Representative Juan Carlos Atayde attends the House Committee on Justice meeting on November 16, 2022 granting Philippine citizenship to Justin Donta Brownlee, a Barangay Ginebra San Miguel basketball team import player. Press and Public Affairs Bureau handout/File

MANILA -- Actor and Quezon City's first district representative Arjo Atayde has taken on a new challenge by venturing into the business world. 

Atayde opened a new branch of his business, "Inasal Republic," on Sunday morning, adding to his growing list of responsibilities.

Despite his packed schedule as a public servant, Atayde expressed his passion for his new venture and explained how he manages his time between his various commitments.

"I do business at night after everything. I have to work during the day. I really want to grow into it, learn more about it, explore and travel, and understand Filipino infusion," Atayde shared during the launch. 

He explained that his inspiration came from Filipino culture, wanting to create something that fellow Filipinos would look forward to. "I'm starting here at Inasal republic and as to why I entered the inasal industry, it's not just a big industry, but because of course I trust the product. I won't jump into something if I don't trust it, just like everybody else."

Atayde also credited his wife, actress Maine Mendoza, for her unwavering support in his business venture. 

"She's very supportive, especially pag may gustong luto. There's no perfect restaurant, there's always something wrong but I guess it's something you really have to avoid and that's what we're trying to be keen on to really be able to serve the best we can. She's at the point where she judges and I of course receive it in a good way. She can be as honest as she can be and I really appreciate it," he said.

Aside from his business, Atayde shared his excitement about becoming an uncle, as his sister, actress Ria Atayde-Marudo, is expecting her first child. 

"I'm very very much excited. It's the first of the four of us and any cousins so I'm very much excited and of course I'm very happy about them that they're growing so much together and the rest is for them to tell. But now I'm just very, very excited," he said.

When asked about family plans with Maine, Atayde revealed that while they have plans, they are focusing on their current priorities. 

"Definitely, but we have priorities for now, she also has priorities but definitely we also prioritize each other besides all of this things but again timing lang. But of course we have plans, we want to but there's a perfect time for that and definitely malalaman niyo nalang," he said.

In addition to juggling business and family, Atayde has made the difficult decision to give up his role in the upcoming series "Incognito."

"I really wanna do it, I feel bad but of course I have priorities and I have things to take care of. I don't want to be half-hearted for this project. This is also one of the reasons why I'm expanding [the] inasal [business]. Just trying to juggle a lot of schedules," he explained. 

Despite this, Atayde assured fans that he isn't stepping away from acting entirely. 

"I won't stop, it's just that i really have to lessen it. I would love to continue but again I committed to responsibilities and I have to take care and be responsible about it. I have to limit. I think I've done two projects for the year, as promised, and I think I'm good. Siguro next year na ulit," he said.