First stop Switzerland for newly weds Arjo and Maine

QUEZON City’s First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde and his wife, Maine Mendoza-Atayde, are embarking on a trip to Europe following their highly-publicized wedding. However, this won’t be an ordinary honeymoon, as Atayde’s visit will also serve as a working trip.

As the vice chairman of the Special Committee in Congress on Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Atayde will be engaging in official duties related to his role during their time in Europe.

PARENTS’ BLESSINGS Newlyweds Maine Mendoza and Congressman Carlos “Arjo” Atayde with their parents Mary Ann and Teodoro Mendoza Jr. and Arturo ‘Art’ Artayde and Sylvia Sanchez 

The official trip will start on August 5 and will last until August 27.

They will be attending the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland as Atayde’s action-packed thriller “Topakk” (directed by Richard Somes) was recognized anew by another international film institution.

“Me, Maine and the rest of my family are so thankful to hear this announcement just a few days before our wedding day,” the 32-year-old actor-politician said, noting that he’s happy to bring home another pride for the Philippines’ film industry.

“Topakk” was last recognized in Cannes, France back in May.

While Atayde will be on official trip this month, he will still be working remotely to serve his district.

“There’s so many things to be done in the Congress and to my district. We cannot stop helping people more so in our district l,” Atayde said, adding that his family is known for helping others for the long time.

“Even before my special day or even the day I became a congressman of my district, we are already donating and helping a lot of typhoon or fire victims or anybody who need our help. Our team in my district is always monitoring any calamity and any other assistance needed by the people. We never stop helping anyone even before.”

While in Europe, the House of Representatives also tasked Atayde to visit the Filipino communities around the area.

The newly-married couple, meanwhile, have expressed their gratitude to all guests, especially their principal sponsors not just only for inspiring them to become a good role model to the people but also for weathering the storm just to attend the wedding.