RURU MADRID is currently in the hinterlands of Quezon Province doing locked in taping for his long-delayed action-fantasy series, “Lolong”.
“Yes, sa wakas, natuloy na rin kami,” he says. “Mahirap gawin ang ganitong show na puro exteriors. Last year, sa una naming taping, inabot kami ng ulan at bagyo.
"It’s also very demanding to do a show na tungkol sa isang giant crocodile. We’re using an animatronic model na sampung tao ang kailangang bumubuhat sa set.”
The show has a huge powerhouse cast, headed by Christopher de Leon and Jean Garcia, and his two leading ladies: Shaira Diaz and Arra San Agustin.
Supporting them are Bembol Roco, Maui Taylor, Alma Concepcion, Abby Viduya, Leandro Baldemor, Ian de Leon, Malou de Guzman, DJ Durano, Marco Alcaraz, Paul Salas, Alma Concepcion and former TV5 and ABS-CBN star Vin Abrenica.
Take note that Vin chose to transfer GMA-7, where as his older brother, burned his bridges with GMA-7 when he left without honoring his contract, and moved to ABS-CBN where his career did not prosper.
If Aljur chose to stay with GMA-7, he’d continue to have regular assignments, just like Rocco Nacino whose loyalty as a Kapuso is now paying off as he is never without a project.
Going back to Ruru, how does it feel that he is now one of the eight Kapuso stars being given an extra push by GMA Artist Center which is now known as Sparkle?
“Being part of Sparkle is a big honor for me,” he says. “With the help of the Sparkle team ni Mr. Johnny Manahan, makikita ng mga tao kung sino ang talagang ako. They’ll hone and enhance my singing and acting talent at makakapag-iwan ito ng mas matinding kinang sa isip ng bawat manonood.”
So what does he do to make sure his Sparkle doesn’t wane or dim?
“One should never stop learning kasi, in this business, maraming darating na mas pogi or talented sa’yo, but as long as you passionately love your craft and continue to nurture it, hindi ka mawawala dyan. Also, panahon ngayon ng social media so dapat, lagi ka ring visible dyan.
"That’s why I put up my own youtube channel. It’s very inspirational. I focus on people who struggled in life and how they survive yung trials na pinagdaanan nila. Please try watching it and I’m sure may mapupulot kayong insights from the lives of the people featured in it.”
He also makes sure that when he is given a good project, he gives it his all.
“Siempre, dapat lang na huwag mong sayangin. Ako, I have such high hopes for ‘Lolong’, lalo na nga’t ginagastusan talaga ito ng network. There were many delays because of the pandemic, the weather, but I’m confident na malalampasan namin lahat ng pagsubok.”
He really prepared for his action role.
“Yes, I trained so hard for it. Makikita naman yan ng viewers when they watch the show. Lahat ng dangerous stunts and action scenes dito, I am proud to say na ako mismo ang gumagawa.
"Hindi kami mapapahiya rito ng mga kasama ko kasi talagang binusisi nang husto ang bawat aspeto ng ‘Lolong’ to make sure it will please all the viewers.”
