Kapamilya actress Ria Atayde and some celebrity friends took to social media to share some never-before-seen throwback photos of actor Zanjoe Marudo as they celebrated his birthday.
On her Instagram page, Ria offered a glimpse into their family life, featuring candid moments with Zanjoe and their son, Sabino. She also included throwback photos from their earlier years together.
“Happy birthday, bestie. What a year last year was for you and I can’t wait to see the beauty and adventures this next one brings,” Ria wrote.
Among the carousel of photos were touching moments showing Zanjoe bonding with their son during family trips and quiet times at home. Ria also posted throwback shots from their first project together, even recalling a time when she helped remove his white hair on set.
“Grateful for your heart, your strength, your hustle, and the life we’re building together — one day and one laugh at a time 🤍 yudabez bes,” she added.
Apart from Ria’s tribute, Zanjoe also received an outpouring of love and greetings from his celebrity friends.
Veteran actress Susan Africa, who worked with Zanjoe on several projects including The Broken Marriage Vow and How To Get Away From My Toxic Family, warmly greeted her co-star.
“Happy happy birthday sa isa sa pinakapaborito kong anak, @onlyzanjoemarudo na napakagwapo, nakapabait at napakahusay! Mula sa 'The Broken Marriage Vow' at ngayon sa 'How To Get Away From My Toxic Family', lagi akong masaya kapag ikaw ang kasama. Love you and your beautiful family Z! Have a wonderful, blessed birthday! 💕,” she wrote.
Actress Angelica Panganiban also greeted Zanjoe with a throwback photo, humorously saying: “Happy birthday sa may pinakamalaking puso at nguso sa industriya. Mas paborito kita kesa sa mas paborito ka ni Steven Spielberg. Lab u Ngus.”
Talent manager Ogie Diaz chimed in with his own message: “Sa kumpare kong si binabago ng panahon at suwerteng-suwerte sa kanya ang anak-anakan kong si Ria (Atayde), happy, happy bday, Pareng (Zanjoe Marudo)! Labyu!”
Other personalities like actor-director John Prats, comedian Hyubs Azarcon, and professional basketball player LA Tenorio also shared their well wishes via Instagram stories.
Last year, Ria celebrated Zanjoe’s birthday with a baby shower organized by their family. The intimate gathering was attended by notable personalities such as Bayani Agbayani, Ice Seguerra, Liza Diño, Dominic Ochoa, and ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak and Cory Vidanes.
Ria’s mother, veteran actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez, also shared a heartfelt message for her son-in-law during the event. In a video posted by actress Ynez Veneracion, Sylvia reflected on how she admired Zanjoe even before he officially became part of their family.
“Magboyfriend na silang dalawa, magboyfriend-girlfriend pa. Hinangaan ko na. Gusto ko na si Z. Bakit? Kasi pupunta sila sa kung saan, sa Batangas gagamitin nila yung bahay, hindi ito alam ni Ria pero magtetext si Z sa akin na ‘Marami pong salamat pinagamit niyo po sa amin yung bahay niyo.’ Doon kita pinakahinangaan,” Sylvia said.
READ: Family, friends throw baby shower for Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo, reveals baby gender
“Minahal kita hindi dahil si Zanjoe Marudo ka. Minahal kita dahil napakabait mong bata,” she continued. “Salamat Z sa pagmamahal mo kay Ria. Salamat Z dahil inalagaan mo ang anak ko.”
READ: Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo go on London trip with their son
Zanjoe currently stars in the new film How To Get Away From My Toxic Family, directed by Lawrence Fajardo. The film is co-produced by OgieD Productions and KreativDen Entertainment and features an ensemble cast that includes Kim Rodriguez, Lesley Lina, Keena Pineda, Sherry Lara, and Nonie Buencamino