Zanjoe Marudo is David Ilustre in 'The Broken Marriage Vow' Photo: @onlyzanjoemarudo

The Broken Marriage Vow, the Philippine adaptation of BBC’s critically acclaimed thriller, Doctor Foster, is one of the most highly anticipated local releases of the year.

Less than two weeks ahead of its premiere on January 24, the series has been a hot topic on social media, following the release of its official poster, as well as the week-long press conferences of its stars—Zanjoe Marudo, Sue Ramirez, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

At his recent press conference, Zanjoe Marudo answered questions about the show, his character, his thoughts on adultery, and more, delving into his thoughts about the story, how he prepared for the role, what it was like working with that illustrious cast, and the challenges he faced while portraying the role of David Ilustre.

Referring to the kind of reception and treatment that viewers have afforded the adulterous husband in the show—whether that’s on Doctor Foster, or on the equally (if not more) popular version from Korea, The World of the Married—Zanjoe explains that he has set a goal for his portrayal of David Ilustre.

“Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko, pagagalitan talaga ako ng mga fans at audience ng show na 'to kasi 'yun 'yung naging effect n'ung original tsaka n'ung mga ibang version,” says Zanjoe.

“Nu’ng ginagawa na namin siya, mas chinallenge ko 'yung sarili ko—nagbigay ako ng goal na kahit papaano, kahit konti lang, sana meron namang makaintindi sa character ni David, kung bakit siya umabot sa ganu’ng klaseng sitwasyon. Kung bakit siya nag-cheat, kung bakit niya sinaktan ’yung pamilya niya.”

“Lahat naman may dahilan, diba? ’Yun ’yung naging challenge sa’kin, ’yun ’yung pinipilit kong gawin, habang ginagawa namin ’yung show. Kahit katiting man lang, maintindihan nila kung saan nanggagaling si David,” the actor ends.

Watch the trailer below:

The Broken Marriage Vow, which is shot entirely in Baguio, also stars Jane Oineza, Angeli Bayani, Bianca Manalo, Ketchup Eusebio, Rachel Alejandro, Art Acuña, Empress Schuck, Joem Bascon, Brent Manalo, Malou Crisologo, Franco Laurel, Sandino Martin, Lao Rodriguez, Jet Gaitan, Jie Anne Armero, Migs Almendras, Avery Clyde, and JB Agustin, with the special participation of Susan Africa and Ronnie Lazaro.

Directed by Concepcion Macatuno and Andoy Ranay, the ABS-CBN series is the Philippine adaptation of the hit BBC series Doctor Foster.

The Broken Marriage Vow premieres on January 24, at 8:40 p.m. after Ang Probinsyano. Catch it on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida evening block, A2Z, TV5, and worldwide via The Filipino Channel.

Lead photo from @onlyzanjoemarudo

Related Story: Meet The Cast Of Doctor Foster's PH Adaptation, 'The Broken Marriage Vow'