Zanjoe Marudo: From billboard to silver screen

Zanjoe Marudo walked into Patrick Uy’s studio for this shoot sans entourage, dressed in plain jeans and T-shirt and dark aviator glasses. He had come from a 6 a.m. taping of Maalaala Mo Kaya and after the shoot, he would go to rehearsals for You Can Dance. He had received the call for this shoot right before midnight the night before.

Such has been Zanjoe’s hectic lifestyle, post-Pinoy Big Brother. Suddenly, he’s awash with offers to guest on this TV show, pose for that fashion shoot, star in a couple of movies, join a story conference for this new show. He’s got two regular TV shows – playing the superhero Super Islaw on the fantaserye Super Inggo; and as lovable Banjoe, the boy-next-door on the newest sitcom Aalog-alog. In the upcoming weekly romance TV show Love Spell, he stars opposite Anne Curtis as her love interest.

What’s Zanjoe’s take on this sudden popularity? "It’s a bit overwhelming. People recognize me now when I go out." Obviously an understatement from a man of few words. His true feelings are revealed in his Proust-adopted questionnaire, wherein he answers that he wishes that he had more time to relax, and he definitely could use more sleep.

Does that mean that he’s ready to give it up? "I’m enjoying myself," he says, "It gives me a sense of gratification when I work hard all day, then later on, watch my work on screen. It gives a different high from seeing my face on the billboards."

But of course, he isn’t giving up on the fashion world; after all, he first made his mark as a model, landing a Bench billboard, appearing in light boxes in the windows of Essenses, and countless spreads in glossy magazines. "Modeling is my first love. Though right now, I’m really trying to learn more about acting – joining as many workshops as I can – I’d still want to do more modeling in the future, if my schedule permits."

You’d think having started as a clotheshorse, Zanjoe would be into fashion-oriented lifestyle. But his choice of outfits reflects the simple down-to-earth Zanjoe. His wardrobe staples are his favorite Bench tees, either jeans or shorts, and sneakers. "I never really think about what I’m wearing; I wear what I’m comfortable in. For my shows, I wear whatever they tell me to."

So for this shoot, Bb. Pilipinas World 2005 Carlene Aguilar decided to dress Zanjoe up in something more debonair than usual. "Zanjoe is a jeans-and-shirt type of guy. And you see him in his underwear on the billboards," says Carlene. "For this shoot, I wanted to show a more suave, hip side."

Though not exactly his style, Zanjoe wears the slacks, blazers and suits from French men’s brand Celio with ease. "Sure, I like this stuff. Sometimes, I’d even wear something like this," says Zanjoe. "But give me my jeans and shorts any day!"

My name is Zanjoe Acuesta Marudo.

But I’d rather be called Con / Joe.

Today’s date is July 14, 2006.

I may seem shy and quiet.

But I’m really friendly when you get to know me.

When I look in the mirror I see the face of my parents.

In the morning I like to stay in bed if I have nothing scheduled for the day.

I like to sleep early.

My heroes are those who are self-reliant, who work hard for what they want, not waiting for handouts from others.

My father always taught me to thank the people who help me.

My mother always taught me to finish my food.

The first thing I look for in a person is personality–it’s what counts, after all, in the long run.

One thing I wish I had is more time to relax.

All I need is love!

I love the sound of the rain–very relaxing.

Everybody should stop judging other people.

My longest ride was my trip to Laoag by land.

Before leaving the house I always make sure I bring the key to the house.

Before going to sleep I always make sure I am happy – no unresolved conflicts with others.

I will never physically hurt a woman.

I can never say bad words to my mom.

I always say "chill" and "ok lang."

What the world needs now is tolerance.

The last thing the world needs now is more war.

I will never eat mayonnaise.

Right now, I want to be in bed, sleeping! I’ve been so busy, that I miss my bed (but no complaints!).

I wish I could forget all the bad things that happened to me.

I wish I could remember all my lines for my shows, even if I read the script just once.

I wish I could talk to myself 10 years from now. I’ll ask the future me for guidance.

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If you like Zanjoe’s new style – or if you think he looks so much hotter in just his undies – text zanjoe<space>on and send to 2366.