Ruru Madrid (left) and Bianca Umali —RURU MADRID/FACEBOOK
Through his role in the GMA Public Affairs series “Black Rider,” Ruru Madrid wanted to present a kind of action hero that defies stereotypes. Men can be vulnerable, too, he said, and it doesn’t make them any less masculine.
“This time, we wanted to show that there’s an action star who sticks to one and who’s loyal and respects women … someone who’s not afraid to show emotional weakness. Men cry, too,” he said of his character, Elias, in a recent interview with the Inquirer and another media outfit.
For Ruru, the ability to contain one’s emotions isn’t necessarily a measure of strength.
“We often see someone who’s stiff and doesn’t want to be seen as being emotional no matter what happens, but we’re all humans. We have a heart, we have feelings, we get hurt,” Ruru said. “That was the route we took with the character. I can be your knight in shining armor. But no matter how brave I am, when my family and loved ones come into the equation, mababaw ang luha ako.”
Underdog
In this regard, the 26-year-old Kapuso star sees himself in Elias. “I’m comfortable with the role because it suits me well. Back then, I used to say that I shouldn’t cry in front of my father, my mother or Bianca (Umali, his girlfriend). But I do when I can’t hold it anymore. I might go crazy if I don’t,” he said, laughing.
That’s not to say, however, that he expects other people to solve his problems for him. “I just want someone to lean on,” he added. “But I know what to do.”
Another thing about Elias that Ruru identifies with is his determination. He’s humble enough to admit he’s neither the most talented nor the best-looking actor out there, but he makes sure to be the most hardworking person in any room he enters.
“I have always been curious, dedicated and committed. I see myself as an underdog who always has something to prove. Even if I’m tired, I will jump into a river if they need me to. Outside my job as an actor, I try to help other people on the set if I know I can,” he related.
“God will give you blessings, but it’s up to you to protect and nurture them,” he added. “Wherever you put me, I will make sure I’m the hardest-working person.”
The past few months saw new characters being introduced into the action series, including Nimfa (Angeli Khang), who serves as a romantic interest and, at times, mission supporter for Elias. Ruru had nothing but good words for the sexy star in her first venture into mainstream television.
“She’s always game. There was a scene we had to do in a cold river and she said, ‘OK lang po. Take tayo.’ That’s how she is till now. Angeli also asks about the scenes, about what she has to do. So, we give her tips. She’s a fast learner. In the next take, sisiw na sa kanya,” he said. “She’s very dedicated to her work.”
“There’s no awkwardness working with each other. Our first scene was a kissing scene. Bakit pa kami mahihiya?” he added.
Ruru and Bianca understand that their job entails working—and at times doing something intimate—with other actors or actresses if the story calls for it. Just the same, they make sure to keep each other informed about scenes they’re required to do. “Para walang gulatan.”
“We tell each other, ‘Mahal, we’re doing a scene like this. It’s needed.’ It’s not so we can stop each other from doing it. It’s just our way of making each other aware of what we can expect to see onscreen … We’re supportive of each other. That’s a deal we made, to have that level of transparency.”
Key ingredient
Communication is another crucial ingredient.
“It’s when we don’t see each other that we usually have misunderstandings because we don’t get to talk to each other,” he said, adding that they help each other with their respective jobs and endeavors. “We ask each other, ‘What do you think I should do?’ That’s our dynamics. Even if we’re not in a love team, we get to grow together and pull each other up. And that’s the best thing.”
Holding everything together, Ruru pointed out, is the couple’s faith in God. “Even if we’re not [physically] together, we make sure to pray at 7 p.m.,” related Ruru, a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. Bianca joined the church in 2020.
“There’s a lot of negativity out there on social media, a lot of naysayers who doubt our relationship and want to tear us down. With God at the center, nothing can break us apart,” he added.
Ruru is well aware of the recent spate of high-profile show biz breakups, and he and Bianca are not about to follow suit, he said in jest. “Ayaw na namin sumabay sa trend!” he said, laughing. “We told each other whatever challenge we face, breaking up shouldn’t be an option. That’s clear to us.” INQ