Zanjoe Marudo after the breakup

“TUBIG at Langis” cast mates Isabelle Daza, Zanjoe Marudo and Cristine Reyes

Zanjoe Marudo believes that love and career should work hand in hand.

“I believe that everyone should work on striking a balance between the two. You need love in order for you to be more dedicated and focused at work. It helps that you feel inspired,” said the actor, who recently admitted to having called it quits with Bea Alonzo, his girlfriend of four years.

At the press conference of his latest teleserye, “Tubig at Langis,” on Friday, Zanjoe refused to directly address the breakup. However, when asked to compare love to water and oil, as the show’s title suggests, the actor replied: “If you mix oil and water, oil always floats on the surface. I guess my career can be likened to oil. With it, I am able to protect my loved ones, who are underneath. Everyone I love will be protected, because I have a good career.”

As to whether he would be willing to go against all odds for the one he loves, he replied: “Yes, I will do everything for love—there’s no question about that! If your love is true, you have to be able to prove it.”

Zanjoe added that he and Natoy, his character in the series, are similar in the sense that “when Natoy says he loves a person, he will do everything for her. He will be loyal to her and not get tempted to fall in love with, or even look at, another woman.”

He also pointed out: “I believe in second chances, in third chances, in fourth chances. Everyone needs another shot at love, right? They should be given a second or however many chances!”

Zanjoe’s costar, Cristine Reyes, described the actor as the “quiet type.” The series, which will premiere on ABS-CBN on Feb. 1, is their fourth project together. They were first seen in the drama anthology, “Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Kristine.” This was followed by the comedy flick, “Bromance,” then in the weekly sitcom, “Banana Split.”

“I used to feel uncomfortable around him. We hardly had the chance to chat at work, so it felt awkward to do intimate scenes with him. I guess it’s because, like him, I keep to myself most of the time and talk only when asked,” she shared with reporters. “But for this project, we were able to develop a good rapport.”

As a coworker, Cristine said Zanjoe was “very giving…he would be very patient when we’re doing difficult scenes, and I needed more time to get ready. I’m lucky that he is my partner here.”

Cristine plays single mom Irene in “Tubig at Langis.” She later gets married to Natoy, who then cheats on her with Clara, portrayed by Isabelle Daza.

“We take our work seriously. We don’t horse around the set,” Zanjoe said of Cristine. “Besides, whenever we’re working on a project together, she was always with someone. We’re more comfortable with each other now.”

Cristine is married to mixed martial artist Ali Khatibi, who’s also the dad of her daughter Amarah (See related story on the right).

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