In a recent press conference in Davao del Sur on March 17, ‘Black Rider’ star Ruru Madrid revealed how fellow actress Bianca Umali is “The One” for him. Contrary to the typical competitive nature often found in the entertainment industry, Madrid shared that Umali is an inspiration rather than a rival.
Addressing their shared profession, Madrid emphasized that the absence of competition between them, which he considered rare in their field.
“Well, I guess the best part sa aming dalawa sa relationship namin is kahit na parehas kaming artista, wala pong competition sa aming dalawa.
“’Yun po kasi, feeling ko, ‘yung isang malaking dilemma lalo na kapag kaparehas kayo ng industriya at halos magkasing-edad kami; hindi maiiwasan ‘yung mga competition,” gleamed Madrid.
Speculations about their relationship have circulated since 2018, fueled by numerous sightings. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that Madrid confirmed their romantic involvement. He clarified that their connection didn’t stem from a conventional showbiz love team. Instead, their bond evolved organically through shared work experiences.
“Kami kasi ni Bianca we started na hindi kami love team eh. Nag-start kami na naging magkatrabaho pero never kaming nag-uusap,” he said.
The actor pointed out that being in a relationship with Umali brought a sense of calmness into his life. He credited her with providing direction and motivation to pursue his goals wholeheartedly.
“Kasi sa totoo lang, siya ‘yung nagbibigay sa akin ng inspirasyon to work harder. Siya ‘yung nagpa-kalma sa’kin.”
Reflecting on his transformation since being with Umali, Madrid acknowledged her positive impact on his life, noting that she provided him with direction and motivation to pursue his goals wholeheartedly.
“So s’ya ‘yung laging nagbibigay sa akin ng constant reminder na kailangan kong paghusayan. Na ginagawa ko ito hindi lang para sa sarili mo kundi para sa lahat ng taong naniniwala sa’yo.”
Madrid even expressed his belief that together, they will reach the pinnacle of success.
“So I guess ‘yung level of stress, ‘yung level ng pag-suporta namin sa isa’t-isa is to the highest level talaga. Dahil ganoon siguro namin ka-love ang isa’t-isa. Kahit na hindi kami magkatrabaho, I’m sure na iisa ang path namin, iisa ang ruta namin. Sabi ko nga sa post ko, ‘Balang araw, magtatagpo kami sa rurok ng tagumpay ng magkasama.’”
GMA Network has been placing a lot of trust in him lately. However, the actor emphasized that his commitment to the network and his loved ones, especially his girlfriend, will remain unchanged.
“Siyempre, that’s the goal po ‘diba? I mean everytime naman na magmamahal ka is pang-habangbuhay na. Ako, ‘yun ang mentality ko right now. I just want to focus sa lahat ng proyekto na pinagkakatiwala sa akin ng network.
“But at the same time, hindi ko po p’wedeng pabayaan ang mga personal relationship ko, of course with Bianca, with my family, with my friends. Kumbaga ‘yung level of commitment na naibibigay ko sa trabaho, dapat same level ng commitment na binibigay ko sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay ko,” Madrid stressed.