From savoring precious moments with son Sabino to cheering Zanjoe Marudo in “The Silent Noise,” Ria shares life, love, and family insights.
When a blind item about a showbiz power couple allegedly going through a rough patch made the rounds, some netizens were quick to speculate—and one of the names that surfaced was Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo.
The couple first tied the knot in an intimate civil wedding on March 23, 2024. They later exchanged vows again in a private church ceremony in December 2025, attended by family and close friends from both inside and outside the industry.
When radar.ph got the chance to interview Ria during the mediacon and special screening of “The Silent Noise” at Cinema 11 of Gateway Mall 2 on March 10, the actress was asked about the issue.
“Inevitable naman in the industry we’re in, ‘pag may mga isyung ganyan, [they will try to pinpoint a couple,] ‘di ba? Thank you naisip na power couple din kami. Salamat.”
“Also, it didn’t reach me that they thought of us, but thank you for considering us as a power couple. Thank you.”
Enjoying motherhood
Now enjoying motherhood as a mom to their son Sabino, Ria admitted that many positive changes have taken place in her life—both as a woman and as a person.
“More patience, definitely. It challenges my patience, it even challenges my sense of self. When you’re single, you’re carefree—you’re used to controlling your own time. When you become a mommy, you get really surprised how it consumes you. As cliché as it may sound, motherhood becomes you.”
When asked to describe Zanjoe as a father to Sabino, the actress had nothing but praise for her husband and how he has embraced fatherhood.
“He’s the best. He’s the best father to Sabino. I’m so blessed that he’s the partner I have in raising a family.”
Ria also shared what she believes is the secret to a happy married life.
“Communication. Communication keeps the spark alive. I’m so grateful that he’s cautious and very intentional in making sure that even when we’re raising our child, mayroon pa rin kaming time for each other.”
Ria’s return to acting
Ria is considered one of the finest actresses of her generation, having won Best Female New TV Personality at the 2016 Star Awards for TV for her role in the “Puno ng Mangga” episode of “MMK.” With many wondering when she plans to return to acting, the actress said she is in no rush.
“Wala pa namang plano. Right now, our baby is a year and five months old—this is time I’ll never get back. I’m just savoring it, I’m reveling in the moment. Maybe when something good comes along, that’s when I’ll come back to acting.”
“Tingnan natin if there’s anything that comes along. I miss acting—the art, the craft, the emotional release. I’m actually very excited to go back. But again, I wouldn’t replace the time that I have now. The role that I’m playing now, I think, is the most important role that I’ll ever play in my life. I-embrace ko na muna. Siguro, when Sabino is bigger, puwede na. Pero now, wala pa.”
‘You stand by each other, with each other’
Coming from a well-known family, Ria also addressed the challenges faced by the Ataydes, particularly her brother, Cong. Arjo Atayde, who recently drew criticism over a flood control project issue. Despite the scrutiny, she emphasized that their family remains united.
“That’s what family is—you stand by each other, you stand with each other. And yes, that’s how we are.”
“We’re still together. We’re still here, still grateful for everything that comes our way.”
Ria also brushed off recent speculation online after some netizens noticed that no one from the Atayde family publicly greeted Arjo’s wife, Maine Mendoza, on her birthday last March 3. This led to assumptions about a possible rift with the “Eat Bulaga” host.
A step back from social media
“We’ve all taken a step back from social media, in general. I’m so busy with my child—ano ang ipo-post ko? Parati lang ako nasa bahay. Ano ba ‘yong kwarto ko? ‘Di naman pang-social media,” she said with a laugh. “Personally, I’m not on social media so much. I wasn’t even aware it was made an issue. But I assure you that we are okay. We were actually together celebrating my dad’s birthday.”
Ria attended the special screening of “The Silent Noise” in support of Zanjoe, and she shared how proud she is of her husband’s work in the film.
“I love it! You know, part of our process is that whenever we accept a project, we read each other’s scripts. So it’s always nice to see when the material comes to life. I’m so proud of how he was able to do that.”
That’s what family is—you stand by each other, you stand with each other. And yes, that’s how we are… We’re still here, still grateful for everything that comes our way.
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