Ria Atayde-Marudo: The Beautiful Mess of Motherhood

In a refreshingly unfiltered conversation, Ria Atayde-Marudo shares the raw realities of new motherhood— with all its surprises, challenges, and joys—infused with a dose of unexpected humor and candid charm

When actress Ria Atayde-Marudo found out she was pregnant, it didn’t just feel like a dream come true—it felt like a miracle.

Ria shares, “I didn’t actually think it was possible. So when I tested, I was like, what– is this for real? I really wanted it, so I was just super happy.”

Ria was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) back in high school, a condition that can make conception difficult. It would take her 10 years to follow-up on her diagnosis, but eventually, she sought proper medical guidance—and her story is now a source of hope for many women living with PCOS. “I think if anything, I’m a poster child—even if you have PCOS, it’s still possible to conceive. You just have to have proper guidance.”

Trading Wings for Roots

Her pregnancy, while joyful, had its share of scares. “The first few months, I had a hematoma. It was really scary,” she recalled.

Though her doctor encouraged rest, the approach was balanced with emotional well-being. “She wasn’t really strict about the bed rest. She said, ‘You know your body.’”

Once Ria recovered, she embraced her pregnancy with full force. “I traveled so much! I was a jetsetter,” she laughed, recalling trips with family and friends. She also dove into physical preparations as well as reading extensively. “I had like three or four copies of What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” She says that she tried not to overdo it because she tends to overthink.

Even with all her physical preparations, Ria admits that nothing could fully brace her for the emotional upheaval.

She shares, “I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t know how hard it was going to be. I had to really prepare myself mentally, emotionally, in all aspects. Physically, I was doing Pilates and strength training.”

The first-time mom shares, “It was just an interesting pregnancy. I was super heavy towards the end because I was 41 weeks when I gave birth.”

Ria opens up, “I wasn’t super mentally prepared for the loss of autonomy of myself. And I think that’s the part that’s the hardest. That was the most difficult part for me to adjust to. Because prior to this, I was such a free spirit. I travel on a whim! I was used to controlling my own time, until now. And that’s what I’m dealing with, the loss of independence. But also, I wouldn’t give it up. I would never trade what I have now for the life I once had, you know what I mean?”

Nourished by Love

One of Ria’s most defining experiences during early motherhood? The challenge of breastfeeding. She recalled some days when she thought about stopping. “I didn’t expect it to be that intense,” she reveals.

She adds, “I did not expect that Z would be like that,” Ria says of husband Zanjoe Marudo. “Z was so hands-on. We had latching problems. We’d both be sweating, trying to figure it out.” She recalls, laughing, “We were serious-serious. It’s like, we’re married!”

Despite the struggles, she was determined to breastfeed. It was both a personal decision and a health choice. She feels blessed enough to have a lot of mom friends her age, who became a mutual support system.

She saw the difference when her supply dipped, and had to introduce mixed feeding. During this time, Bino weight gain slowed down, and he got sick more than he used to, which inspired her to reconsider and recommit. And because she still had milk, she felt that she needed to try.

It remained a challenge, however. “I’m more of a pumper, which is more time-consuming than direct latching. You have your time to pump, then you have the time to feed,” she explained. “There’s always a constant push and pull.”

But, support played a key role and she credits a trusted lactation consultant who visits her until now. “She massages me, helps with my latch. It’s the gift I give my friends now—paying for a session.”

Ria’s abundant milk supply even allowed her to help others. “For a time, I was also able to help four other babies with my overproduction. I was blessed with liquid gold.”

Yet, despite moments of joy, physical pain remained a challenge, even if you correct the latch, you still scab. “Apart from the latchings and scabbing, you don’t realize how painful everything can be,” she admits.

But without a doubt, breastfeeding has already shaped her relationship with Bino in the most wonderful way. “We’re definitely a clingy couple,” she smiled. “As soon as he sees me—goodbye, everybody.”

Under The Bright Lights

Reflecting on her childhood while growing up in the public eye, Ria shares, “It wasn’t chaotic. It wasn’t too heavy. I didn’t feel the weight of it,” she said. “I was already conscious enough to be the one uploading my own photos when social media came around.”

Ria believes her upbringing helped prepare her for this chapter of motherhood. “What the public perceives of us–that doesn’t really come into play with our family dynamics. We each had a role to play in private. And I think that role that I’ve played in my family has always been the one who organizes things for us, and the one who takes care of things that need to be taken care of, you know? It prepared me for this. I feel like I’ve been training for this my whole life.”

Redefining Strength and Self-Worth

Ria honestly shares that one of her biggest hurdles has been body image. She believes that even if you’re not a public personality, insecurity is almost inevitable these days because of the times we live in— especially with social media being the norm and all the opinions that come with it. 

Coming from an all-girls school, and as early as high school, she was already seeing different kinds of people and comparing herself. So these issues existed for her even before showbiz.

Looking back, Ria felt it was harder when she was younger because she didn’t have the kind of awareness or confidence she now has. “When I was younger, I really had bad eating habits to try to compensate for my weight. I had a really unhealthy relationship with food, which is why I would yo-yo. And then I entered showbiz.”

Ria describes it as a ruthless industry, especially when it comes to physical appearance. She thinks that it is only recently that people have started becoming more open and accepting. Perhaps the standards of beauty are finally shifting—but that’s not to say things are perfect now. In her opinion, some people are still judgmental. There’s still a strong focus on appearance, although maybe not as intense as before.

“So dealing with insecurities as I entered showbiz was a little bit harder, a little bit heavier, admittedly. But luckily I had the luxury and the privilege of working with trainers and people who helped me with fitness, and helped me form a better relationship with my body and with food. It really matters, the people you surround yourself with.”

On being older now, and especially as a mom—it’s a different kind of journey. There’s the “mom weight,” the changes from pregnancy, and the fact that she’s still breastfeeding. Dieting is much more difficult now because she is focused on giving good milk. Ultimately, it’s about being healthy—for her and for Bino.

Ria says she has learned to shut off the opinions of people who don’t matter to her. For her, weight is just weight. “Why should I care about the opinions of others? They don’t feed me or pay my bills.”

Being a mother has allowed Ria to shift her perspective and priorities, learning that self-worth is not measured by numbers on a weighing scale. She gives due credit to her husband for being her rock, most especially during this motherhood journey. “It’s so refreshing to feel secure,” she said. “I’ve always had abandonment issues,” she admits, “but with him, it’s different. I feel safe.”

Always The First Call

When asked how she would like her son and future kids to look at her—not just as a mother, but as a woman—Ria hopes they see someone who shows up without hesitation.

“I want them to know that I’m their ‘guy’. If they need anything, I’m their guy–Handyman,” she says with her contagious laugh, a mix of humor and sincerity.

Being a mom also means being a constant dependable presence while creating a safe space where her children can turn to her for anything–without feeling like they will ever be looked down upon or judged.

“Ideally, I want to help Bino become compassionate and kind–with EQ–but also with IQ. It’s a balance.” She and Zanjoe envision a home that encourages openness, where Bino feels seen and equally comfortable sharing his fears and failures–not just celebrating the wins and happy times.

She wants her children to know that no matter what, her love is unwavering and unconditional, and her door is always open.

“We want to be the ones he calls when he’s scared, or when he messes something up, because he won’t be afraid to tell us. That’s the goal, right? I truly believe that’s every parent’s goal.”

Words MAWI FOJAS DE OCAMPO
Photography KIM MONTES
Makeup DENISE OCHOA
Hairstyling JERRY JAVIER
Styling PATRICIA CORONADO
Shoot Coordination ANTHONY MENDOZA
Sittings Editor MARGA MEDRANO-TUPAZ

Shot on Location SHANGRI-LA THE FORT

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