An alleged heated confrontation between two of the Philippines' most prominent celebrities, John Lloyd Cruz and Robi Domingo, reportedly occurred during the exclusive wedding reception of newlyweds Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde. The incident, which has sparked widespread discussion online, was detailed by veteran showbiz columnist Ogie Diaz in his YouTube vlog on January 6, 2026.
The Exclusive Wedding and the Host's Joke
According to Diaz's account, the wedding reception was an intimate affair for close friends and family. The couple, Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde, reportedly requested a phone-free event to ensure guests could fully enjoy the moment. Robi Domingo, a close friend, served as one of the hosts for the celebration.
During his hosting duties, Robi engaged in lighthearted banter with the newlyweds. He humorously asked Ria how it felt to now be "Mrs. Marudo." He then turned to Zanjoe and posed a similar question about the experience of being "Mr. Atayde." The playful remarks initially drew laughter from the couple and their guests, setting a jovial tone.
The Moment Tensions Flared
The situation is said to have taken a sharp turn after Robi Domingo stepped down from the stage. John Lloyd Cruz allegedly approached Robi and confronted him about the appropriateness of his jokes. Diaz reported that Cruz questioned the remarks in a raised voice, indicating his displeasure.
As the exchange grew more tense, fellow actor Donny Pangilinan reportedly stepped in to mediate and calm the situation. However, Diaz stated that Cruz, who appeared to be intoxicated, also raised his voice at Pangilinan. This escalation surprised numerous guests in attendance.
Celebrity Guests React to the Incident
The alleged altercation did not go unnoticed by other high-profile attendees. Ogie Diaz named several celebrities who were reportedly taken aback by the sudden conflict. Among those mentioned as being surprised by the incident were actors Enchong Dee and Elijah Canlas, as well as music icon Gary Valenciano.
Diaz emphasized that no photos or videos of the incident exist to corroborate the story, precisely because of the couple's strict no-cellphone policy for the reception. This policy, intended to protect the privacy of the event, means the rumors remain based solely on eyewitness accounts shared through channels like Diaz's vlog.
The story first surfaced online on January 8, 2026, and has since become a major topic of conversation in Philippine entertainment circles. As of now, none of the individuals directly involved—John Lloyd Cruz, Robi Domingo, Zanjoe Marudo, or Ria Atayde—have issued public statements addressing the alleged confrontation.
