Firsts are always a challenge, and for Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde, the journey of being first-time parents is no exception. While they’ve shared a few glimpse of their little one on social media, they have kept significant details—such as the baby’s name, gender, and face—under wraps. Naturally, fans and netizens are eager to know more about this “low-key” journey, curious about the reasons behind the couple’s choice for privacy.

In a recent interview, Zanjoe opened up about their decision, emphasizing that keeping certain aspects of their child’s identity private is more about protection than secrecy. As he explained, they don’t feel obligated to reveal everything, as it’s their way of safeguarding their newborn’s privacy during these early stages. “Kung gusto niyong makita, ipapakita ko naman sa inyo. Hindi ko naman siya tinatago, e,” Zanjoe revealed.

“Hindi ko iniisip yung face reveal o name reveal. Pag may gustong makita, pinapakita ko, sinasabi ko yung pangalan. Pero hindi naman sa ia-announce ko sa buong…sa online. Yung iba naman, gusto ba nilang malaman…kung sino ang may gusto, pinapakita ko naman,” the actor explained.

Zanjoe also touched on why they feel it’s best to wait a little longer before sharing more of their child publicly. At just under two months old, their baby is still so young, and both parents are cautious about exposing the child to too much online attention, especially considering the rise in issues like identity theft and the potential for misused images.

“Masyado pa siyang bata, masyado pa siyang maliit. Wala pa siyang two months, e.” He continues, “Hindi ko makita yung point kung bakit siya i-expose sa online.”

“Proteksiyon din e, kasi alam niyo naman ngayon marami na ring nag-identity theft sa social media, ang dami nang mga fake news. So, huwag na lang,” he added.

For now, the couple is committed to safeguarding their child’s well-being and privacy, choosing to take things day by day. Zanjoe hinted, though, that fans might not have to wait forever—perhaps in the future, maybe around Christmas or another special occasion, they may share more about their little one. But as of now, they are content keeping things low-key, focused on what’s best for their growing family.

Zanjoe Marudo On Being A First-Time Dad

Looking back at the delivery, Zanjoe shared that he wasn’t sure what to feel, mainly focused on being there for Ria. But the moment he heard their baby’s first cry, he finally realized he was a father.

“Hindi ko alam kung saan ko kukunin yung kasiyahan, yung kaba, yung ganung feeling bilang ama,” Zanjoe shared. “So, iba yung pakiramdam. Hindi ko pa naramdaman ever, kung ano yung feeling. Kahit na umaarte ako na may ganung eksena, hindi pala ganun, yung ginagawa ko sa mga ganung scenes,” he added.

Fatherhood, Zanjoe said, has already changed him in ways he didn’t expect. He feels he’s grown more mature, especially in making decisions, and that his relationship with Ria is stronger as they share responsibilities for their baby together.

The couple first shared the pregnancy news on Father’s Day this year, just months after their wedding on March 23, 2024. For Zanjoe and Ria, the pregnancy has been a beautiful surprise, especially since Ria has PCOS, which can make it harder to conceive.