Award-winning actor Arjo Atayde continues to make waves on the international stage after he won as Best Lead Actor at the ContentAsia Awards 2024 for his performance in the crime-thriller series Cattleya Killer.

READ: Arjo Atayde wins Best Lead Actor at ContentAsia Awards 2024

During a thanksgiving event on Friday, September 13, Arjo looked back on his prestigious win. “Marami naman din pong sumabak and luckily, we were given the opportunity to represent in the Best Actor category,” he began, adding that this was his first time to be nominated at the ContentAsia Awards. 

Arjo recalled attending the awards ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan last September 5 with his fellow actors and team from ABS-CBN. “I guess none of us was expecting anything. To be nominated is already such a privilege. The recognition itself would be a bonus, like we always say. It’s not being humble but it’s really trying to push Filipino content, trying to push Filipino connections,” he said.  

This isn't Arjo’s first international recognition; he previously won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards for his performance in Bagman. Locally, he earned recognitions as well. When asked if he’s becoming accustomed to receiving awards, Arjo humbly responded, “Hindi naman po sa sanay. I don’t think anyone will get used to this. Again, I don’t work for awards. I never did. Still the same things, still the same guy. Just really enjoying what I do. I’m learning especially with the last projects na ginawa ko po.”

Arjo’s upcoming acting projects include The Bagman series with John Arcilla and Judy Ann Santos, and Moonglow film with director Isabel Sandoval. 

READ: Arjo Atayde stars alongside director Isabel Sandoval in new film ‘Moonglow’

Reflecting on the significance of receiving awards, he said, “Number one, it’s for us, Filipinos. That’s always with me. Number two, it’s always for [ABS-CBN]. Always thankful to God and family.” 

Arjo added that it’s not only a recognition but a motivation for him to become better at his craft. “Of course it’s not just a recognition na, ‘Yes, I did a good job.’ It would always just motivate me to learn more, to be worthy of what they gave, and the importance of pushing.”  

WATCH: Arjo Atayde talks about how he felt after bagging the AACA Best Actor in 2020 | PUSH TV

Further, the 33-year-old actor-public servant said that this success is not only personal but for ABS-CBN as well, hoping that it will open more doors for Filipinos to shine on the global stage. 

“Being with ABS-CBN International, they’ve always targeted going international, and not for selfish reasons, but always to give, maybe, a door of opportunity to open to us, Filipinos to be back on top again,” he said.