Arjo Atayde was asked, if he needs to choose, would he choose between the two masters he now serves.

The first-time politician who won the congressional seat in the first district of Quezon City in his first try, is now in his second year in office. He is also on his second international acting award – winning the Gold Award for best male lead in a TV programme/series for his performance in “Cattleya Killer” at the ContentAsia 2024 Awards in Taipei, three years after his best actor win for “Bagman” at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) for his role in “Bagman.”

“That’s a very hard question,” Arjo said, sighing, “Because I do both…. It’s just not out of being selfish but I can’t answer. It really depends on the situation, hindi dahil patapos ang career ko; I’m a character actor, I still think of myself as a character actor,” he continued.

“Ok I’ll just say it like this. This is hard, so hard. As long as the people trust me, as long as the people need me, as long as I can serve the people, I will stay.

At 33, Arjo has been recognized by several local award-giving bodies, including The Eddys of SPEEd and the PMPC Star Awards. Having started his acting career in the early 2000s, he gradually established a name for himself, stepping out of the shadow of his mother, acclaimed actress Sylvia Sanchez. With his sisters Ria and Gela also in showbiz, Arjo’s connection to acting is firmly rooted.

“In my acting career, I think I’ll die acting … I think I want to go out acting. That’s one thing I really want to do,” he said.

“Hindi ko po alam hanggang saan. Of course, it would be different when you have all these priorities. But I think, once an actor, always an actor. You see them all coming back. And as an actor, I totally don’t judge them for that. There’s always a reason to come back. They always call you, as I always say. Mapa theater man ‘yan or play or TV. As I always say, once an actor, always an actor.”

Talking about his recent award, Arjo said the recognition from ContentAsia is as sweet as any win. He sees it as a tribute to local artistry and an encouragement for people all over the world to continue discovering and rediscovering the exceptional talent in the Philippines.

He is excited for his coming projects soon – the sequel “Bagman 2” with amazing actors Judy Ann Santos and John Arcilla, the mesmerizing “Moonglow” with Fil-Am actress and director Isabel Sandoval, and the Richard Somes-hard action “Topakk” with Sid Lucero and Julia Montes, which was screened at last year’s Cannes.

In spite of his busy balancing act, Arjo, who marked his first wedding anniversary to actress-host Maine Mendoza in July, said he and his wife are looking forward to more travels, probably to the US or Europe again, together. It’s something they enjoy immensely and prioritize when they find the time. Maine, he shared, is a very caring wife who prepares a mean pasta dish for him.

“My wedding is the best celebration. It’s one thing I always say – I’m thankful to wake up everyday beside her,” Arjo proudly said.

He is also excited to be an uncle and thrilled for his sister Ria and her husband, actor Zanjoe Marudo, who are expecting their first child soon. As for when he and Maine might expand their own family, Arjo prefers to keep that private.