Ruru Madrid says he went on immersion in Tondo for 'Hari ng Tondo' role

Ruru Madrid shared that he had an immersion in Tondo, Manila, for his role in the upcoming GMA Prime series, “Hari ng Tondo.”

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Kapuso Primetime Action Hero went on an immersion in Tondo to better understand and portray the character of somebody who was raised in and lives in the district.

“Nung natutunan ko pong kilalanin sila at aralin po papaano ba ang pamumuhay sa Tondo, na-realize ko na ganun lang pala talaga sila kalalim na tao,” Ruru said.

In April, Ruru posted on Instagram some moments from his time in Tondo, including meeting the residents.

“Maligayang pagdating sa lugar ng mga Pating at Leon. Mahal na kita agad, Tondo,” he wrote in his caption.

Ruru is starring in the series alongside Dennis Trillo.

“Minsan lang kami magkatrabaho ni Ruru pero pagka binibigyan kami ng pagkakataon magkatrabaho, talagang siguradong maganda at isang malaking proyekto talaga,” Dennis said in Carampel's report.

Ruru added that he is “very excited” to work with Dennis again after “Green Bones” and on a longer project where they get to spend time together.

“Feeling ko, dito mas makaka-relate ‘yung mga makakanood sa mga characters namin. Hindi lang sa akin, pati sa mga characters ni Ruru at sa ibang artista dito,” Dennis added.

The series also teased fight and action scenes, which the cast is already preparing for.

Ruru and Dennis hope to shine a light on the Filipino martial arts panuntukan or dirty boxing.

“Sabi ko, parang swak na swak ‘to sa Tondo,” Ruru said. “Ever since din, talagang todo ensayo. Kahit nasa Spain ako, takbo ako nang takbo.”

Other cast members of "Hari ng Tondo" include Rocco Nacino, Ryza Cenon, Ysabel Ortega, Elle Villanueva, Arra San Agustin, and Heath Jornales.

It also stars Gary Estrada, Victor Neri, and Nonie Buencamino, with the special participation of Isko Moreno.

The series is directed by Enzo Williams. —Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News