Ruru Madrid heads to Basilan to shoot Cinemalaya film 'Kamay ni Bathala'

Ruru Madrid headed to Basilan to shoot his upcoming Cinemalaya 2026 film “Kamay ni Bathala.”

On Instagram, the Kapuso star posted a series of photos from his trip to Basilan, revealing how it changed his perspective of the province.

"Minsan, may mga lugar na mas nakikilala mo sa mga kuwento ng ibang tao kaysa sa sarili mong karanasan. Ganito ko nakilala ang Basilan," he wrote.

Before arriving, Ruru admitted that he had heard many stories about Basilan. However, his firsthand experience painted a different picture.

"Bago ako makarating dito, marami na akong narinig na kuwento. Pero sa pagdating namin, ibang kuwento ang natagpuan ko. Tahimik. Mapayapa. At puno ng mga taong handang magbukas ng kanilang tahanan at puso para sa mga bisita."

One of the highlights of his visit was meeting locals who told him they had followed his hit series “Lolong” from beginning to end.

The actor also shared that hearing people speak Chavacano reminded him of his roots in Zamboanga, making the trip even more meaningful.

"Bilang isang Mindanawon, may kakaibang pakiramdam ng pagiging pamilyar. Parang malayo ka sa bahay, pero somehow, pakiramdam mo nasa tahanan ka pa rin."

Ruru said he would bring home more than just photos and scenic views from Basilan.

"Ang babaunin ko sa biyahe na ito ay hindi lang ang mga tanawin at mga larawan. Kundi ang mga tao, mga kuwento, at mga simpleng sandaling nagpapaalala kung gaano kaganda maging Pilipino."

In Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras” on Friday, Ruru said that he manifested his first-ever Cinemalaya film.

“It’s actually my first-ever Cinemalaya film. Sobrang namanifest ko ‘to. Sana makagawa ako ng Cinemalaya,” he said.

“I’m very excited. It’s a year of expansion and kumbaga exploration. Kung ano pa ba ang kaya kong i-push sa sarili ko at sa limits ko,” he added.

Ruru also said he is grateful for the people he met and the stories and experiences he gained during the trip, which he said he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Written and directed by Mark Duane Angos, "Kamay ni Bathala" follows the story of Edgardo Reyes (Ruru), a young army lieutenant deployed to a remote village in Mindanao affected by armed conflict. During his time in the village, he teaches football to children, but his arrival is met with suspicion and trust issues.

Cinemalaya 2026 is set for August 6 to 18.

Aside from "Kamay ni Bathala," Ruru also has another upcoming film, "Los Salvajes Bravos."

Ruru is also set to headline the upcoming GMA Prime series "Hari ng Tondo" with Dennis Trillo.

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—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News