Zanjoe Marudo

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Zanjoe Marudo is excited to be a father -- at least on the small screen.

In an interview with ABS-CBNnews.com, the bachelor actor, who is currently in a relationship with actress Bea Alozno, revealed that he will be taking on a father role for the first time in the upcoming series "Anna Liza."

"Siyempre excited na excited ako at matagal akong nawala sa drama sa TV. So ito right timing na dumating 'yung magandang project at magandang role at saka 'yung time na ready na akong bumalik sa teleserye," Marudo said.

"Malaking challenge kasi first time ko na gaganap na bilang isang tatay sa isang bata. At saka sa istorya na ito ang ganda kasi tungkol sa pamilya, ;yung paano maging ama, maging anak at asawa. Isa pang challenge dito ay halos lahat ng makakasama ko ay mahusay," he added.

Directed by Theodore Boborol, the new version of the classic tearjerker in the 1980s, also stars Patrick Garcia, Carlo Aquino, Denise Laurel, Kaye Abad and child actress Andrea Brillantes in the title role that made the later Julie Vega a household name.