“Grabe, para akong nananaginip na meron na tayong panibagong yugto ng Lolong.”

Sparkle actor Ruru Madrid is already a bona fide star in his own right. 

The accolades he has received from major award-giving bodies– the most recent of which was an MMFF Best Actor in a Supporting Role in his festival debut– are more than enough proof that he is thriving well in his craft. At only 27, it very well seems like Ruru, already dubbed as the Kapuso Primetime Hero, has yet to reach his peak.

During the press conference of “Lolong: Bagong Bayani” on Monday, January 13, Ruru Madrid reflected on his journey portraying the action-adventure’s titular role. He also shared why working under pressure is a good thing, and the not-so-secret secret to Lolong’s success.

DEALING WITH PRESSURE

When asked about inevitably having to work under pressure, particularly after a Best Supporting Actor win in his MMFF debut, the 27-year-old Sparkle actor had nothing but positive notes to share.

“Yun yung gusto ko laging pakiramdam,” he told the press, “hindi pressure sa kompetisyon o anuman, kung hindi yung pressure na makagawa ng isang programang tatatak sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino.”

There is notable context behind the question, as Ruru is coming off a successful stint with the GMA Public Affairs-produced and Best Picture-winning “Green Bones”– his Metro Manila Film Festival debut.

Not too long ago, Season 1 of Lolong also left an indelible mark, being hailed as the most watched Filipino television series in 2022 and winning Best Primetime Serye (Gawad Pilipino Awards) and Best Visual/Special Effects (Asian Academy Creative Awards).

The expectation for Ruru to deliver bigger and better performances after all these accomplishments has gotten anticipatedly higher, but the Sparkle homegrown is up for the challenge.

“Siguro yun yung gusto kong pakiramdam kasi ayoko na makakampante ako, na parang hindi ko na pag-iigihan yung ginagawa ko. Kailangan laging kasama ang pressure sa bawat proyekto,” he added.

‘LOLONG’ LEARNINGS

Reflecting on his Lolong journey, Ruru’s biggest takeaway thus far is the idea that heroic deeds don’t have to be grandiose. 

“Hindi lang sa pagiging aktor na gumaganap bilang si Lolong kundi bilang isang tao, pinaka-natutunan ko na hindi mo kailangang magkaroon ng superpowers para maging bayani,” he said. 

 “As long as nakakatulong ka sa kapwa, pamilya, nakapagbibigay ka ng inspirasyon sa maraming tao, bayani ka. Yun yung dadalhin ko habambuhay mula sa programang to,’ he added.

A beacon of generosity and hard work himself, Ruru is a well-loved character and is a usual subject of kind words and appreciation. 

During the latter part of the press conference, Ruru shared a special moment with the cast in attendance as he faced his co-stars and expressed a personal message of appreciation. 

“Alam ko po na ang hangarin lamang natin ay makapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa bawat manonood. At kasama niyo po ako anumang klaseng problema o pagsubok. Sama-sama po nating lalabanan yan o aabutin ang tagumpay na inaasahan,” he added. 

Ruru also thanked GMA Public Affairs, which also produced the award-winning Zig Dulay-directed “Green Bones” where he co-starred alongside Dennis Trillo.

“Thank you very much. I think this is my sixth consecutive project I am doing with you guys. Hinding-hindi ako magsasawang makatrabaho kayo,” addressing his GMA Public Affairs family.

“For me, yun yung sikreto ng lahat– kaya nagtatagumpay ang mga bagay dahil nagtutulungan tayo. Walang alpha, walang diktador. Lahat may boses,” he said, “at yun siguro yung magic nitong Lolong.”