Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza. Image: Instagram/@mainedcm

Arjo Atayde didn’t hesitate to shut down the pregnancy rumors hounding his wife Maine Mendoza, clarifying that her past absence in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga” was due to them enjoying a couple’s getaway.

Atayde dismissed rumors of Mendoza’s pregnancy during his Thanksgiving press conference in Quezon City when asked to clarify if the TV host is expecting their first child.

“Hindi (No) po, we went on a vacation for our first wedding anniversary,” he said matter-of-factly.

Rumors of Mendoza being pregnant made waves on social media when she was absent from the noontime show sometime in July, which coincided with the couple’s first wedding anniversary.

The actor-turned-congressman of Quezon City’s District 1 also shared that he and Mendoza are busy with their respective commitments, and their recent getaways are rare opportunities they get to enjoy their free time together.

“We’re enjoying our free time and our free days kapag may bakasyon (when we go on vacation), kaya we travel — which nakikita ng mga tao (people see) because that’s the only time we get to spend together, to be honest,” said Atayde.

“Because when we’re in Manila, she has responsibilities and commitments to attend to. Me as well… She’s my priority at the end of the day,” he further added.

Despite their busy schedules, Atayde said he and Mendoza are “very happy,” and their journey as husband and wife “has been nothing but great.” He also shared that they make sure to practice “time management” to balance their work and personal lives.

“Petty tampuhan is normal. But nothing bigger than that. We’re very happy. Our journey has been nothing but great. We’re growing together and I’m very blessed that [my wife] is her. Masarap sa feeling na siya ang asawa ko (It feels good that she’s my wife),” he said.

The “Bagman” star added that having Mendoza as a wife made things “easier” for him in dealing with his day-to-day activities.

“She made it easier. She’s more understanding, especially with the demands of both jobs I’m in right now. She cares for me on a different level so I’m very blessed,” he said.

The celebrity couple said “I do” at an intimate wedding in Baguio City on July 28, 2023. The date is a significant moment for the couple as it marked their first meeting, engagement, and their eventual marriage, among other events.

Atayde was recently named Best Lead Actor in a TV Programme at ContentAsia Awards 2024 for his performance in the crime series “Cattleya Killer.”