Zanjoe Marudo says cheating is still no-no, but possible to fall in love with two people at the same time: ‘Hindi mo mapipigilan’

Zanjoe Marudo's new role in an upcoming series has given him a more nuanced perspective on cheating, though he maintains that infidelity is still a no-no for him.

In the upcoming series The Broken Marriage Vow, Marudo plays architect David Ilustre—a seemingly ideal husband and father who starts an affair with another woman.

“Hindi pa rin ako papabor. Hindi mo mapipigilan yung emosyon mo eh, kung magkagusto ka sa isang tao or ma-in love ka sa isang tao kahit may asawa ka na,” he told the press. “Pero kung paano mo siya iha-handle—itutuloy mo ba o hindi? Kailangan mo pag-isipang maigi.” 

“Kung magiging selfish ka ba, yung sarili mo lang iintindihin mo? Or hindi ka nga tutuloy dun pero kalbaryo naman kung nasaan ka ngayon? Nasa tao ‘yun—kung ano ang kailangan niya sa buhay,” he continued.

Marudo later shared that he hasn’t been in the same situation, which made it even more challenging to portray his role. “Kaya rin siguro ako nahirapan sa pagbuo ng character ni David, kasi hindi ko talaga na-experience kung ano ang napagdaanan ni David. Hindi pa ako napunta sa ganung sitwasyon na naguluhan ako o kailangan kong mamili sa dalawang tao,” he said. 

The actor expressed his hope for some viewers to understand the circumstances that led to David’s unfaithful act after watching the show. “Ang goal ko ay kahit katiting, maintindihan nila yung character ni David, kung saan siya nanggaling at kung bakit siya umabot doon sa klase ng sitwasyon. Kasi wala naman talagang masamang tao eh,” he declared. 

“Kumbaga, yung sitwasyon o experiences nila sa buhay sa past,  ‘yun ang nagiging reason kung bakit sila ganito ngayon. Hindi pwede patawarin yung ganon, lalo na sa kultura nating Pilipino. Hindi siya acceptable lalo na yung nanakit,” stressed Marudo. 

The Broken Marriage Vow is the Philippine version of well-received drama Doctor Foster, which revolves around Dr. Jill Ilustre (played by Jodi Sta. Maria) who deals with her spouse’s infidelity as it greatly affects her family. It's slated for a Jan. 24 release.