Zanjoe is happy for Mariel and Robin

Zanjoe Marudo seems way past that phase when he never planned on breaking up with ex-girlfriend Mariel Rodriguez, much less see either of them in another person’s arms.

Speaking up on the blooming romance of Mariel with action star Robin Padilla for the first time, Zanjoe said he could only be happy for his former flame.

“Siyempre wala naman akong ibang dapat maramdaman. Dapat akong matuwa na may nag-aalaga na sa kanya, may nagmamahal sa kanya, meron nang nagpapasaya. Masasaktan siguro ako kung napasama siya. Eh ang nangyari naman kay Mariel eh, napabuti naman siya,” he told “The Buzz” in an interview aired on Aug. 8.

The ex-couple called it quits last summer, and since then, Zanjoe, in an interview on "TV Patrol," said that they have not talked. The two were even seen seemingly cold to each other during the press conference for the film “Cinco,” where they both star in separate episodes.

Zanjoe added that he has no ill feelings for Robin, who was once rumored to be the third party of their break-up and who recently made a public declaration of his love for Mariel.

“The Buzz” host Toni Gonzaga tried to extract from Zanjoe the real reason for the split. However, he only gave her smiles, sometimes chuckles, when she enumerated a list of possible cause (“family, time, falling out of love, focus sa career?”).

“Siguro ‘yung dahilan, akin na lang [‘yon]. Tiyaka matagal na eh. Dapat… ‘wag na nating pag-usapan. May mga kanya-kanya na kaming buhay. Dapat ‘wag na nating ibalik baka maapektuhan pa ‘yong present,” he said.

Mariel earlier admitted in an interview that they parted ways so that Zanjoe can focus on his career and continue to fend for his family. But then, she also intimated that the break-up “wasn’t exactly my decision.” As reported previously by Bulletin Entertainment, a source alleged that Zanjoe’s manager, Keren Pascual, was “very much against” the couple’s relationship.

While Mariel is seemingly nearing on taking another shot at romance, Zanjoe is simply laid-back about finding a new love.

“Hindi ko naman sinasabi na ngayon na gusto kong magkarelasyon. Kung merong dumating, hindi ko rin naman pipigilan ang sarili ko na iwasan ‘yung ganung bagay,” he said.

And yet, rumors about him making his move on his “Kristine” co-star Cristine Reyes spawned this intriguing statement from the latter: “Si Zanjoe ay malabong tao.”

“Hindi ko nga alam eh. Malabo ba ko?” he said jokingly when Toni sought for his reaction. Still jokingly, he clarified that he is not courting his new leading lady. “Malabo pa. Siguro baka puwede niya kong samahan sa Cebu, papaayos ko ‘yung mata ko, baka maging malinaw na,” Zanjoe said, referring to Cristine’s Cebu trip with another man being linked to her, Rayver Cruz.

Cristine elaborated on that statement during her interview on “Showbiz News Ngayon” last week. She related that according to their common friends, Zanjoe is vocal to them when it comes to wanting to ask her out, but when she's around, “Cool [lang] siya... Kunyari walang pakialam," the actress said.

For his part, Zanjoe revealed that he is not often conscious about courting a girl he likes.

“‘Yung panliligaw kasi, hindi ko normal na gawain. ‘Pag nagkakagusto ako sa tao, parang hindi ‘yun ‘yung style ko eh, hindi ‘yun ‘yung kinalakihan ko. ‘Pag nakilala ko ‘yung tao, magiging kaibigan ko. Tapos kung magkagusto ako, kung ma-develop ako, dun na nagsisimula siguro and hindi ko namamalayan na nanliligaw na pala ako,” he related.

Happy Mariel

Meanwhile, Mariel’s smile looked as bright as her long yellow gown when she was interviewed by “The Buzz” after her one-on-one interview with Robin on “E-Live” on August 7 where he unhesitatingly declared to the whole world “Mariel, mahal kita.”

“I’m happy. There’s no need to rush, ‘yun ang payo sa’kin ng lahat ng tao talaga. Kala kasi nila nagfa-fast forward ako eh. Tapos sabi rin ni Robin, i-enjoy lang ‘yung sweetness ng present. Dahil ‘yon ang magdo-draw ng future,” the host-actress enthused.

After the “E-Live” episode, both Mariel and Robin went to a party tendered by their fans. Perhaps intent on making the most out of their little bonding session with their favorite pair, the fans requested, “Kiss! Kiss!”

Robin, who gladly obliged, stood from his seat and gave Mariel a kiss---supposedly on the lips---but we’ll never know, as his fedora hat concealed both their faces. After the kiss that lasted a few seconds and long squeals from their avid supporters, Mariel gestured to them, “sa forehead.”

Source: MB