Ruru and Rere Madrid undergo rapid testing before taping 'Maynila' episode

Ruru and Rere Madrid are excited to be working again after the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) halted shoots and tapings in the entertainment industry.

The two are starring in the new episode of drama anthology "Maynila," where Ruru will play an aspiring actor and Rere will play his sister and support system.

In Cata Tibayan's report for "24 Oras," the siblings shared the experience of taping under "new normal" protocols.

"Usually sa mga taping sobrang dami namin. Ngayon nag-ano lang kami, isang camera man, one director, tapos isang PA lang, tapos kami lang dalawa," Rere said. "Tapos of course 'yung dalawang nag-che-check kung tama ba 'yung ginagawa namin kung safe ba."

With the reduced manpower, Ruru said they have to help out as well with moving things around the set. They also have to wear a face mask in between takes to keep themselves safe and have taken the rapid test before shooting.

In addition, they have to adjust themselves to new practices such as having the camera farther away and the need for better lenses for close-up shots.

Ruru said it was easier for him and Rere to work together because they are family, but he knows the situation will be different if they have to act with other stars.

"Dahil magkapatid kami, magkasama kami sa bahay, puwede kaming magkaroon ng physical contact. Pero pagka nagkaroon na ng ibang ka-eksena, paano na 'yun? Medyo mahihirapan na," he said.

The Inter-Guild Alliance (IGA) — a network of groups representing different sectors of the local film, television, and advertising industries — has come up with a set of safety guidelines for filming amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kissing scenes and other close-proximity interaction between actors are expected to change under the new normal. —MGP, GMA News