Not done with his ‘single’ days

MANILA, Philippines - Zanjoe Marudo’s romantic relationship with Bea Alonzo is sailing smoothly. No nasty rumor is ever heard regarding their love affair, unlike other showbiz couples whose topsy-turvy romance gets overly publicized and they seem to enjoy exchanging spiteful remarks. Perhaps, they should get a tip or two from Zanjoe and Bea who are able to maintain a relationship that is strong yet quiet amidst the noisy and nosy world of showbiz.

“Our relationship also speaks about our personality — quiet lang. We don’t want to be involved in so many issues,” Zanjoe says. “If one of us feels something is not right, then we just sit down and talk about it.”

No, the Kapamilya actor reveals, they haven’t given marriage any thought for now, “Bata pa s’ya e.” But upon learning that his ladylove had mentioned in one interview her dream wedding, Zanjoe quips, “Perhaps, she will spring a surprise on me.”

Kidding aside, Zanjoe says they are both enjoying the boyfriend-girlfriend set-up as days go by. They’ve been together for two years now and neither of them is in a rush to settle down. “’Pag masyado minadali baka kung ano pa ang mangyari. I know our relationship will lead us there because I cannot think of any reason why it will not happen so why hurry. Besides, if we’re really meant for each other, marriage will happen sabi nga kung ukol, bubukol.”

He is not even setting a time frame for their date at the altar. He believes that it will happen anytime even without a plan, “even after this very minute is possible basta maramdaman mo na.”

Asked about his ideal marrying age, Zanjoe replies, “60 (years old). Joke! As I’ve said, we enjoy the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship and I think we need to focus first on the more important priorities like saving for the future, taking care of our respective families.”

What is certain, Zanjoe assures, is the grand wedding he, too, dreams for the lady whom he will swap “I do’s” with in the future.

Besides, Zanjoe and Bea have their hands full with acting projects in the big and small screens. Bea will soon be seen with Dingdong Dantes via She’s The One under Star Cinema while Zanjoe has been doing a mix of drama and comedy on TV these days. He is seen crying buckets while swapping heart-tugging dialogues in the ABS-CBN drama series Annaliza weekdays and when evening comes, Zanjoe turns goofy with the rest of the cast of Banana Nite (also called Banana Split:Extra Scoop on Saturdays).

But there’s nothing in his demeanor tells you that Zanjoe can pull off a comedic character isn’t it? Even the actor himself never did imagine that he can easily fit into the funny mold. Thanks to director Bobot Mortiz who saw his potential in comedy.

“I never thought that I will be given a project in comedy because when I came out of the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition in 2006) house, the roles offered to me were mostly for MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) and teleseryes,” says Zanjoe. “It was direk Bobot who got me for the sitcom Aalog-Alog with John Prats and Jason Gainza then we joined Banana Split when the sitcom folded up.”

Perhaps, direk saw something in me; that I can also be funny on-cam so since then I became comfortable doing funny stuff.”

“Ansarap lang kasi nailalabas mo yung kulit mo. I believe everyone has a funny side inside him that only needs some practicing so that means each of us could possibly be a good comedian.”

And now that Banana Split:Extra Scoop airs its weeknights version via Banana Nite, Zanjoe is getting more comfortable in the laugh-out-loud department and shares the formula of making a good laugh. “Don’t try to be funny, just follow what the scene requires because it won’t come out funny if you veer away from the script; dapat kung ano yung dialogue yun ang ibabato mo.”

Does he find it tough doing drama in one set and comedy in another?

“Not at all since there are still some days for rest. Besides, it doesn’t feel like work for all of us in Banana (Nite and Split) kasi maganda ang bonding; we already know the weaknesses and strengths of one another.”

Last night at the Grand Kapamilya Weekend, Zanjoe and the rest of the stars of Kapamilya comedy shows treated fans with  performances via the KTV event at the Quezon City Circle in celebration of ABS-CBN’S 60th anniversary.