Actor Zanjoe Marudo reminded the public about the importance of respect for everyone as he weighed in on the issue involving QC Rep. Bong Suntay and his controversial remarks about actress Anne Curtis.
Speaking to the press after the grand media conference of his newest crime drama series The Silent Noise, the actor shared his thoughts when asked about the controversy that made headlines earlier this month.
Zanjoe stressed that no woman should be subjected to disrespect or obscene remarks in any form.
“Siyempre hindi maganda. Hindi magandang nababastos ang mga babae ‘di ba? Sa kahit anong form. Hindi lang naman dahil may asawa na ako o may mga kapatid akong babae.”
The actor went on to highlight that the conversation about respect should not stop with women alone. For him, treating others with dignity applies to everyone regardless of gender.
“Hindi lang mga babae, lahat ng tao sa paligid mo kailangan nire-respeto,” he added.
Zanjoe was also asked how he might react if similar remarks were directed at his wife, actress Ria Atayde. While acknowledging that any husband would feel the instinct to protect his partner, he noted that reactions would ultimately depend on the situation and circumstances.
“Kung talagang mali, magre-react ka rin. Pero depende pa rin sa sitwasyon, mahirap magsalita nang wala ka sa posisyon.”
He then reiterated that the heart of the issue remains the need for mutual respect, especially in a time when people are often quick to insist they are right in public discourse.
“’Yun lang naman ang pinaka-punto doon, respeto talaga. Respeto sa lahat. Hindi yung lahat na lang tayo tama. Lalo na sa mundo ngayon, mas marami nang mali kaysa sa tama,” the actor emphasized.
Meanwhile, Zanjoe leads the upcoming series The Silent Noise alongside Angelica Panganiban and newcomer KD Omalin. In the show, he plays Anton, the patriarch of the Carpio family, while Angelica portrays Jackie, his wife. They are parents to their deaf son Eli played by KD, and two more children portrayed by Mutya Orquia and Zaijian Jaranilla.
The drama unfolds in a quiet town shaken by the mysterious death of Eli’s tutor, Teacher Sam, played by Mylene Dizon. As the investigation deepens, the story explores themes of truth and reputation, guilt and conscience, and the emotional cost of protecting the people you love.
During the media conference, Zanjoe and Angelica were also asked what convinced them to take on the project, especially just months after their recent reunion in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry UnMarry. Both actors have also been easing back into work after embracing parenthood.
“Malayo 'yung (location) pero dahil sobrang hirap palagpasin 'yung character, mahirap palagpasin 'yung istorya. Siyempre thankful kami na isa kami sa mga una na gagawa ng mini-series for Prime kaya hindi ba malaking tulong ito para sa career namin, kumbaga mas mapapanood kami globally,” Zanjoe said.
“Iba eh. Hindi ko po nagawa 'yung ganoong klaseng character na marami kaming layers na parang ipinapakita na hindi mo dapat ipahahalata pero kailangan mong ipahalata, 'yung mga ganoon,” the actor added.
For her part, Angelica shared that the story immediately resonated with her and felt like the kind of challenge she had long been hoping for as an actress.
“Lahat noong pinapakita ay papunta sa yes. Ang ganda talaga nitong story na pini-present nila sa akin. May mga na-present na sa akin noon na parang hindi na nila hinintay 'yung ‘yes’ or ‘no’, hindi na lang ako sumagot parang naintindihan na nila Tita Cory (Vidanes) na ‘ayaw niya hindi siya sumagot’. But with this, ang hiningi ko lang is timeline, parang 'yun lang 'yung sa akin. Parang kilalang-kilala nila ako na gusto talaga ni Angge na cha-challenge siya. Totoo naman.”
“Be careful what you wish for. Kaya noong pinresent sa akin sabi ko ‘Ito na. Ito na 'yung hinihintay ko, ito na 'yung wini-wish ko at pinagpi-pray ko nabigay sa akin so hindi ko ito tatanggihan,” she added.
For Zanjoe, the series also marks another meaningful collaboration with Angelica. He noted how uplifted he is having to be partnered with the actress whom he has worked with for more than a decade in projects such as One More Try, Playhouse, and UnMarry, among others.
“Ang sarap [sa pakiramdam]. Hindi ka lagi nakakatagpo ng kapartner o ka-trabaho na paulit-ulit kayong bibigyan ng trabaho na may iba’t ibang kwento o iba’t ibang genre na pagkakatiwalaan kayong magkasama,” he maintained.
Off-screen, Zanjoe also shared how grateful he is for the unwavering support of his wife, Ria, especially as he returns to more demanding projects.
“Suportado niya talaga kami lalo na pagdating sa mga ganitong project with Angelica.”
“Napaka-swerte ko na meron akong asawa tulad ni Ria na hindi nagiging hadlang sa mga gusto kong gawin lalo na sa career at nandoon pa siya naka-suporta. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam, ang gaang ng trabaho. Mas napapaganda mo [yung trabaho mo] at mas nago-grow ka bilang tao. Walang pumipigil, walang stress,” he said.