Post by LJ on Apr 8, 2006 2:11:23 GMT 5.5
Zanjoe Marudo: The next Richard Gomez?
By LEAH C. SALTERIO
After Sam Milby, the newest heartthrob to emerge from the Pinoy Big Brother house is Bench model Zanjoe Marudo, who is among the 14 housemates in the just-concluded Celebrity Edition.
Tall, dark, and handsome, 22-year-old Zanjoe easily reminds us of Richard Gomez, when the latter was still a neophyte in the business and also the first image model of Bench. Admittedly, Zanjoe looks up to Richard and wants to follow the same career path that the actor has taken.
"I can see myself in him," says Zanjoe of Goma. "I would like to have a showbiz career. I’d like to learn how to act and to sing. But I will not go for bold roles. I’d like to have a wholesome image."
A native of Batangas, Zanjoe has the requisite good looks to make it in showbiz. With a six-pack to die for and a towering six-foot frame, plus tons of sex appeal, he is an ideal showbiz find.
Zanjoe comes from a middle income family. The third child in a brood of six, he grew up as the favorite child idolizing his father, whom he also considers his best friend. There came a time when the elder Marudo lost his job and Zanjoe nearly couldn’t continue his studies. Capitalizing on his height, he turned to basketball and became a varsity player in high school to get a scholarship. In college, Zanjoe took up information technology at Mapua.
When he was 18, Zanjoe had to take another blow in his family life. His parents separated and his dad who is a chef, had to move to New Jersey with his three other younger siblings. "They were the only ones who could be petitioned at that time that’s why they went with my dad," Zanjoe shares. "But we’re constantly in touch."
In 2002, Zanjoe joined Bodyshots and won first place. This became his stepping stone to modeling. Last year, he made it to Cosmo’s Top 10 Bachelors and was commissioned to pose for Metro Calendar 2006. Bench top honcho Ben Chan also saw Zanjoe’s potential as an image model so the latter was signed up to endorse Bench underwear line.
Like Richard, Zanjoe is brooding, quiet, and sexy. "What you see is what you get," Zanjoe says of his personality. "I can be comfortable with any type of person. I’d like to be able to deal with all kinds of people."
Aside from basketball, Zanjoe is also into badminton, basketball, and wake boarding. He remains a simple guy with big dreams. "I want to have a complete and happy family," Zanjoe says. "I also want a nice car which I plan to buy one day from my earnings."
Prior to his Pinoy Big Brother salvo, Zanjoe has been considered by ABS-CBN for the role of "Super Islaw" in an upcoming fantasy series. Interestingly enough, the said komiks character was played on the big screen by Richard Gomez.
Zanjoe is being managed by Keren Pascual, who also acts as his friend, coach, mentor. At the moment, Zanjoe said Keren is one of the few persons he trusts, a friend who will defend him at all times.
While inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, Zanjoe confessed to have a crush on fellow housemate Bianca Gonzales. But knowing that Bianca has a special someone right now, Zanjoe said he is not about to get into the picture. "I will not do anything to win Bianca. I will continue to respect her."