Fatherhood Looks Good On Zanjoe Marudo

Becoming a father has shifted many things in Zanjoe Marudo's life. That includes how he approaches his work as an actor.

- By Nathalie M. Tomada

The 43-year-old Kapamilya star headlines "How To Get Away From My Toxic Family," which he calls as one of the projects he's most proud of. Opening in cinemas on July 30, the family drama directed by Lawrence Fajardo and produced by veteran host/talent manager Ogie Diaz is Zanjoe's onscreen comeback two years after he starred in the revenge-themed ABS-CBN series "Dirty Linen."

"How To Get Away From My Toxic Family" is a project that felt close to home, too. "Of course, I can say that in some way, there are similarities," the Star Magic artist shared in an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR last Friday.

"Unang-una, tingin ko may ganung traits lahat ng pamilya sa Pilipinas, kahit anong estado mo sa buhay (First of all, I think all families in the Philippines have those traits, no matter your status in life). Kasi 'pag Pilipino ka, nasa katawan mo na talaga yun, yung ugali na mapagbigay, matiisin, maalaga (Because if you're Filipino, it's really in you, those traits of being generous, persevering, caring)."

But more than his connection to the film's message, Zanjoe opened up about how his most important role yet—being a father—has started to influence the kind of stories he wants to tell on screen.

"My choices when it comes to projects haven't really changed until now. But of course, if I get offered projects again like the ones I used to do before... alam mo yun, nung binata pa ako, nung mas bata pa ako... baka hindi na rin bagay o hindi ko na rin kayang gawin," he said.