Ruru Madrid on biggest takeaways and breaking stereotypes in ‘Black Rider’

When “Black Rider” comes to a close in tonight’s episode, Ruru Madrid can give himself a pat on the back for his role in presenting a different kind of action hero on Philippine TV.

Ruru, himself, is pleased and proud at how his character, Elias Guerrero, has developed in the action-drama series produced by GMA Public Affairs. Before starting the show, he and the production team thought a lot about what kind of action hero they wanted to create, aiming for an “archetype” that would level up the usual portrayal of such characters.

The teleserye, which started airing in November 2023, began with Elias as a somewhat naughty and happy-go-lucky playboy until he met the character of Kylie Padilla’s Bernice, who later on became his wife. The latter’s eventual death would change Elias to the core, leading him to become a justice-seeking fighter fearlessly taking on large criminal syndicate. On the other hand, he’s a man who’s not afraid to show his vulnerable side.

“Sobrang hands-on din kasi ako, and to be honest, I do have an acting coach on set. Before we began filming ‘Black Rider,’ we really focused on what kind of (action hero) archetype we were creating for the show,” he shared during an interview with The STAR.

“So, parang we started with… anong klaseng action star na ba ‘yung ‘in’ ngayon? Because, of course, we wanted to level up from what we were used to (seeing on screen). This time, we wanted to show that he is an action star who is loyal, who has respect for women, and who is not afraid to cry or show emotional weakness.”

For Ruru, in today’s generation, it’s acceptable for men to express their emotions. That those traditional notions of masculinity, where men must be stoic and unfeeling, are also changing. Men are human, too, with feelings and hearts that can be hurt, he said.

“For me, sa generation ngayon, it’s okay to show weakness. Okay lang na magpakita ng umiiyak ka. You know, when you watch ‘Barbie the Movie,’ si Ken umiyak siya sa harapan ni Barbie, di ba?” he said.

“At yun na talaga ngayon, in this 21st century. Men cry. Hindi yung (kelangan) strong yung lalaki, hindi magpapakita ng emotion or that they should be stiff and should not be seen crying no matter what happens. Hindi eh. Because the truth is, they’re just human, too. They have feelings and have a heart, and they get hurt.

“That’s why I chose a different approach in my acting, showing that I can be your knight in shining armor, but I’ll also cry when I’m hurt. That no matter how brave I am (as Elias), I’m easily moved to tears when it comes to my family. This became the dynamics (or the result) of the collaboration with my acting coach and director (in making my character unique) from what we’ve seen before,” he noted.

In Elias, Ruru somehow felt he found the right type of role or character that suits him best.

“Ever since mababaw talaga luha ko,” he explained. “So, parang ngayon nahanap namin yung archetype na sakto para sa akin. Before, even if I thought I shouldn’t cry in front of my father, mother or (girlfriend) Bianca (Umali), I would still cry if hindi ko kaya. If I try to hold back my tears, I feel like I’ll go crazy.”

But even though he would show them his weakness, he stressed that he wouldn’t allow them to fix his problems for him.

“Hindi ko hahayaan na sila yung mag-aayos nun for myself. (I would tell them) I am crying because I just need someone to lean on now. Kailangan kita bilang kailangan kong umiyak sayo. But I know what I have to do and alam ko ano yung magiging strategy ko para hindi na ako umiyak,” he said.

Ruru noted that “Black Rider” involved a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

“What people see is just the result of our efforts, but we faced many challenges along the way. Hindi ko na po puwedeng isa-isahin,” he said.

He shared that there was a point when the challenges became too overwhelming that he couldn’t handle them anymore and cried for about an hour, thinking about what he should do and how he could help.

“So, I called our boss and explained, suggesting what we could possibly do. I wrote down some bullet points on what we could apply to make the project better. I really appreciate GMA Public Affairs because they’re very collaborative,” he said.

“They would always ask me for my inputs, my sentiments, and the things that I think can improve the project. Naging ganun po yung relationship ko with them. So hindi na ako nahihiya magpakita ng pagiging emotional sa kanila. Tumatawag ako sa lahat, ganito, ganyan.

“So that’s what I really appreciate and consider a success from working on ‘Black Rider.’ I learned how to negotiate and collaborate. Not just with my director and acting coach, but with everyone — writers, bosses, producers, and the stunt team. Sometimes, I even handled and directed fight scenes myself. So, the biggest takeaway from this project, for me, is that (collaboration).”

Through the show, Ruru also pointed out that he learned how to maintain personal connection and remain supportive despite personal struggles. He realized how important it is to balance his role as an actor with being a motivating presence on set. He also learned that he just couldn’t focus on his character and ignore the rest of the “Black Rider” team’s needs.

“Besides being an actor, ang trabaho ko is maging ilaw ng lahat na kahit na pagod na tayo lahat, ‘Guys, let’s go.’ Ganun ako sa kanila. ‘Guys, tara, kaya natin ‘to.’ Hindi pwede pagdating sa set, Elias na ako, hayaan ko na kayo diyan. That’s what I’ve learned from doing ‘Black Rider,’” he reflected.

“And I’m very happy that as early as now, I’m just 26, I’ve learned that. So parang mas nilu-look forward ko tuloy yung mga projects pa na gagawin ko sa mga susunod na panahon.”

“Black Rider” finale airs tonight at 8 on GMA Prime.