Kapuso actor Ruru Madrid admitted that his faith as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) has influenced some of his career decisions, revealing that he has declined several projects and endorsements that conflict with his religious beliefs.
Speaking on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, the award-winning actor acknowledged that balancing his profession and faith can be challenging, especially because many of his supporters also belong to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“I’m going to be honest, of course challenging siya sa pagiging isang aktor. I mean, siyempre bilang isang aktor hindi ka lang naman umaarte.”
“Marami rin pong mga tao na naglo-look up sa ‘yo or nagsisilbing inspirasyon ka. At marami po sa mga tagahanga ko ay miyembro po ng Iglesia ni Cristo.”
“So, siyempre, hindi naman po sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay mauunawaan po nila kung ano po ‘yung ginagawa namin bilang isang aktor.”
To avoid potential concerns, Madrid said he makes it a point to discuss his projects with the production team before filming begins.
“So ang ginagawa ko na lang po, bago pa po namin gawin ang isang proyekto, magkakaroon po kami ng let’s say, para mag-usap-usap kami ng production, mag-usap-usap kami ng directors kung ano po ‘yung mga hangga’t maaari maiwasan.”
Despite these considerations, the actor emphasized that he does not see his faith as a limitation.
“Pero, I wouldn’t say na limitasyon siya kasi puwede naman po ‘yun ipagpaalam.”
Madrid also disclosed that he has turned down opportunities because of his religious convictions, particularly endorsements involving alcohol and gambling.
“Pero totoo ‘yan, marami na pong mga bagay na natanggihan ko just because of my faith… bawal kaming mag-endorso ng alak, bawal kaming mag-endorso ng sugal.”
He explained that whenever necessary, he submits a written explanation or salaysay to seek approval from his church before accepting certain acting roles.
As an example, Madrid cited his upcoming historical film ‘Los Salvajes Bravos’, in which he portrays an Igorot during the 1800s.
According to the actor, the role did not pose any issue because the story is set before the establishment of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“Ang story po niya, Tito Boy, kami po ‘yung mga dinala na mga Pilipino o mga Igorot na dinala po sa Spain during the 1800s. During that time wala pa naman Iglesia Ni Cristo, so kumbaga, walang magiging problema doon kasi parang ang pinoportray ko na role ay isang role na wala pang Iglesia [Ni Cristo] that time.”
When asked about romantic scenes, Madrid said he generally no longer seeks permission because his church understands the nature of his profession.
“Actually, ‘yung mga ganyang eksena hindi ko na siya usually pinagpapaalam dahil parang nakikita naman nila lagi ko siyang ginagawa at bilang isang aktor, ayoko din talaga malimitahan ‘yung sarili ko lalo pa at right now, I’m in the era of expansion and gusto kong mag-explore kung ano pa ‘yung kakayanan ko bilang isang aktor.”
