RURU MADRID:
Fire & Passion
GMA’s Artist of the Month recalls his early struggles in showbiz as a scrawny, awkward boy, the big break that he longed and prayed for, and the disappointing but necessary rejections
that taught him to be brave, kind, strong, passionate, and grateful.
Text by Bianca Geli
Main Photo by Michael Paunlagui
Fresh from a morning taping, Ruru Madrid walks into his webisode shoot with a noticeable spring in his step.
Despite nursing a bad cold, the tall, good-looking fellow confidently strides into the photo shoot all smiles. He takes a quick sip of his multivitamin drink as he sits down and explains why minor inconveniences don’t faze him anymore.
At 21, he’s been through a lot and his experiences have molded him into the humble man that he is today.
Learning from Failure
“Ang daming beses ko na kasing nag-audition. Sobrang daming failed attempts.”
Ruru’s path to showbiz was filled with so many roadblocks that he almost gave up. If memory serves him right, he’s had more losses than victories in his showbiz endeavors.
Though he faced rejection after rejection, Ruru persevered, knowing he only needed one big break to shine.
“Ang daming beses ko na kasing nag-audition. Sobrang daming failed attempts. Sa Protégé lang ako pumasa,” he reveals.
Apparently, Ruru has always been passionate about going after the things he wanted, and no matter how tough joining the entertainment world was for him, his determination and never-quit attitude eventually paved the way for a breakthrough.
Show business seems to be written in Ruru’s stars. Even at a young age, the eager boy already showed potential in acting.
“Nung bata raw ako, umiiyak raw ako sa salamin, totoo ‘yun. Umiiyak ako then uma-acting ako,” he recalls.
Ruru's parents Jackie and Bong Madrid, who were both commercial models, saw their son’s penchant for acting early on. “Dahil din sa parents ko na parehas silang model ‘eh. Nag-commercial sila before, and siguro ako lang 'yung nagpatuloy,” he says.
The rejections were painful for the young Ruru, but he has long understood that they were necessary.
“Kasi kapag may VTR or final screening ng mga commercials, madalas ’yan sa Makati. Nakatira ako sa Marikina, wala kaming kotse. Aayusan muna ako sa bahay ng nanay ko. Tapos kaming dalawa ng tatay ko, nag-momotor kami, minsan maulan."
He continued, “’Pag dating namin ng tatay ko sa Makati, sobrang hulas ko na. Nag-motor lang kami tapos umuulan pa. Tapos pag dating mo dun hindi ka makukuha, sasabihin sa ’yo na, ‘Mag-try ka na lang ulit.’
This led him to have second thoughts.
At one point, Ruru thought of completely abandoning his dream and taking on a different path instead. “Sabi ko sa sarili ko, baka hindi ito ’yung landas para sa ’kin. Baka hindi pag-aartista.
“So sabi ko mag-PMA na lang ako. Nag-exam na ako for PMA, high school ako noon. Pero ayaw ng mom ko, kasi galing siya ng Zamboanga, so alam niya ’yung buhay ng mga military doon.”
Road to fame
“That’s my goal right now, na bilang aktor magbigay saya at maging entertainer sa mga manonood,”
Every actor has a big break, and for Ruru, it came in the form of a talent reality show called Protégé in 2012.
Though he didn’t make it out of the contest as the grand champion, Ruru’s unending thirst for showing his talent couldn’t be ignored. He got his first lead role in the Kapuso drama Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa (2012), and the rest was history.
He hasn’t been out of the limelight for too long since his acting debut in Dormitoryo (2013). He has taken on roles in My Destiny (2014), Let the Love Begin (2015), Encantadia (2016-17), Alyas Robin Hood (2017), Sherlock Jr. (2018), and TODA One I Love (2019).
Aside from his innate fascination with acting, Ruru admitted he wanted to help his family financially. This fuelled him to keep going, most especially during those moments of disappointment.
When he did finally get his showbiz break, he quickly developed a bigger love for acting and making his fans happy.
“Nung nakapasok na ako ng showbiz, at first gusto ko lang makatulong sa pamilya ko. Pero hindi pala ’yun lang ’yun, naging passion ko na siya, iba ’yung feeling na nakakapagpasaya ka ng maraming tao.”
He has a clear sight of what his goal is as an actor. “That’s my goal right now, na bilang aktor magbigay saya at maging entertainer sa mga manonood,” he shares.
Acting Highlights and Musical Pursuit
“I am very passionate sa lahat ng mga bagay na gusto ko”
It didn’t take long for Ruru to gain recognition for his talent.
In 2013, he was given his first acting award at the 61st FAMAS Awards where he took home the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award.
Over the course of his career, Ruru has won a number of awards, including the Best Male Actor in the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television (2017) for his role as Ybarro in Encantadia, which Ruru described as his most memorable role so far.
He shares how his role for the Encantadia remake helped him grow as an actor. “Well lahat memorable pero siguro so far ang pinaka-memorable is ’yung Encantadia kasi iba ’yung dedication na binigay ko, lahat ng roles binibigyan ko ng matinding dedication pero ’yun kasi na-feel ko na ako talaga si Ybarro e.
“May pressure rin na nakapasan sa akin kasi dahil ang dating gumanap nun si Kuya Dong and sobrang big project so grabeng pressure ’yung nakapasan sa akin nun.”
Currently, the young Kapuso actor is looking to try out different challenging roles that can strengthen his talent. “Right now, I’m into exploring and kung ano man ’yung ibibigay sa akin, as long macha-challenge ako bilang aktor, sobrang game ako doon.”
He has also recently dived into the music industry as he’s released his very first solo single titled “Nawawala.”
“I am very passionate sa lahat ng mga bagay na gusto ko, like for example, ’yung acting and right now I’m entering the music industry because of my song.”
He also dreams of making his own film someday. “Kapag nasa tamang edad na ako, gusto ko mag-direct, gusto kong gumawa ng pelikula.”
Ruru, the Musician
This year, Ruru signed his first recording contract with GMA Music. He also came out with a music video for his melancholy single “Nawawala.”
Ruru cites his father as one of his biggest influences since it was his dad who introduced him to music.
“’Yung family ko, ’yung dad ko, very musical. Kinalakihan kong music is from The Beatles, dahil sa dad ko. Pati Eagles and Queen, and mga OPM bands din, Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar. ’Yung masasabi ko na genre na pinakagusto ko is ’yung alternative rock.”
He also reveals he’s a fan of UK boy band One Direction, especially former member Harry Styles. “Sobrang fan ako ni Harry Styles because of his music. Sobrang fan din ako noon ng One Direction, in general. As in malala. Kaya kong makipagsabayan sa mga fan girls,” he admitted, laughing.
Staying Visible Yet Modest
“Hindi kasi ako competitive e,mas gusto ko maging competitive sa sarili ko.”
Working in a fast-paced industry where the pressure to stay relevant amid the influx of new actors carries a certain pressure for most celebrities. But Ruru remains calm and low-key.
He says, “’Yung pressure kasi hindi mawawala sa bawat gagawin mo pero it doesn’t mean na laging gusto kong magpapansin o gusto ko gumawa ng ingay.
“Hindi naman ako napi-pressure sa ganoong bagay kasi nagtitiwala rin naman ako sa management sa kung ano bibinibigay nila sa akin and nag-eenjoy naman ako.”
For Ruru, being hard-working and driven has been the key to surviving in such a cutthroat environment.
These qualities, however, don’t equate to being competitive. He knows how to focus on his goals without the need to outshine others.
“Hindi kasi ako competitive e, mas gusto ko maging competitive sa sarili ko,” he reveals.
Maintaining a clean reputation and being humble are testaments of a true role model.
For Ruru, it’s not that easy. It’s never easy.
“Sa ’kin, honestly, mahirap maging artista in general. I love what I’m doing pero I think the hardest thing here is ’yung maging public property ka.”
He opens up about the need to always appear friendly and the very limited privacy that is afforded to actors, He fully understands that it's the price celebritieis have to pay for fame.
“Hindi ka puwedeng magpakita sa tao na may sakit ka, na pagod ka, kailangan always approachable.”
Fortunately, being sociable and light-hearted comes naturally for Ruru.
“Of course tao lang naman tayo. Pero ang katuwiran ko diyan, lahat ng taong makita ko sobrang binabati ko kasi ganoon talaga akong tao even before maging artista.”
Ruru the Romantic
“So nililigawan ko and then binabasted ako. ’Yun ’yung naging motivation ko para magbago.”
Inside a young man burning with passion is a heart filled with love.
Ruru admitted that he’s had his fair share of experience with wooing ladies, and he sure knows what he wants in a girl and knows how to pursue his ideal type.
He reveals what he usually finds attractive in a girl, “Hindi ako ma-itsura, basta ’yung ugali, ’yung sense of humor, kasi humorous akong tao.
“At dapat challenging, ’yung mahihirapan akong manligaw,” he adds.
He describes his courtship style as traditional, complete with harana and visiting the girl at home.
But he also acknowledges that some long-term relationships don’t start out as a typical courtship, “May mga relationships din kasi na walang ligawan, pero nagiging kayo.
“Mafi-feel niyo na lang ’yan, many times na nangyayari ’yung ganun, nafi-feel niyo na lang, na kayo na pala,” he adds.
He may look like the type of guy who can easily get the girl he wants, but Ruru admits that he’s had his share of heartaches.
He recalls the time he thought he was in a relationship with a girl who simply saw him as a friend.
“Naiyak ako noon. Kasi bigla niya na lang akong iniwan sa ere, mas pipiliin niya raw ’yung isa. pero maayos naman ’yung pagpaalam niya sa ’kin.”
Looking back, it was heartbreak that gave him the reason and motivation to strive to become a better version of himself.
“Nung bago pa lang ako sa show business, ang dami dami kong nililigawang artista, siyempre bago pa lang ako, bawat makita kong babae—crush ko.
“So nililigawan ko and then binabasted ako. ’Yun ’yung naging motivation ko para magbago, tinignan ko ’yung sarili ko and then binago ko ’yung the way ako manamit, magsalita, katawan ko, nagpaganda ako ng katawan.
“Sabi ko, darating ’yung araw na ’yung mga taong nang-reject magiging TOTGA nila ako.
So what is his current relationship status?
“Right now, masasabi ko na relationship with work, I am very happy. I’m married to my work. I love what I’m doing.”
Ruru as a Brother
“Sabi ko, ’Wag mong isipin na diyan na nagtatapos ’yung journey mo kasi simula pa lang ’yan."
Fans got to see a different side of Ruru when he showed unconditional support for his younger sister, Rere Madrid who was part of the artista hopefuls in the original reality-based artista search, StarStruck 7.
He felt immensely proud of his younger sister when she made it into the talent reality show that he rallied for her all the way.
“Sobra akong naging masaya for her hindi ko alam na mag-o-audition pala talaga siya.”
He also shares a piece of advice for Rere. “Una, makipag-compete siya sa sarili niya, and 'you can’t trust everyone kasi kapag nag-trust ka sa lahat baka ’yun pa ’yung maging cause ng pagkatalo mo. It’s better na magkaroon ka ng wall.'”
Though Rere already got eliminated from StarStruck, Ruru reminded his sister that the end is only the beginning of a bigger, more colorful journey.
“Nakaka-proud na binuhos niya ’yung 100 percent niya everytime na may pinapagawa sa kaniya. Nung natanggal siya umiyak talaga siya sa ’kin, niyakap niya ako. She told me, ‘I’m sorry, Kuya kasi natanggal ako.’
“Sabi ko ‘’Wag mong isipin na diyan na nagtatapos ‘yung journey mo kasi simula pa lang ’yan.’”
Ruru, Behind the Scenes
“Hindi ako introvert, sobrang extrovert ako! Hindi ko kayang mabuhay mag-isa,”
When he’s not in front of the camera or doing modeling stints, Ruru is a very simple guy who enjoys a lot of hobbies, from watching movies, playing the guitar, basketball, and his PS4 to working out and riding his bike.
He also loves being around family and friends.
“Hindi ako introvert, sobrang extrovert ako! Hindi ko kayang mabuhay mag-isa,” he shares candidly.
He also shares that he plans to live with his family until the day he decides to settle down for marriage.
“I’m still staying with my family right now pero if ever na aalis ako sa bahay namin gusto ko ‘yung may makakasama ako siguro ‘yung mapapangasawa ko, pero hindi ko kayang umalis ngayon sa pamilya ko, saka na kapag nasa tamang edad na.”
His bond with his family is so tight-knit that some of his tattoos were dedicated to them.
He has seven tattoos in all, and each of them bears significant meaning.
“Lahat ng mga tattoo ko may meaning talaga lahat.”
His first tattoo was inspired by his late grandmother and the show Encantadia.
He narrates, “I got my first tattoo when I was 18 nung namatay ’yung lola ko. I was doing Encantadia no’n so ‘yung alphabet sa Encantadia, ’yun ’yung ginawa kong tattoo.
“The second one is nasa may rib part, ’yung ‘Live with Passion.’”
Ruru shows another tattoo on his right wrist. It’s a black musical symbol, a G clef or treble clef, similar to his dad’s tattoo since they’re both into music. The tattoo “Mama’s Boy” across his arm, meanwhile, is for his mom.
“‘Mama’s Boy’ ’yung nakasulat kasi hindi naman sa sobrang mama’s boy ako,” he clarifies.
“Kaya lang naawa ako sa nanay ko kasi siya ’yung laging nagagalit kapag nagpapa-tattoo ako. So nung ginawa ko ’yan hindi na siya nagalit.”
Future Goals
“Gusto ko makapakita ko na aktor ako at mahal ko itong ginagawa ko.”
After seven years in the industry, Ruru still feels the fiery passion he felt when he joined showbiz. He wants to try various roles, and show his many sides, including his music, which he plans to continue doing for as long as he can.
“Siguro ngayon as long as nagugustuhan ng mga tao ’yung mga kanta na ginagawa ko ipapatuloy ko lang. Oo, sobrang dami, like siguro mga banda like December Avenue, Ben & Ben, I Belong to the Zoo, IV of Spades, sa GMA si Julie Anne San Jose.”
More importantly, Ruru promises that he will never stop showcasing his talent as an actor.
“Gusto ko ngayon na malaman ng mga tao, na aktor ako at hindi lang ako basta celebrity na nagpu-post ng social media na nakahubad ako. Gusto ko makapakita ko na aktor ako at mahal ko itong ginagawa ko.”
