Dependable actor. Fine leading man. Understated talent.
Zanjoe Marudo is not one to shy away from roles that challenge his experience and reveal his depth as an actor and as a person. But now, as he celebrates his 15th year in the business, he is pushing the envelope further.
After debuting into the local tinseltown as the 4th Big Placer in the 2006 “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition,” Zanjoe immediately showcased his promising acting skills through some appearances before finally landing his first leading man soap “Dyosa” in 2008. But one of his landmark projects in local TV was “Dream Dad” in 2014, which had him tugging on the heartstrings of many while revealing his softer side.
Gone were the days when he’s equated to just another good-looking actor in a network swimming with loads of those as Zanjoe managed to tick off feats after feats silently, year in, year out.
One of his most important recognitions happened in 2017 when he was nominated under the Best Performance by Actor category in the 45th IEMMY’s (International Emmy) Awards for his performance in “Maalaala Mo Kaya: Anino.”
To celebrate all his achievements, Star Magic releases the documentary titled “Hanep, Kinse na pala! Zanjoe’s 15 years in showbiz.”
Not only will he be fondly remembering his journey, Zanjoe would also be celebrated by his family, seasoned co-actors, longtime friends, and esteemed mentors in the business, such as Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Locsin, Bela Padilla, Toni Gonzaga and directors Ruel Bayani, Cathay Garcia-Molina, FM Reyes, Connie Macatuno, and Lauren Dyogi, among others.
Get to know more about Zanjoe in the three-part documentary on Star Magic’s Official YouTube Channel on the following dates: September 26 (episode 1 ), October 2 (episode 2), and October 9 (episode 3).
With all these achievements, what else can Zanjoe ask for? At a recent Zoom press con, Zanjoe admitted that he has thought of the next stage — settling down.
“’Yun na lang parang hinahanap ko sa buhay ko at career, tumalon na sa pagpapamilya.
Hindi na rin tayo bumabata at tingin ko nagawa ko na kailangan kong gawin bilang single.
At pinag pra-pray ko naman lagi,” he admitted.
He dreams of being with someone who shares the same values. “Parang ako lang din, simple lang gusto, pero syempre makakasama ko sa pagbuo ng pamilyang pinapangarap ko, sa lahat ng struggles sa buhay gusto ko magkasama kami hanggang maabot ang pinapangarap. Successful at kuntento sa lahat ng bagay. Importante sa akin, masarap kausap at pag gising ko, siya ‘yung makikita ko.”
Before that happens, Zanjoe continues to add to his laurels. His recent Best Actor nomination at the 2021 Gawad Urian for his stellar performance in the 2020 iWant Original Film “Malaya” is something special for him as it his first time to earn the nod of the country’s most prestigious award-giving body.
But, while he has long excelled in dramatic and comedic acting in the big and small screen, Zanjoe also let his guard down recently by showing another side of himself — one that taps on his interest in nature, laidback living, big bikes and good times with his dear friends.
Hence, the birth of his vlog “D’ LaZY Road Trip” together with comedian Hyubs Azarcon and basketball player LA Tenorio some six months ago.
Proving that he is unstoppable, those who want to see more of his acting skills can expect to see him also delving into the big screen this year as he stars in “366,” the directorial debut of Bela Padilla.
However, the upcoming premier of the much-awaited, local adaptation of the British psychological drama “Doctor Foster” will definitely showcase the peak of Zanjoe’s artistry.
Set to be one of the highlights of his 2021, the “The Broken Marriage Vow” by director Connie would have Zanjoe breathing life to the character of David Ilustre, the philandering husband of Jodi Sta. Maria’s character Dr. Jill. His weakness would eventually lead him to be lured by the mistress Lexy Lucero, to be played by Sue Ramirez.
Now, as Zanjoe ushers in another year, he looks forward to digging deeper into his artistry and becoming an actor who sends a powerful message through honest and unadulterated performances.
