Aside from being irresistibly cute, young boys are expected to be naughty and playful as they’re still in the early phase of life wherein they are still exploring the world around them and learning the basic things that they must know. Thus, it’s highly important that are going to be well-guided by adults.

However, this is not always the case since there are instances that it’s the little boys who teach good manners and right conduct to older people as we sometimes tend to forget about them as we grow old. Just like the iconic young male characters listed in this feature that used to grace our screens through the memorable inspiring teleseryes that truly warmed our hearts.

Santino, May Bukas Pa (2009)

Of course, who would forget that wide-eyed (both literally and figuratively) little lad who got us addressing Jesus Christ as “Bro” (or “Kuya”) in the well-loved series “May Bukas Pa.” Certainly, parents back then would want their young children to watch it regularly as they wish for them to imbibe the deep and unwavering faith that Santino, compellingly portrayed by then-rising child star Zaijian Jaranilla, has in God.

As we all know, aside from his ability to see and converse with Jesus, Santino also possesses healing powers that could miraculously heal the sick. And these special heavenly gifts have allowed him to help other people with their troubles and even make significant changes in their lives by giving them valuable pieces of advice in line with the teachings of God and reminding them that there’s always a way to turn bad circumstances around as long as we have faith in Him.

And in this scene, his conversation with “Bro” reminds us that we must always strive to be kind as He delights in good children.

Juan, My Little Juan (2013)

The prequel to the highly successful Coco Martin-starrer “Juan Dela Cruz,” “My Little Juan” provided further backstory to Juan’s preparations for his future role of becoming the “Tagabantay” or guardian of the powerful “Bakal na Krus” when he was still a young boy, as portrayed by child wonder Izzy Canillo. He might get a little mischievous sometimes, which is natural for kids like him, but Juan also knew how to be serious, especially when he had to undergo training.

Juan grew up under the care of Father Cito (Jaime Fabregas) after his mother, Amelia (Mylene Dizon) passed away while giving birth to him. As his townsfolks believe that he was the son of a demon, a curse (or salot), and “putok sa buho,” this led to him being terribly bullied by other kids and painted as a bad child, which resulted in him becoming an unintentional troublemaker. But even though that’s the case, what other people didn’t know about him was that he had a strong faith in God, who he fondly regarded as “Bossing”.

Along with its impressive entertainment value, “My Little Juan” also reminds viewers, especially the young ones, to always choose to be kind to everyone and believe in themselves no matter what, just like what Fr. Cito always tells Juan.

Honesto, Honesto (2013)

From the title itself, this series inculcated to us the value of honesty through its titular character fittingly portrayed by child actor Raikko Mateo. He was adopted by the kindhearted and lowly Galang family after his mother, Fina (Maricar Reyes), entrusted him to them before she died upon giving birth. Unbeknown to them, Honesto was from Sitio Katapatan, a secluded place where the people were all honest and had to be in order to prevent their noses from swelling and turning red – which the little boy inherited.

Honesto indeed grew up according to how his biological mother wished him to be – honest, kind, and God-fearing. However, since he’s still a kid, it was indeed inevitable for him to be mischievous and lie sometimes, which his family was able to find out through his nose. Aside from the honesty, it also taught us the value of unconditional love, sacrifice, and generosity through the people that surrounded Honesto.

Nathaniel, Nathaniel (2015)

Whether you believe in angels or not, this inspirational series made us believe in their existence through its titular character impressively played by child actor Marco Masa. True to the definition of it in Hebrew, Nathaniel was truly a “gift from God” for those people whose lives he touched, especially his family.

After he died in a vehicular accident that also involved his parents when he was still a baby, he became an angel because of his pure heart and soul. Seven years later, he was sent back to earth with the mission of restoring people’s faith in God and reminding them about their innate kindness. As he arrived in Bayan ng Laging Saklolo as an ordinary kid, Nathaniel learned the value of having a family through the Bartolome family, who adopted him. During his sojourn, he was able to help several people including his biological parents Rachel (Shaina Magdayao) and Paul (Gerald Anderson).

Furthermore, Nathaniel also ingrained in us – through his speech in this scene – that we must learn to be contented and appreciative of whatever we have, regardless if it’s big or small, instead of getting sad and envious about what others have. There’s nothing wrong in chasing our dreams, as long as we don’t take advantage of other people.

Buboy, Starla (2019)

“A story about renewed hope, warmth of home, love for family, wishes that come true, and impeccable forgiveness,” “Starla” was indeed one of the most heartwarming and inspiring series that ABS-CBN has ever produced.

It followed the journey of the wandering boy Buboy (Enzo Pelojero), who discovered and befriended an unruly wishing star named Starla (Jana Agoncillo). Together, they were able to rekindle the hope of the townsfolks of Barrio Maulap and save them from being displaced due to the innate kindness and faith that they both have. Most importantly, their adorable tandem was also able to mend the relationship between his foster father Mang Greggy (Joel Torre) and his estranged daughter Tere (Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo) after years of having a fall-out.

“Starla” was absolutely a great reminder for everyone to make room in our hearts for second chances. Even though it can be quite difficult, we should always have a heart that’s willing to forgive and, at the same time, humble enough to ask for it. Besides, we must never lose hope amidst trials and tribulations because the universe will surely help us get through it as long as we have faith in the power of our prayers.