Ruru still too young to bare

Ruru Madrid

Ruru Madrid got raves on social media, after he walked bare-chested at a recent fashion show and showed off his new, buffed-up physique. But that’s the farthest he could go when it comes to baring skin—at least for now.

Teased and asked by the entertainment press if he feels confident enough to strut his stuff in nothing but underwear in succeeding shows, the actor stressed that he’s too young for that.

“I just turned 20 this month. Perhaps at the right time with the right project. Ayokong magsalita ng tapos,” he said at a thanksgiving party, organized by director Maryo J. delos Reyes’ talent agency Production 56.

“But, if that time comes, I will prepare seriously,” added Ruru, who related that it was his role as Ybarro in “Encantadia 2016” that originally prompted him to hit the gym.

“I used to be skinny. I’m 5’ 10” tall, but only weighed about 130 lbs. I was underweight. So, I was told to bulk up. Through hard work and perseverance, I got bigger,” he said.

But it was the aforementioned fashion show that had Ruru really ramping up his workout routine. “I was at the gym often, giving my all, blood and sweat. I peaked at about 180 lbs, then trimmed down to 155 lbs. through ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet,” he said.

The young actor was joined on the runway by his screen partner and rumored girlfriend Gabbi Garcia.

What’s the real score between the two? “We’re simply close friends,” Ruru insisted, adding that now isn’t the right time to get into a romantic relationship.

“Gabbi and I believe in destiny. If we’re meant for each other, it will happen. But, we have other things to prioritize,” he said. “There’s a right time for that. Personally, I want to do nice things for my family. She feels the same way.”

Ruru will soon headline “Sherlock Jr.,” a coming teleserye on GMA 7 that was initially intended for Alden Richards.

“I’m thankful that this job was given to me. The fact that it was meant for Alden must mean that this show is a big one. It will be my first series as a solo lead, so I have to prove myself,” said Ruru, who has also been getting approval from “AlDub” fans. “I’m glad that my skill and hard work didn’t go unnoticed.”

“Aside from the fans, Alden himself is supportive of me. He asks me about the scenes we do, and I share with him my experiences,” he said. “He’s happy for me.”