Pepito Manaloto

History

Dubbed as a reality-sitcom, the show features (Michael V.), together with his family Elsa (Manilyn Reynes) and Chito (Jake Vargas), whose "simple and underprivileged life significantly changes when he becomes the lone winner of ₱700 million in the national lottery." Although it was perhaps presumed impossible to win such amount on a single lotto ticket, it actually happened on November 29, 2010 – a winner took home ₱741.1 million, more than Pepito's prize.

The first season started on March 28, 2010, which focused on the adventures of Pepito and his family who are still quite unaccustomed to the life of luxury and excess that they now have to enjoy after winning from the lottery. On November 21, 2010, GMA Network picked up the show for a second season, which followed Pepito buying the Maricar del Valle's (Carmina Villaroel) because of financial problems. Towards the end of the season, Elsa got pregnant. The show started its third season in July 2011, which focused on Pepito's life after Elsa has given birth. The fourth season started on December 4, 2011, which saw the Manaloto's lives after 5 years. The children have grown up – Chito, now played by Jake Vargas, and Clarissa, played by Angel Satsumi. The characters' new location and new characters were introduced as the series went. On the January 8, 2012, it was explained that Maricar traveled to the US to manage her father's business. In actuality, Villaroel, who plays the role, returned to ABS-CBN. A two-part episode was shown during the season, which detailed the Manaloto family's trip to Singapore. The fourth season ended on March 25, 2012. On April 8, 2012, a special episode aired before Party Pilipinas titled Sarap Balikan: A Pepito Manaloto Special. It featured different episodes as well as bloopers and gags.

Due to public demand, GMA Network decided to bring back the Pepito Manaloto and renew it for a fifth season. Titled Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento, the show departs itself from the previous seasons. The Manalotos' rags-to-riches experience earned them a TV show, but because they thought their show didn't reveal the true story, the network scrapped the project. As a result, the family came up with an idea to show exactly what goes on in the Manaloto household by having their own camera crew film their lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Several characters were given more importance this season – househelpers Patrick (John Feir), Maria (Janna Dominguez), Robert (Arthur Solinap) and Baby (Mosang); neighbor Tommy (Ronnie Henares); and the mother-daughter tandem of Deedee (Jessa Zaragosa) and Mimi (Nova Villa).

In Season 4, it was stated that Patrick and Maria were married and that they had a child. However, in Season 5, it was not stated that they were married in any episode, instead Patrick was married to Janice for this season & they had a child named Janrick and Patrice while Maria remained single.

Main cast

Supporting Cast

Recurring Cast

Former cast

Awards and recognitions

Critics

Pepito Manaloto received generally positive reviews especially how it shows the lessons each episode. The comedy was also praised for being original and highly favorable. It was also one of GMA's highest rated shows and has already won awards. The show's cast was also praised being very much talented for the show and how they make audience impact. Also, how the show ended and when it was announced that it would be back on air was both critically acclaimed.

DVD release

The series will be released onto DVD-format by GMA Records Home Video. The DVDs will be in volumes, there will be succeeding volumes as the show progresses.