Coco Martin recently shared his deep admiration for fellow actor Ruru Madrid at a special event. This was revealed during the grand presscon of GMA Network’s newest prime time series ‘Black Rider’ held at GMA Network Studio 6 on October 27.

This meeting with Ruru played a pivotal role in Phillip Salvador‘s decision to accept a series where Ruru takes the lead.

Notably, the teaser for ‘Black Rider’ didn’t unveil any scene with Phillip, only featuring his voice. Later, Ruru confirmed that he indeed shares the screen with the seasoned actor in the series.

Ruru recounted his meeting with Phillip, and he relayed the encouraging words that Coco shared: “Nagkita kami ni Tatay Ipe sa isang event, tapos niyakap niya agad ako, at sinabi niya sa akin na sobrang proud daw siya sa akin, na ang layo na raw ng narating ko, pero lagi ko raw tatandaan na huwag na huwag akong magbabago. At sabi niya sa akin ang paggawa ng action, na okey lang ‘yon na gumawa ng matitinding stunts, fight scenes, pero huwag ko raw pababayaan ang puso kung bakit ako nakikipaglaban, which is ang drama. Si Tatay Ipe ay kilala natin na bukod sa mahusay sa mga action, fight scene, isa rin siyang mahusay na aktor, at sobra ko siyang tinitingala.”

Ruru Madrid is eager for viewers to witness the scenes he shares with Ipe, referring to Phillip Salvador. The two actors are expected to deliver compelling performances.

During the same event, Ruru Madrid also had the opportunity to meet Coco Martin.

Ruru initiated introducing himself to the iconic actor, emphasizing the great respect and admiration he holds for Coco Martin. Ruru Madrid even mentioned how he watched Coco’s teleseryes before he became an actor.

“Nagkita rin kami sa event na `yon, na kasama rin si Senator Robin (Padilla). Eh, sakto nandoon din si Sir Coco, nilapitan ko siya para magpakilala ako, dahil sobrang taas ng respeto ko sa kanya, sobrang taas ng paghanga ko sa kanya, na hindi pa ako nag-aartista noon, nanonood na ako ng mga teleseryeng ginagawa niya.”

“That’s why nilapitan ko siya, nagpakilala ako sa kanya, sabi ko, ‘Sir Coco, ako po si Ruru Madrid, galing po ako sa GMA, at isang malaking karangalan na makilala kita’.”

Coco, in his typical humility, responded to Ruru’s introduction by recognizing Ruru’s talents and hard work, saying that he watched Ruru’s work on GMA Network. Coco encouraged Ruru to continue his excellent work in the industry and highlighted the young actor’s humanity.

“And then, ang sagot lang niya sa akin, ‘Ano ka ba, ako nga dapat ang magsabi niyan, pinapanood kita sa GMA, at nakikita ko ang mga ginagawa mo, ang effort mo, at ipagpatuloy mo lang `yan, sa totoo nga lang, naghahanda na kami’. Tapos, yumakap po siya sa akin nang mahigpit.”

Coco Martin’s kind and motivational words greatly touched Ruru, who was profoundly appreciative of the interaction. Coco’s uplifting advice and encouragement exemplify his supportive and nurturing demeanor in the entertainment industry.

“Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Ipagpatuloy mo lang ‘yan, at nakikita ko ang pagiging makatao mo, ituloy mo lang `yan’. Sobrang na-appreciate ko po ‘yun dahil isa po siya sa tinitingala kong artista sa industriya natin.”

Fans of both actors can look forward to their respective shows as they go head-to-head in the same timeslot starting November 6. ‘Black Rider’ will be replacing the time slot previously held by ‘Maging Sino Ka Man,’ a popular teleserye.