Ruru Madrid and Yassi Pressman share important life lessons they learned from 'Black Rider'

Ruru Madrid and Yassi Pressman have learned a lot about life from their time working on “Black Rider.”

Now that the series is nearing its finale week, the actors reflected on the important life lessons they learned from the action series.

Ruru, who plays delivery rider Elias Guerrero turned action hero who helps those in need, said his biggest takeaway would be how one has the power to rise above challenges.

“Minsan sa buhay natin, talagang parang madami tayong pagdadaanang mga pagsubok to the point na parang tinatapakan na tayo, to the point na parang pinipilit tayong ibaon. Pero nasa atin kung hahayaan nating magpakain doon sa depresyon na ‘yon, o doon sa pagsubok na ‘yon, o sa kalungkutan na ‘yon,” Ruru said during a “Black Rider” media conference on Saturday.

The Kapuso Primetime Action Hero said that the show also helped him realize how community plays a big role in someone’s life.

“Kahit na siya si Black Rider, kailangan niya pa rin ng tulong ng mga kaibigan niya, especially ng nanay niya, ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya. Kumbaga, hindi niya pwedeng akuin lahat ng mga kalaban niya kasi hindi niya ito kakayanin.”

Ruru added that he will also apply this lesson to real life.

“Not all the time, kakayanin ko magisa. May mga pagkakataong kakailanganin ko rin ‘yung mga taong malapit sa ‘kin.”

The actor added that the show also tells audiences, “Kahit naman sino, pwedeng maging hero eh. Hindi mo kailangang may kapangyarihan, maging si Superman ka para maging hero ka.”

“Kahit na sa simpleng makatulong ka lang sa kapwa mo, makapagbigay ka ng aral, makapagbigay ka ng inspirasyon, hero ka na," he added.

Yassi, who plays Elias’ leading lady, the street-smart Bane and later on the amnesia victim Vanessa, likewise said that the smallest actions add up to something good and helpful.

“If in real life someone gives you kindness—I think the most important part and I always say this—it’s your job to pay it forward. And sa totoo lang, that’s really how you can make someone smile, when you smile, and you send that energy over,” Yassi said.

“And just always try to be kind,” she added. “Sa mga kontrabida rin naman natin, nakikita natin ‘yung mga hearts nila.”

Yassi also said that their characters will help tell audiences to not give up.

“Siguro po like in life, kahit ano ‘yung mga pagsubok, just always try to stay positive,” she said.

She added, “Humanap ka talaga ng mga taong masasandalan mo. It’s gonna be hard, talagang up and down po ‘yan, pero ‘yung mga taong mahalaga po sa ‘yo, I think ‘yun po talaga ‘yung magbibigay ng kulay sa buhay natin.”

Yassi said that the series also showed her the importance of following your heart and listening to yourself when making decisions.

In the action-packed GMA Prime series, Ruru portrays Elias Guerrero, a delivery rider who fights for justice for his family and community.

“Black Rider” also tackles themes of social class, and how the rich use their power to challenge the lives of the poor.

The show won a Bronze medal in the prestigious New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2024. It is the only entertainment program from GMA Network that was recognized. New York Festivals TV & Film also awarded six documentaries and special reports from GMA Public Affairs and GMA News. Ruru dedicated the win to unsung heroes.

Joining the star-studded cast are Jon Lucas, Raymond Bagatsing, Rio Locsin, Herlene Budol, Empoy, and many more.

Michelle Dee, Angeli Khang, Isko Moreno, Joaquin Domagoso, and more also appeared on the show.

“Black Rider” begins its finale week on July 22 on GMA Prime. —JCB, GMA Integrated News