“Husband. Son. Brother. Politician. Actor.“
He may have placed acting last on his list, but there’s no denying that actor and public servant Arjo Atayde is one of the finest talents of his generation.
At a Thanksgiving party he hosted for the media, Arjo Atayde was asked to rank the five roles he currently balances in his life. Without hesitation, he placed being a husband to Maine Mendoza at the top of the list.
Atayde recently captured the international spotlight again with his recent victory at the prestigious 2024 ContentAsia Awards winning Best Male Lead in a TV Program/Series for his exceptional portrayal of Anton dela Rosa in the critically lauded crime-thriller series Cattleya Killer.
This marks another significant milestone in his already illustrious career.The awards ceremony, held in Taipei, celebrated Atayde’s gripping performance as the central figure of Cattleya Killer, a show that has drawn global acclaim since its debut on Prime Video in June 2023.
Set against the backdrop of a complex murder investigation, the series weaves suspense, mystery, and psychological drama, leaving audiences captivated. Atayde’s role as Anton, a character navigating the dark corridors of crime and guilt, has earned him praise from both critics and fans alike.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Atayde humbly acknowledged the support system that enabled his triumph. “I owe this to so many people—everyone who worked alongside me on this series, the people behind the scenes, and of course, my family,” he shared.
Atayde took a moment to express heartfelt thanks to his wife, fellow celebrity Maine Mendoza, saying, “To my wife, for her unending understanding and support—thank you for always being there.”
Reflecting on the magnitude of the award, he also expressed his gratitude to ABS-CBN, the network behind Cattleya Killer, and the team that believed in his ability to bring Anton’s character to life.
“Thank you to ABS-CBN, and to everyone who trusted me with this role,” he said, singling out ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes, Carlo Katigbak, and Ruel Bayani for their leadership and guidance.Cattleya Killer, produced by ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios, has emerged as a significant addition to the Filipino entertainment landscape. Its intricate storyline, high production value, and top-notch performances have made it a standout production, proving that Filipino stories have a place on the global stage.
This victory at the ContentAsia Awards is not Arjo Atayde’s first brush with international recognition. In 2020, he took home the Best Actor award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his role in Bagman, a gritty political drama in which he portrayed a barber entangled in the dangerous underworld of political maneuvering. His consistent ability to deliver compelling performances in diverse roles has established him as one of the most dynamic actors to come out of the Philippines in recent years.
But acting is not Atayde’s only passion. He is also making waves in the world of public service, having been elected as the Representative of the First District of Quezon City in 2022. His balancing act between his two worlds—showbiz and politics—speaks to his dedication to both his craft and his commitment to serving his fellow Filipinos.
As Arjo Atayde continues to blaze trails both on-screen and off, his most recent win reaffirms his place as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. His international accolades reflect not only his talent but also the growing recognition of Filipino excellence in film and television.
With each new milestone, Atayde is showing the world that Filipino stories, and those who tell them, deserve to be celebrated on the grandest stages.
