MANILA -- Arjo Atayde, who is known for his action-drama projects, was supposed to star in new Kapamilya serye “Incognito.”

During his recent thanksgiving party at his headquarters, Atayde revealed why he had to let go of one of the biggest projects of ABS-CBN for 2024.

“I feel really bad for not being part of that soap. I have priorities for now. I have to be a 100 percent committed. If not 100 percent, it’s unfair to my co-actors. And I work at 100 percent with these guys. Given the opportunity, I want to give it my all. For now, I have to focus on this (political career),” he told the entertainment media.

Actor-politician Arjo Atayde. Photo by Josh Mercado

Atayde then shared when will his next teleserye be.

“Siguro po next year. I’ve been gone for about five years. Marami na pong nangyari. Definitely, I’m looking forward to coming back and to be back on my playground,” he said, adding that he wants to work with everyone.

“Lahat po to be honest. I wanna work with everyone naman talaga. It really gives me the opportunity to learn more. Nagugulat din po ako sa ibang mga artista the way they did it kapag sinabing action ng direktor,” he added.

The Kapamilya actor recently received Best Male Lead in a TV Program/Series for “Cattleya Killer” at ContentAsia Awards 2024. 

Atayde told the media that he came to the awards night without expecting anything.

“I guess none of us were expecting anything. To be nominated is such a privilege. The recognition itself will be a bonus. Like they always say, that’s not being humble. We’re trying to push Filipino content, trying to push Filipino connection in a better way, to excel to where we were,” the best actor said.

How important are awards? “I don’t think anyone will get used to this. I don’t work for awards. I never did. It’s still learning the same thing. I’m still the same guy who just really enjoys what I do.”

The award-winning actor also discussed how he makes time for his wife Maine Mendoza.

“Of course, during my free time, and during my free days, kapag may bakasyon. Kaya nga po we travel because that’s the only time we get to spend time together. Kasi kapag nandito siya sa Manila, mayroon siyang responsibilities. She also has commitments to attend to,” he said.

He continued, “Because those are the only times talaga na we get to spend time together – to be honest... She also has commitments to attend to and also me as well. I juggle up all these things. But rest assured, it’s just time management, proper time management. And we’re both very happy. Yeah, it’s just really time management po. And she’s always on my priority at the end of the day as well.”

Planning to have a baby? Atayde answered: “Secret na lang po. Of course, we talk about it, but that’s between us, muna. For now, we’re really enjoying each other’s time. Kasi hindi naman po ito mauulit na kaming dalawa na lang together for a long time. So, we’re just enjoying and ‘yun secret na lang po kung kailan. That’s between us na lang but definitely, we talk about it po.”

Atayde’s new projects “Moonglow,” “Topakk,” and “Bagman” will hit cinemas and digital platforms very soon.

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