Ria Atayde, 32, is an actress, a producer, and, soon, the wife of Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo. PHOTO/S: SCREENGRAB FROM INSTAGRAM | @RIA
From her start as part of the supporting cast of ABS-CBN’s dramedy series NingNing, Ria Atayde has steadily emerged as an actress and producer, sharing the spotlight with three other family members who have embraced the same profession.
And now, Ria is preparing to take on a new role as the wife of 41-year-old Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo.
Before the wedding bells start ringing, let’s take a glance on the life of this dynamic bride-to-be.
EARLY LIFE
NAME, BIRTHDAY, HOMETOWN
Maria Sophia Campo Atayde, professionally known as Ria Atayde, is an Aries born on March 23, 1992.
Like all members of her family, she was born and raised in Metro Manila, Philippines.
FAMILY
Ria is one of four children of veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, 52, and Spanish-Filipino businessman Arturo N. Atayde.
Her older brother, Arjo Atayde, 33, is not only a multi-awarded actor, but also a politician representing Quezon City’s 1st district since 2022.
Ria’s only sister, Gela Atayde, 21, is making waves in the showbiz industry as an acting and hiphop virtuoso, currently starring in the popular Gen Z show Senior High as Sanya.
The youngest member of the Atayde family is Xavi Atayde, 14.
EDUCATION
Before venturing into showbiz, Ria successfully completed her studies.
She is an alumna of Saint Pedro Poveda College and De La Salle University, where she pursued Communication Arts for her bachelor’s degree. She graduated in June 2014.
CAREER
ACTOR
Ria’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 2015 with a minor role in ABS-CBN’s Ningning, which aired in the Prime Tanghali noontime show slot from 2015 to 2016.
She starred opposite Beauty Gonzalez, Jana Cassandra Agoncillo, and her mother, Sylvia.
In 2017, after a short break, Ria was cast in the popular fantasy television series My Dear Heart, opposite Nayomi “Heart” Ramos, Coney Reyes, Bela Padilla, and her current beau, Zanjoe.
in 2018, Ria was part of the Lenten special of It’s Showtime, taking on the memorable character of Sheila in “The Wedding” episode.
She also had a stint in the drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya.
Years later in mid-2023, she starred alongside her brother Arjo in the Prime original crime thriller, Cattleya Killer.
This was immediately followed by her participation in Nag-aapoy na Damdamin (2023-2024) as the lead character Melinda Avecilla-Buencamino.
PRODUCER
On September 23, 2023, at Kao Manila, World Resorts, Newport Mall, Ria was all smiles as the president and CEO of Nathan Studios, a production company made by her siblings under the supervision of their mom, Sylvia.
“It’s a new experience, it’s nice,” she said.
“Ang nakakatuwa kasi, nagagamit ko lalo yung mga pinag-aralan ko nung college. I took up Comm Arts. So, it goes hand in hand din naman with production, so masaya.
“Our goal din naman talaga with Nathan is to bring out the Filipino talents internationally, and to bring in good material that people should be seeing here.”
While being a producer comes with its struggles, Ria acknowledged that the new role has given her a different perspective on her work as an actress.
She said, “The more na ginagawa namin, the more na na-e-enjoy ko din po.
“Mas na-a-appreciate ko din yung work ko as an actress. Like it goes hand in hand. Masaya po ako sa ginagawa namin sa Nathan. Medyo mas involved ka talaga.
“Hindi siya yung parang artista, you just show up on the day of the work or you study your script lang. Ito kasi, everything else is taken into consideration, e.
“Pati yung mga financials, iniisip mo rin as a producer. So, parang it’s completely like it goes hand in hand, pero medyo iba talaga yung trabaho behind the scenes.”
WHITE CASTLE WHISKY CALENDAR GIRL
Ria was announced as White Castle Whisky‘s 2023 calendar girl at a press conference held on January 17, 2023, at Pandan Asian Cafe in Quezon City.
Although calendar girls are stereotypically known for their enviable beauty and physique, the brand advocates for beauty in all shapes and sizes.
Thrilled to be a part of the movement, Ria expressed: “Very excited to show to the people our campaign. Big girls don’t usually get the chance to do this. It’s really about embracing your body.
“Beauty goes in all forms and sizes. You can be wholesome and sexy. You don’t have to show more skin to be sexy. You just have to show your confidence.”
PERSONAL LIFE
In January 2023, Zanjoe and Ria took a significant step in their relationship by officially confirming what had been the subject of dating speculations for several months.
The initial spark of their passionate connection occurred during an intimate dinner with friends in New York City in August 2022.
From that moment forward, the couple has embarked on a series of overseas trips— roaming the romantic streets of Italy, the rich landscapes of London, and the historic tourist spots of Japan, among others.
The couple officially confirmed their engagement on February 20, 2024, in a joint Instagram post.
Flashing her round-cut diamond engagement ring, Ria’s caption was: “Forever sounds good [white heart and ring emoji].”
Zanjoe then took to his IG stories to greet Ria, “HI FIANCÉ [wave hand emoji].”
ON ENTERING POLITICS
In May 2023, Ria garnered attention when Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Don Artes recommended her as the spokesperson for the office.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), conducted during the premiere of Prime original thriller Cattleya Killer, Ria confirmed the offer but expressed reservations about accepting the role.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the job, Ria cited the considerable time and effort it would require: “I don’t want to commit to something knowing that I can’t completely give myself, because I’m super in love with what I do.”
When asked if she envisioned herself in politics, Ria firmly stated, “No.”
She highlighted her past involvement in student government during her college days as the closest she came to such a role.
Reflecting on the complexity of public service, Ria emphasized that it involves numerous factors beyond personal inclinations.
Despite the offer, she expressed contentment with her current path, concluding, “There’s so many things that come into it and it’s just, I’m happy doing what I do.
“It’s really that actually. At the end of the day, di ko ipagpapalit ang ginagawa ko.”
