Ruru Madrid had been an underdog his whole life before he reached his well-deserved victory as Metro Manila Film Festival 2024’s Best Supporting Actor.

In his speech during the Gabi ng Parangal, the Kapuso Action Drama Prince admitted that he felt hurt by that back then, but he soon realized that such experience would only teach him how to appreciate success once it was given to him.

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“Naniniwala ako na basta ikaw, naniniwala ka sa sarili mo na kaya mo, na mararating mo ‘yung pangarap mo, basta malinis ang intensyon mo, nagpupursige ka at pinipili mong maging mabuting tao sa lahat ng pagkakataon, makakamit mo ito,” he said.

Here’s a look back at Ruru’s humble beginnings ad the years he spent establishing his name in the showbiz industry.

Protégé Season 2
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Ruru entered the industry through the 2012 edition of “Protégé,” where he got to learn from his mentor Philip Salvador. Although he did not win the competition, Ruru learned many things from his Tatay Ipe, including, “Ang pagiging action star, hindi lang basta pogi ka lang dapat.” Photo: Ruru Madrid/IG

Paroa
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After “Protégé,” Ruru landed a role in “Paroa” and joined Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio. He played the character of Rasul, a close friend and protector of Mariposa, his first lead role.

Encantadia
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Aside from “Paroa,” Ruru continued to star in more Kapuso series, including “Maynila,” “Let the Love Begin,” “Dangwa,” “Magpakailanman,” “Wagas,” and eventually made it to the cast of “Encantadia” in 2016 as Ybrahim. Photo: Ruru Madrid/FB

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27th PMPC’s Best New Male TV Personality
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Among Ruru’s early recognitions was in 2013 when he won Best New Male TV Personality during the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television for his “Maynila” episode titled “Faith in Love.” Photo: Ruru Madrid/FB

Magazine covers
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It was in 2016 when Ruru landed on the front page of three magazines in just one year. In February, he was on the cover of Preview Magazine and Garage Magazine, and in September, he graced the cover of Spotted Magazine. Photo: Preview

Singles
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In 2019, Ruru ventured ito music with his first single “Nawawala.” He released his next single, “Maghihintay,” in 2020. The songs also came with a music video and a performance video, which are available on YouTube. Photo: Kapuso PR Girl/FB

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Lolong
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In 2022, Ruru took on the leading role in “Lolong,” which ended up becoming the most-watched TV series in the Philippines that year. He admitted that it was not easy working on the project, but then again, he did not give up and showcased his outstanding talent as an actor. Photo: Ruru Madrid/IG

The Write One
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Ruru starred in his first series with his girlfriend, Bianca Umali, in 2023. Titled “The Write One,” the project also saw the couple’s first on-screen kiss. Photo: Ruru Madrid/IG

Black Rider
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Ruru further cemented himself as an action star with the show “Black Rider,” which aired for over eight months. The Kapuso series won a bronze medal from the New York Festivals TV & Film, and Ruru dedicated the win to unsung heroes. Photo: Ruru Madrid/IG

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Green Bones
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“Green Bones” was already a dream come true for Ruru even before it earned positive reviews from viewers, and before he received a very special award for his role. “Hindi ko na maipaliwanag ang saya,” he said. Photo: Ruru Madrid/IG