Actor Zanjoe Marudo may be “striking while the iron is hot” when it comes to his career, but he definitely does not want to be called “flash in the pan,” he revealed so in an interview during his birthday last July 23.

The former model, whose entry to fame was the original “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition,” has indeed gone a long way. However, the hunk actor insists he is still far from his goal as an actor.

“Gusto ko magtagal sa industriyang ito. Marami akong gustong gawin eh. Gusto ko mag-drama, gusto ko mag-comedy, gusto ko mag-action. ‘Yung hindi nakatali sa isang character o genre,” said the 28-year-old star.

So far, he has been successful in showcasing his versatility as a mainstay of comedy show “Banana Split,” a lead star in the hit horror flick “Cinco,” and the leading man of “Jewel of Romance” Cristine Reyes in the epic TV adaption of Martha Cecilia’s phenomenal “Kristine” pocketbook series debuting on August 16.

Zanjoe revealed that he is challenged by his role Jaime in the teleserye, even if he shares some traits with him.

“Hindi niya agad binibigay lahat hanggang hindi sigurado. Ako ganon din ako, hindi ako pumapasok sa isang bagay hanggat hindi ako sigurado. Pareho rin siguro kaming minsan lang gumawa ng something romantic, pero malakas yung impact kasi hindi sanay yung tao na ganon kami,” he said.

He said, like Jaime, he has to work on being more expressive of his feelings, especially his appreciation of good things people do to or for him.

“Hindi kasi ako showy na tao. ‘Pag na-aappreciate ko yung isang bagay eh hindi ko kaagad napapakita. Kaya minsan nagiging negative na, kasi iniisip ng iba hindi ko nagustuhan o na-appreciate,” he explained.

One thing that he can very well exude is his dedication to both his family and career.

“Kaya lang naman ako nagta-trabaho dahil kailangan ng pamilya ko. Hindi naman sila humihingi pero nararamdaman ko na kailangan ako. Marami pa rin akong gustong matutunan, gawin. Marami pa akong pangarap,” he said.

And in his much-awaited comeback to Primetime Bida via “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine” on August 16, people can only expect a better and bolder actor in Zanjoe.

“Gusto kong makuha ‘yung respeto ng ibang tao, ng ibang artista, ng mga katrabaho ko. At iyan ang gagawin ko sa ‘Kristine,’” he said with conviction.

— MORE ZANJOE’S BIRTHDAY PHOTOS HERE —