For Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo, their friendship journey leads to everlasting love
Earlier today, showbiz couple Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo broke the news of their engagement through a joint Instagram post. “Forever sounds good,” wrote the actress. They shared a photo of them together, as well as a snapshot of the engagement ring.
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Before reaching their couple status, Atayde and Marudo started out as friends. In 2017, the two worked together in the series, Dear Heart. They later on formed a bond with co-actors Kathryn Bernardo, Joshua Garcia, and Daniel Padilla, and were spotted on several occasions together, from Bernardo’s Palawan birthday getaway to their G! Kapamilya tour. Their group has also traveled to Singapore, Japan, and Thailand as well.
In late 2022, Ria’s mother, actress Sylvia Sanchez, confirmed the relationship of the two through an interview with Korina Sanchez. The younger actress then posted a belated greeting for Valentine’s Day, featuring their group of friends along with a stolen photo of him and Zanjoe. Later in March, the Dirty Linen star posted his lunch in Italy with Atayde.
During the actor’s birthday last year, Ria finally expressed her feelings for Zanjoe publicly through a sweet greeting. “You have no idea how grateful I am everyday that you exist in this timeline and that you make it even better. Happy birthday, you,” she said on Instagram. In September 2023, the couple attended the ABS-CBN Ball together for the first time.
Before posting their engagement, Atayde wrote a Valentine’s message for the actor. “Being the one who plans and surprises everyone through the years, I’ve come to terms with being the giver. But somehow, the love I put out in the world found its way back to me in the form of you. Happy Valentine’s Day, bestie. [G]rateful for you today and [every day].”
Friends in the industry and even outside the limelight offered their well wishes to the newly engaged couple, including Zanjoe’s fellow Pinoy Big Brother Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, actor friends Maja Salvador, Sofia Andres, Maris Racal, and Angelica Panganiban, and members of the Atayde family, including Arjo and Maine.
Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES
