After portraying several remarkable roles onscreen, actor Zanjoe Marudo found the best role in real life.
In his recent guest appearance in the vlog of actress-comedienne Eugene Domingo, the actor spoke about the fulfillment of finding the right partner and becoming a father.
“Best role ‘to,” he quipped as he reflected on his journey of becoming a father.
According to Zanjoe, he thought he had figured everything out, but his perspective changed when he started building his own family.
“Well, akala ko marami na akong natutunan sa buhay. Pagdating ko ng age ng 40, akala ko alam ko na lahat,’ he said.
The actor, who tied the knot with actress Ria Atayde in March 2024, described the feeling of finding the right partner at the right time.
“[Noong] nahanap ko ‘yung tamang partner sa buhay, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa pinakamasarap na pakiramdam. Ibibigay pala sayo ng universe, timing lang talaga,” he said.
"Doon ko rin na-realize na andiyan lang pala sa tabi mo matagal na," he added.
Looking back at their humble beginnings as a couple, Zanjoe shared how their friendship blossomed into a stronger and deeper connection.
“Oo, magkaibigan na kami kasi nga nakatrabaho ko na siya sa isang soap,” he said. “And then, simula nun, talagang tuloy-tuloy na rin talaga ‘yung communication namin. And then nung pandemic, mas lalong lumalim.”
WATCH: Ria Atayde, Zanjoe Marudo share glimpse of son’s baptism
“Yung time na dumating sa amin si Sabino, ‘yun na ‘yung perfect timing,” he said. “Dahil sa tagal na rin naming magkakilala, marami na rin kaming nagawa together na kaming dalawa lang bago dumating si Sabino, kumbaga ready kami. Mas nadagdagan ‘yung ligaya.”
When asked about the qualities his son inherited from him, he replied: “Yung itsura, physically, medyo nakikita ko yung sarili ko sa kanya na maputing version. Pero ‘yung personality, parang halos puro sa mommy. Maganda ‘yung mix."
In an interview with Ogie Diaz last June, Zanjoe talked about how his priorities shifted when he embraced fatherhood and how he always honors his wife in every decision he makes.
READ: Zanjoe Marudo reflects on transformations he experienced since becoming a father
"Kailangan ko ng kausapin 'yung asawa ko si Ria sa mga bawat desisyon na gagawin ko. Hindi na siya 'yung ako na lang tapos magugulat na lang sila biglang meron akong ginawa. Partnership na talaga 'yung sitwasyon ko ngayon," he said.
Eugene, who shares the same birthday with Zanjoe, expressed her happiness for the growth the actor has achieved in his life.
“Ako I’m just so happy na ever since nakilala kita sa Kokey at tinututukan kita, ang pinakamagandang balita aside from you have been recognized as one of the important actors on TV and in the film industry, now you are a very happy man, fulfilled ‘di ba? You deserve it," she said.