Becoming a father has shifted many things in Zanjoe Marudo’s life. That includes how he approaches his work as an actor.
The 43-year-old Kapamilya star headlines “How To Get Away From My Toxic Family,” which he calls as one of the projects he’s most proud of. Opening in cinemas on July 30, the family drama directed by Lawrence Fajardo and produced by veteran host/talent manager Ogie Diaz is Zanjoe’s onscreen comeback two years after he starred in the revenge-themed ABS-CBN series “Dirty Linen.”
“How To Get Away From My Toxic Family” is a project that felt close to home, too. “Of course, I can say that in some way, there are similarities,” the Star Magic artist shared in an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR last Friday.
“Unang-una, tingin ko may ganung traits lahat ng pamilya sa Pilipinas, kahit anong estado mo sa buhay (First of all, I think all families in the Philippines have those traits, no matter your status in life). Kasi ‘pag Pilipino ka, nasa katawan mo na talaga yun, yung ugali na mapagbigay, matiisin, maalaga (Because if you’re Filipino, it’s really in you, those traits of being generous, persevering, caring).”
But more than his connection to the film’s message, Zanjoe opened up about how his most important role yet — being a father — has started to influence the kind of stories he wants to tell on screen.
Zanjoe with wife Ria Atayde and their 10-month-old son Sabino during a vacation abroad.
“My choices when it comes to projects haven’t really changed until now. But of course, if I get offered projects again like the ones I used to do before… alam mo yun, nung binata pa ako, nung mas bata pa ako… baka hindi na rin bagay o hindi ko na rin kayang gawin,” he said.
“May mga pa-sexy (before)… or basta kung ano. Ngayon, ang pagpili ko naman kasi is more on dapat mas maraming maka-relate. More of the relatable na project and something that, in some way, can help change the system, whether in the country, in families, in people or in Filipinos.”
Zanjoe’s evolution from favorite romantic lead to a more purpose-driven performer is always a welcome progression in any actor’s journey. He spent almost two decades straight working as one of the most in-demand artists in local showbiz. But he took a step back when this major life turn, also known as parenthood, happened.
“I also started a new chapter in life. I already have my own family… It wasn’t easy when I went back… I really missed acting because for almost 19 years straight akong nagtatrabaho, umaarte,” he recalled.
The desire to resume acting also came with an awareness that he needed to properly get back into the rhythm. As preparation, he requested solo and group workshops before shooting “How To Get Away From My Toxic Family,” an emotionally loaded film that touches on such themes as generational trauma, toxic family patterns and utang na loob.
“Humingi ako ng workshop before mag-start dun sa shooting… nag-request ako ng workshop na solo ko muna, para lang… mag-init muna. Then I asked (for another workshop) with my ‘family’ in the movie to have natural chemistry or bonding,” Zanjoe said.
The ABS-CBN Star Magic artist has hinted that fans might finally get to see the face of his firstborn, with the first birthday happening soon. They’re simply waiting for the right moment to share him with the public.
Meanwhile, actual family life with wife Ria and their 10-month-old son Sabino has added meaningful layers to both his real-life and reel portrayals. He’s been hands-on, quite literally, when it comes to parenting.
“Normal na siya sakin (It’s normal to me). It’s not like… a big deal that I change diapers, nag-aalaga… because there was a time when it was only me and Ria with the baby. So kaming dalawa lang yung nag-aalaga talaga, nagbabantay. So dun kami na-test. Actually, dun kami maraming natutunan sa isa’t isa,” he revealed.
Zanjoe further enthused about the season that he’s in. “Sobrang enjoy… minsan gusto mong magmadali na makatayo na, maglakad or kung ano man yung mga pwede niyang matutunan. And then once na natutunan niya na isa-isa, parang gusto mo naman pabagalin lahat ulit… But ang sarap! Sobra akong ine-enjoy tong stage na ‘to.”
That happiness has spilled over into everything he does now. For Zanjoe, it’s no longer just about him. Family is part of every choice that he makes. “Lahat ng desisyon mo sa buhay, kasama na yung pamilya mo,” he said.
While the actor has no plans of publicly showing his son on social media just yet, he reassured fans that it’s not about being secretive. They just want to keep things low-key until they feel it’s the right time.
Besides Zanjoe, the family drama stars the likes of Susan Africa, Richard Quan, Sherry Lara, Lesley Lina, Keena Pineda, Juharra Asayo and Kim Rodriguez, with the special participation of Nonie Buencamino. Produced by OgieD Productions and KreativDen Entertainment, the film opens in cinemas nationwide on July 30.
“Hindi ko kasi makita yung point sa ganitong kaaga na parang ipo-post ko siya, ishi-share ko siya sa public. Hindi ko naman siya talagang tinatago (We’re not hiding him). Pinapakita naman namin siya sa mga tao, sa mga friends… pero para lang din sa safety,” he explained, raising a valid parent’s concern nowadays about how baby pictures can easily be manipulated or misused online and with AI.
But Zanjoe hinted that fans might finally get to see his firstborn with Ria, with the first birthday coming soon.
Just recently, Zanjoe celebrated his own birthday with his growing family.
“I celebrated last July 23. Kami lang, in Makati, at a restaurant where I’ve never been to. It was a simple (celebration). And then at home with Sabino. Because Sabino is already 10 months old. Nag-celebrate din kami with him, may cake kami para sa aming dalawa. Then, maybe this weekend, this Sunday, with Ria’s family, we might have dinner,” he shared.
Zanjoe’s birthday wish? Not for himself, but for his film and for the country, which is being hit by successive typhoons, as of this writing.
“My wish is… sana maraming manood ng ‘How To Get Away From My Toxic Family,’ sana maka-relate sila at maikwento nila (hope they can relate to it and spread the word about it). Kung meron man silang pinagdadaanan… mabago ng pelikula namin,” he expressed.
“At sana tumigil na rin ang bagyo para makalabas na ang mga tao at wala na ring mahirapan, lalo na dun sa mga taong walang bahay.”
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