Ruru Madrid on ‘Black Rider’s’ competition with ‘Batang Quiapo’

Ruru Madrid —RURU MADRID/ FACEBOOK

Ruru Madrid has always been vocal about his adulation for Robin Padilla. That’s why he’s thrilled to be à la Robin in GMA 7’s riveting series, “Black Rider” (BR). It is riding high in the ratings game. Based on the latest Nutam People Ratings (Nielsen Phils TAM), BR beat its rival show, “Batang Quiapo” (BQ). Ride on, Ruru!

Here’s my chat with Ruru:

Do you watch BQ to be aware of what your competitor is up to?

When I have a show, my attention is focused entirely on it. Viewers are really the winners here. They can enjoy both shows and learn from them.

What can viewers expect from the next episodes of BR?

Exciting stunts, and more compelling scenes and drama. There will also be more kilig and laughter. Watch out for guest personalities who will have special roles in the show.

How do you and Bianca Umali not let work get in the way of your relationship?

We started our relationship when we were already celebrities, so we know how the industry works and what we need to do. We just support each other. Even though we are not physically together, we know that we have 100-percent trust and support for each other. Whatever project we do, we will be each other’s No. 1 fan.

Albie Casiño

Albie on disrobing: If you have it, flaunt it

Have fun with the wrong ones until the right one comes along. That could very well be the tagline of “Salawahan” (streaming on Vivamax). Directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo, it stars Angeli Khang, Van Allen Ong and Albie Casiño. Find out if love will last even when the lust is gone.

Here are quotes from Albie (A) and Jeffrey (J):

A: I work out daily so I have no qualms about disrobing. If you have it, flaunt it.
J: Our film is written by the great Raquel Villavicencio. Her stories are always convoluted and the characters have many layers. She will keep you guessing until the end.
A: It is disrespectful to my costars if I don’t give my best, so whether it’s for mainstream or indie, I give my all. For every character I portray, I change my look physically and come up with mannerisms suited to my role.
J: Our film is genre-bending. It shifts tones. Although it has the same title as the movie of Ishmael Bernal back in the day, it is totally different.
A: If my girl cheats on me, it’s her fault and not the guy’s. I don’t lay hands on a woman, so I will just get out of the situation. I will put it this way: “We didn’t break up. I’m up, she’s down.”
J: The characters in our film are neither black nor white. They are very gray. The story has “film noir” feels.
A: You can’t grow in your comfort zone. I’ve been with ABS-CBN since I started in the biz 16 years ago. Now it’s time for a new chapter, that’s why I signed up with Viva. But I’m not basking in the glory of having many projects now. In this biz, there are no guarantees.