending.
Although they’ve proven me wrong with my predictions last year, I’m not unhappy with the ending the writers chose. In fact, I think it’s brilliant! They definitely stuck to the main idea of the show: miracles.
Santino played by Zaijan Jaranilla
Santino was touted as the “Miracle Boy” in the show and what better way to end it than for him to live up to that title in the most dramatic way possible. Dying tragically then rising back to life! Good thing they hadn’t placed him in a coffin yet. 
My father said Santino moved a finger here. Hehe!
The limbo or heaven or wherever that is, actually reminded me greatly of the film adaptation of Carl Sagan’s book “Contact”. (I have the book but haven’t read it yet!)
I had to laugh (sorry!) when I found out that it’s Charo Santos who played Mama Mary. But that’s about my only gripe on the final episode. And I like that they had Bro introduce Mama Mary to Santino because she’s His mother.
Santino’s mother is played by Chin-Chin Gutierrez
FYI: Santino’s constant dream in the series is to see his own mother who left him when he was still a baby.
So what’s your favorite scene in the finale?
Mine is when Ryan Agoncillo’s character sees Santino alive and hugging Bro in real life! The look on his face was priceless. For the uninformed, it’s only Santino who is supposed to see Bro in the TV show. So having this moving scene in the ending especially for Ryan’s unbelieving character was just very clever.
I understand why some people may not “get it” but I had loyally watched this show since the beginning so I’ve been very familiar already of its limits and quirks. After a year’s worth of episodes, I can forgive a cheesy ending. What’s important is the message the show has been trying to deliver to audiences ever since it started.
Our modern society now has quite a restricting opinion on what constitutes a good show. But “May Bukas Pa” is unlike any other drama series I’ve seen on Philippine TV and I’ve seen a lot. It was comforting to see an honest-to-goodness, sincere TV show every night after a tiring day’s work. It’s definitely one of the things I’m most thankful for last year.
Santino portrayed the qualities most people nowadays look down on: faithfulness, obedience and trust. Today, submission to a higher authority is regarded as weakness, even cowardliness. People are taught to be competitive to the point that some find it okay to make headway at the expense of others. Santino reminded Filipinos, with admirable frankness, of the importance of virtues like selfless love and self-sacrifice.
“May Bukas Pa” was unique for it challenged the widespread cynicism of our time. It teaches that people are inherently good and that each one of us has a purpose or mission in this life.
The TV show proved its enduring popularity by entering Twitter’s top trends worldwide and reaching the #2 position!
In contrast, Tayong Dalawa (another ABS-CBN TV series) only reached #3 on Twitter trends when the show ended a few months ago.
Thank you to the entire cast and crew for all your hard work in this phenomenal TV series, especially Zaijan. At his age, it most likely wasn’t an easy job for him to do this show. Hopefully, he can now live a more normal childhood out of the spotlight.
“May Bukas Pa” is the best inspirational drama ever to grace Philippine television. May God bless the entire production team in their future endeavours.
And last but not the least, thank you Bro/Jesus/Yahweh/Yeshua (take your pick!) for letting this show run longer than anyone had ever expected. One year is an amazing feat in itself! In the words of Santino: Iba ka talaga Bro! 
Missed the last episode? Someone uploaded it on YouTube in 5 parts. Here’s part one. Don’t forget to grab your box of tissues!
Filipino Catholic · Hobby Blogger · 