• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Primetime action hero Ruru Madrid said Nov. 9 he is very thankful for the warm support of Filipinos here and abroad, who watched and have good reviews for the first three episodes of GMA Network’s action-packed drama series “Black Rider”.
“Nakakataba ng puso, nakakatuwa and thankful kami sa lahat ng papuri na natatanggap ng ‘Black Rider’,” Madrid, who plays the title role, said in a zoom interview yesterday afternoon.
He said these praises will inspire them more to do their best in the coming episodes. “We promise to always give our best sa ginagawa po namin.”
Madrid is Elias Guerrero, a motorcycle driver for the delivery app Biyahero, who will soon embrace another personality as “Black Rider”, a vigilante who will fight the notorious syndicate, Golden Scorpion, the network said in a press release.
The first three episodes of “Black Rider”, which premiered worldwide Nov. 6, trended on X and other social media platforms, especially for the performances of Madrid and Kylie Padilla, whose character Bernice got killed in the Nov. 8 episode.
Madrid and co-stars Matteo Guidicelli, Katrina Halili, and Jon Lucas, who also attended the online interview, meanwhile, said they have deep respect and admiration for delivery riders, whose stories and experiences are what they would want to highlight in this latest primetime offering from GMA Public Affairs.
The delivery riders were the heroes during the COVID pandemic and even up to now, the teleserye cast said.
“Give it to riders, they’re heroes talaga; I’m very happy to be part of this show that put them in the podium. This is a great platform to give delivery riders respect and limelight,” said Guidicelli, who plays Paeng Policarpio, a courageous police officer, who shares a deep bond with Madrid’s character Elias.
The network said “Black Rider promises exciting action sequences that aim to elevate Pinoy action while emphasizing family love and heroism in the face of adversity. Elias’ transformation from a regular motorcycle driver, to a symbol of justice and hope for the people of Manila, will undoubtedly strike a chord with Filipinos. The story also emphasizes motorcycles’ enduring appeal in the Philippines, a country with approximately 30 million motorcycle riders out of a population of 100 million.”
The teleserye features an ensemble of young and seasoned actors, including iconic action stars Zoren Legaspi, Raymart Santiago, Gary Estrada, Raymond Bagatsing, Isko Moreno, Monsour del Rosario, and Roi Vinzon; veteran actors Rio Locsin, Gladys Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal, and Almira Muhlach; as well as Yassi Pressman, Empoy Marquez, Janus del Prado, and Rainier Castillo, among others.
It airs every 8 p.m. on GMA Telebabad, with simulcast airing on Pinoy Hits and livestreaming via Kapuso Stream, and delayed telecast on GTV at 9:40 p.m. Global Pinoys can watch it on GMA Pinoy TV. | CGC
