Ruru Madrid on TV rivalry with Coco Martin

Ruru Madrid —RURU MADRID/ FACEBOOK

Ruru Madrid as Elias is riding high in “Black Rider” (BR), the Kapuso network’s hit series which airs Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. BR bagged the bronze medal at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards.

The award coincides with the new chapter of the action-packed show. There are more twists and turns coming up as longtime secrets are set to be revealed. Unknown to Elias (Ruru), a new face of evil is being formed, making his life as a vigilante extra challenging.

Adding spice to the story is the brewing love triangle of Elias, Bane (Yassi Pressman) and the new character, Nimfa, portrayed by Vivamax hottie Angeli Khang. As the next chapter unfolds, who will Elias be riding, este loving, in tandem with?

Here are quotes from Ruru:

What sets BR apart is that my character Elias is not confined to the usual type of action scenes. As Elias, I do mixed martial arts and I refuse to have a double. It’s a product of my blood, sweat and tears.

I don’t watch our rival show, but I come across clips of it. I am not competing with its lead star, Coco Martin. I only compete with myself. I make sure to outdo myself in each episode of BR.For me and the rest of the cast, BR is not work. It’s our passion. Our win in the New York festival is an affirmation of that.

Just like my character Elias, I am a fighter, but a softie when it comes to my loved ones.

Many can relate to the dilemma of Elias and Bane. Since they are besties, they are wary of falling in love. They are in denial about their feelings for each other, then suddenly a new girl comes along to complicate their situation.

I’ve always been a fan of action movies. So it’s a dream come true that I’m now an action star. Though I still get starstruck with coactors who are veteran action stars.

Paulo Avelino (left) and Kylie Verzosa —VIVA FILMS

Paulo-Kylie tandem in ‘Elevator’

As the cliché goes, money can’t buy love. But love can’t pay the bills, so something’s gotta give. That dilemma is what Viva Films’ rom-com, “Elevator,” is all about (showing in cinemas on April 24). Starring Kylie Verzosa and Paulo Avelino, it is written and directed by Philip King.

Paulo plays Jared, an elevator attendant in Singapore. He pitches his app for Filipino migrant workers to businessmen he encounters in the elevator. Byron (portrayed by Singaporean actor Adrian Pang) is interested in becoming his investor. But before sealing the deal, he wants Jared to enhance his proposal with Bettina, another overseas Filipino worker who’s Byron’s secretary.

Kylie plays Bettina, who initially seems dismissive towards Jared. But as they grow closer while working together, Jared falls for Bettina even if she warned him against falling in love with her.

As they are caught in the crossfire of love and ambition, will what they resist persist? Would you rather have a full heart and an empty pocket or an empty heart and a full pocket?

Here are quotes from Kylie (K), Paulo (PA) and Philip (P):

K: Money is a major factor in a relationship, but it’s not the most important part. Don’t marry for money. You must not rely entirely on a man to sustain you.

PA: I would rather have a perfect partner than a perfect career because when you are with the right person, everything else will follow.

P: The title of our movie serves as a metaphor. In life, you can either go up or down just like when you are in an elevator. But what matters is that you keep taking the ride.

K: When I’m up, I savor the moment, but I don’t let it go to my head. I keep myself grounded. When I’m down. I assess what went wrong and remember my ups.

PA: Our film will resonate with those who are at the crossroads of their lives and are confused with what to prioritize.

P: Our film shows that even if we’re slaves to our job, our world turns upside down when love hits us. We work hard, but we love harder.

K: I think it’s more ideal to have a boyfriend who’s not in showbiz to give us both a different perspective.

PA: I respect girls like the character Kylie portrays in our movie who sets boundaries. I won’t make it reach a point where a girl would tell me that I am not allowed to fall for her.

Aiko’s YouTube channel

What a delight it was to guest on the YouTube channel of my “sis,” Aiko Melendez. It was a reversal of roles. For a change, I was the interviewee. The highlight of our talk was when Aiko asked me about my ex, Robin Padilla. The “Binoe” chapter remains to be a favorite part of my colorful past.