Zanjoe not ready to be a real dad

ZANJOE Marudo enjoys working with pint-sized costars like Jana Agoncillo.

Zanjoe Marudo, who plays the title role in the new ABS-CBN series “Dream Dad,” says he enjoys working with kids, but that having a child of his own with girlfriend Bea Alonzo is still farthest from his mind.

“I like working with children because I learn a lot from them. I don’t know why I’m being offered the same types of roles lately. I find it hard to say no because the projects are all interesting,” says Zanjoe. In the series “Annaliza,” which ended its run in March, Zanjoe played dad to lead actress Anna Brillantes. He played a gay single dad in the Wenn Deramas horror flick “Maria Leonora Teresa.”

Zanjoe says he looks forward to being a father in real life, but adds, “I still have a lot to consider before I start my own family. For now, it’s enough that I get to hang out with children at work. I always grow fond of my young costars and treat them as my kids.”

Nothing’s changed

He turns serious when addressing the rumor that his relationship with Bea is on the rocks. “Nothing has changed. I don’t know where that came from. We’re just having issues because of work schedules. It’s not true that we’ve been fighting,” he says. “Bea just got really busy when her show (‘Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon’) was about to end. When she finally had free time, it was time for me to work on ‘Dream Dad.’”

The actor claims that he and Bea are unaffected by the breakup rumor. They have been dating for three years now. “If we’re having problems, it’s up to us to solve it. We don’t want to involve the public,” he insists. “It’s a good thing that we’re in the same business. We are able to discuss issues maturely. We both understand that, since show biz work is never stable, we should grab every opportunity that comes our way. When one is free, it doesn’t mean the other should stop working just so they can be together.”

Serious about Bea

He adds: “We’ve always been very open to the media about our relationship. People saw how our love story developed. So, if a big thing like marriage is going to happen, our supporters will be the first to know. I know it will happen, eventually. I’m serious about Bea. I’m no longer interested in nights out, or even looking at other girls. I’m focused on work and on making sure [the family I will have] is set up for a bright future.”

Zanjoe says of their lasting relationship: “We make sure to communicate. We don’t let intrigues affect us. We think of how the other person will feel before doing anything crazy. We adjust to be able to give what the other person wants.”

“Dream Dad,” which premiered Monday night, also features the rambunctious 5-year-old Jana Agoncillo. In support roles are Maxene Magalona, Ana Feleo, Yam Concepcion, Katya Santos, Gloria Diaz, Beauty Gonzalez, Ketchup Eusebio and Tirso Cruz III.

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