Daily TribuneDespite the humor, there was also a quiet frustration — proof that rumor culture affects even those who choose not to dwell on it. Still, Zanjoe made it clear he refuses to let negativity disturb his peace.
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ZANJOE Marudo.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF netflix/borgy angeles
Zanjoe Marudo is drawing a clear line between truth and online noise.
During the grand mediacon of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry UnMarry, the Kapamilya actor finally addressed viral speculation claiming he and his wife, Ria Atayde, had supposedly called it quits after an alleged argument. Calm, collected, and slightly amused, Zanjoe brushed the talk aside, calling it exactly what it is — manufactured drama.
He didn’t mince words about the relentless churn of digital misinformation.
“Hindi ko na pinapansin ‘yung mga ganyan. Ang dami talagang lumalabas na fake news sa socmed, sa YouTube (I don’t pay attention to rumors. There are a lot of fake news on socmed, YouTube),” he shared, highlighting how disinformation has become a by-product of modern celebrity life.
The gossip spread so widely that even close friends abroad were reaching out.
“Ang daming tumatawag sa akin from the States, nagtatanong, ‘Uy, totoo ba?’ Sabi ko, ‘Bakit ‘yan ang libangan n’yo?’ Hahahaha! Gusto nilang malaman para may maikuwento sila roon. ‘Hindi totoo! Hindi totoo! (I get a lot of calls from the States, asking if the rumors are true. I reply, why do you pay attention to those rumours. The ylisten to rumors so that they will have stuff to talk about).”
Despite the humor, there was also a quiet frustration — proof that rumor culture affects even those who choose not to dwell on it. Still, Zanjoe made it clear he refuses to let negativity disturb his peace.
Choosing stillness over speculation
In an era when a single misleading thumbnail can ignite a trending topic, Zanjoe has opted out of the cycle. “Wala na kong reaksyon sa mga ganyan kasi napakarami na talagang fake news na lumalabas sa YouTube (I don’t have a reaction to things like that anymore because there’s so much fake news that’s appearing on YouTube),” he said, emphasizing that he’s done feeding into online frenzy.
Instead, he invests in the real, grounding parts of his life: his craft, his personal growth, and his family with Ria.
Rebuilding from within
Beyond the rumor mill, Zanjoe offered a rare look at the inner work that transformed him into the man he is today. He admitted that earlier versions of himself — doubtful, hesitant, unsure — had to go.
“Yung dating version ko, yung insecure, matagal magdesisyon, walang bilib sa sarili, yun ang binago ko, yun ang tinanggal ko (I used to be insecure, taking long to decide. Lacking in self -confidence. I have changed),” he revealed.
Letting go of those old patterns reshaped how he moves through the world and how he connects with people.
“Gumanda yung pananaw ko sa buhay. Nag-iba yung relationship ko sa mga tao. Tulad ngayon, may masaya na akong pamilya (I have a positive outlook in life. I have learned to treat people well. I am happy that my family life is happy).”
That quiet joy is mirrored in his home life. Zanjoe and Ria, who married in March 2024 in a private civil ceremony, welcomed their son Sabino in September. The actor speaks of this chapter with a sense of calm fulfillment — proof that growth isn’t just personal; it becomes communal.
Firm, focused and moving forward
No matter how loud or persistent the whispers get, Zanjoe’s stance is unwavering: there is no separation, no fight big enough to fracture his family, and no validity to the online chatter. What exists instead is a man deeply anchored in the life he chose, strengthening the roles he now proudly holds — actor, husband, father.
As UnMarry prepares for its MMFF 2025 run, Zanjoe’s performance carries a new weight. It comes from a place shaped not by controversy, but by clarity — of knowing who he is, what he values, and why no rumor can dismantle the peace he worked hard to build.
