Zanjoe out of his comfort zone

Zanjoe Marudo knows he has the “it” as far as sashaying on the catwalk is concerned, having been included in fashion magazine’s list of dashing men. But never did Zanjoe anticipate that his first crack in showbiz as one of the housemates of ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Celebrity Edition Season One would open doors to an industry where stiff competition to be the next big thing is a normal scenario.

“Prior to my PBB stint, many say I could pass for an actor but I believe everything comes at the right time and if it is your fate then it will happen,” Zanjoe says.

Besides, he remembers gathering all his guts every time he was to audition for a role. The need to effectively connect with the audience worried him, too. That is why, Paolo Paraiso, Will Devaughn and Victor Basa were among his model contemporaries first to enjoy the glare of showbiz spotlights.

“I started modeling under Jonas Gapud but it was my talent manager Tito Keren (Pascual) who nudged me to give acting a try,” Zanjoe relates. “He used to accompany me during auditions and meetings here in ABS since I came out from PBB.”

Playing Super Islaw on Super Inggo somehow put Zanjoe to an acid test. It also served as gauge as to how he will fare with televiewers. He has also appeared on Kokey and Aalog-alog. Not long after, a break on the big screen came via the movie You Got Me with Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby.

Fast forward to 2008. Zanjoe is far different from two years ago. He never expected to work out of his comfort zone. The ease with which he performs in front of people, exchange banter with the audience and act alongside big stars reflects in his every show. This is why he is not wanting in projects either on TV — as Mars on Dyosa and James on Varga — or on stage shaking his bonbon and belting out songs as one of Cover Boys.

The short film Altar further proved Zanjoe’s worth as an actor when he was nominated in the Breakthrough Performance by An Actor category in this year’s Golden Screen Awards come October, Zanjoe will be seen on Florinda as he plays Archie with Roxanne Guinoo as love interest.

“Attending acting workshops here in ABS-CBN helps me improve not just in acting but to get comfortable with a lot of people,” the Star Magic talent offers. “On the ramp kasi all I do is walk and project, that’s it. Here (in showbiz) you have to be endearing to your audience and you must be focused in every task given to you.”

The likes of Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz inspire him to better his craft. Their love for their work, Zanjoe says, is something to emulate.

Still jitters run down his spine especially during a scene with today’s big stars. “But it makes me perform well because when I’m nervous, I always keep in mind that I should give everything I can.”

And given the break to show all he’s got — in singing, dancing, acting — Zanjoe aims to do a show that will leave a mark on the audience.

“A kind of show where people, even if they just hear its title, would say ‘ah kay Zanjoe yan,’” he muses.

And what does he think would make him last in showbiz?

“Patience is one. Honesty is another but the most important, especially if one gets so popular, is how you deal with people you meet every day. I believe they are the ones you will meet again on your way down,” he replies.

“The deafening shrieks and loud applause from the audience are flattering but when the head becomes too larger for a hat, that’s the beginning of an end,” he declares.