Actor-public servant Arjo Atayde has achieved international recognition as an esteemed artist by securing a significant victory at the ContentAsia Awards.

Arjo received the award for Best Male Lead in a TV Program/Series for his outstanding portrayal of Anton Dela Rosa, the complex and intense central character in Cattleya Killer.

"I don't think anyone will get used to it. Again, I don't work for awards. I never did. I just enjoy what I do. I'm learning, especially with the last projects I did," said Arjo when asked about how special the award was during a Thanksgiving party in Quezon City recently. 

The politician-actor elaborated on his approach to evaluating and selecting roles for various projects during the discussion.

"I don't choose the roles, but usually, I trust the management process, whatever role they give me. Yung schedule na lang ang pinipili ko. I'm just grateful for all the roles they have given me. 

"I was able to express my creativity as an artist. It's been a journey for 11 years. Every role has been an opportunity," Arjo said.

Asked to choose between acting and politics, Arjo said: "They are two different fields. I help people if I have to, and I can. It's not about fulfillment. On the other hand, I want to help, and I can. With showbiz, that's my playground. I feel fulfilled in both."

After spending 11 years in the entertainment industry, Arjo feels that despite his time in the spotlight, he has remained true to himself and hasn't changed.

"Parang wala naman masyado. A lot of things are the same. I'm still the same guy," said Arjo, when he was asked what had changed since then.

He added: "Except that there are more responsibilities as I grow up. That's the way I see it. Nothing's changed. Marami lang talaga akong ginagawa. That's about it. 

"But yung pananaw (points of view), that's because of all the people I met, the people I have been working with. Mula pa noong 'Ang Probinsyano' kay Tito Eddie Garcia, ang dami ko ng natatanggap na words of wisdom. 

"More than that, it's how I handle myself and the situation differently. It's not a different perspective but more of how I handle things and get to where I want to, how I want to help people, or how I work with my showbiz career," he said.

Arjo, 33, expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of working on a project alongside his wife, Maine Mendoza, in the near future. However, he clarified that no definite plans have been made yet.

The Quezon City congressman also mentioned that they have a passion for traveling and experiencing new cultures. Whenever they have the opportunity, they enjoy exploring different parts of the world and immersing themselves in diverse environments.

Cattleya Killer

Cattleya Killer is a Filipino crime-thriller series from ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios. It premiered globally on Prime Video on June 1, 2023. 

Directed by Dan Villegas and written by Dodo Dayao, it revolves around a murder investigation linked to an old case involving a notorious serial killer. 

The show blends suspense, mystery, and psychological drama, delving into the characters' dark secrets and their connections to the murders.

The show has gained worldwide acclaim for its gripping plot, high production value, and strong performances, especially Arjo’s, positioning it as one of the most significant Filipino crime dramas in recent years.

At the awards ceremony held in Taipei, Arjo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make his victory possible. “Thank you to everyone. I'm forever indebted to all the actors that I work with, to the people behind the camera, to everyone who's helped me be here, gathering all this power to actually pull through this good series.”

Arjo continued by expressing appreciation for his family’s support, especially his wife.

“It's my first time in Taipei, this is such a reward for a first time here,” he gushed. 

“Last but not least, my family. Thank you so much to my family for supporting me so much, to my wife who understands so much of the hard work that we have to pull through to be able to do this.”
 
Arjo also acknowledged the support his ABS-CBN family gave him as he worked on the show. “To ABS-CBN, Tita Cory Vidanes, Sir Carlo Katigbak, and of course, to Sir Ruel Bayani, thank you so much for this opportunity. To the Filipinos, to ABS-CBN, maraming, maraming salamat po,” Arjo said.

His performance in Cattleya Killer beat out five other finalists for the 2024 ContentAsia Awards trophy. Arjo’s portrayal captivated both audiences and critics, with his nuanced take on Anton dela Rosa ultimately securing him the prestigious award.

This win is just the latest in a string of international accolades for Arjo. It follows his 2020 Best Actor win at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his role in Bagman, where he portrayed a barber entangled in the dangerous world of politics. That award made him the first Filipino to win at the region’s most prestigious platform for creative excellence.

In addition to his thriving acting career, Arjo currently serves as Representative of the First District of Quezon City, a position he won by a landslide in the 2022 elections. His commitment to his craft and public service showcases his multifaceted contributions to Philippine society.

With his unwavering passion and dedication, Arjo continues to inspire and uplift the Filipino film and television industry on the global stage.