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.”
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. (Allan Policarpio © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
