Award-winning Kapuso actor Ruru Madrid beamed joyfully as he shared insights about his relationship with his girlfriend, Bianca Umali. 

Ruru, who just won Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Manila Film Festival for the movie "Green Bones," expressed how she has evolved into his most passionate supporter, always encouraging him in his personal and professional endeavors. 

The actor fondly recounted moments where Bianca's unwavering belief in him provided the motivation he needed during challenging times, highlighting the deep bond and trust that they share.

During the grand media conference for his series "Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan" held at the Gateway 2 Mall in Cubao on Jan. 13, Ruru credited Bianca's support for helping him with his career.

"Sobrang proud niya po sa akin, hindi na ako makakahanap ng ganung klase ng tao yung suporta na binibigay niya sa akin ngayon at simula noon actually. Si Bianca talaga yung nagpabago sa buhay ko, kasi feeling ko kapag hindi dumating si bianca sa buhay ko hindi ko makakamit yung mga pangarap ko. (She is so proud of me. I will never find that kind of person who gives me that kind of support from the beginning. Bianca really changed my life. Because I feel that if Bianca didn't come into my life, I wouldn't be able to achieve my dreams)," said Ruru.

Ruru mentioned that despite past criticisms of their relationship, the couple remained silent and continued with their lives.

"Nagsimula kami na parang you and me against the the world. Against sa amin lahat ng tao. Binabash kami pero sabi ko nga never kami pumato, kasi alam ko na laging lalabas yung katotohanan at kung ano yung tunay na nararamdaman namin sa isa't-isa. We started as you and I against the world. Everyone was against us, and we were criticized, but I said we never quarreled because I knew that the truth would always come out and what we felt for each other)," he said.

In July, Ruru and Bianca will celebrate their seventh anniversary as a couple. Ruru was asked whether he believed in the concept of the "seven-year itch" that affects relationships.

The "seven-year itch" is an informal term that describes a period of dissatisfaction or restlessness in a relationship around the seven-year mark. It's often used to describe a decline in happiness and connection in marriage or a relationship between a couple, according to health.clevelandclinic.org.

"Personally hindi ako naniniwala, kasi for me parang nakasulat na yan eh. Kung talaga kayo para sa isat-isa, kayo talaga and for me basta malinaw sa aming dalawa yung suporta at pagmamahal na binibigay namin sa isa't-isa, kahit sino pa pumigil sa amin lahat kakayanin namin. (Personally, I don't believe it because, for me, it seems like it's already written. If you are really for each other, you're going to end up together and for me as long as we are both clear about the support and love we give each other, no matter who stops us we can handle everything)," Ruru added.

'Lolong' returns 

Ruru, 27, is set to reprise his titular role as Lolong in the much-awaited new season of "Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan" – this time teeming with more significant action scenes and even more compelling drama. 

According to Ruru, having the pressure keeps him more excited to do better in the second season.

"Yung pressure hindi naman mawawala yan, kasi for me dapat kinikeep mo siya para hindi ka maging kampante sa mga ginagawa mo, and you always have room for improvement and that what's keep me motivated to do better. (The pressure is always there because, for me, you have to keep at it so that you don't become complacent in what you do, and you always have room for improvement, which keeps me motivated to do better)," said Ruru.

With only two months to prepare for Lolong Season 2, Ruru admitted that preparing his physical appearance was quite a challenge.

"Sobrang nahihirapan ako sa preparation physically kasi gusto talaga mag bulk up for 'Lolong' kasi since malaki na yung mga kalaban ko, so habang nag peprepare ako for 'Lolong' biglang dumating si 'Green Bones.' Tapos need ko magtrim down ng konti. (I had a lot of difficulty in the preparation physically because I really wanted to bulk up for lolong because since my opponents are already big, so while I was preparing for lolong Green Bones suddenly came, then I needed to trim down a little)," he also said.

A crocodile-themed action-adventure drama series, “Lolong” centers on a man's extraordinary friendship with a giant crocodile named Dakila. In “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan,” viewers can look forward to Lolong's journey in facing new challenges and unanticipated twists after he successfully united the people of Tumahan with the mysterious Atubaws.

Directed by King Mark Baco and Rommel Penesa, the upcoming new season of Lolong is produced by GMA Public Affairs’ ambitious lineup of programming and projects as part of GMA Network’s 75th year.

Set to make a comeback with Ruru are the well-loved characters of Shaira Diaz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Mikoy Morales, Alma Concepcion, Maui Taylor, and Ms. Jean Garcia.

Joining Lolong in his exciting new journey are John Arcilla, Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Klea Pineda, and Tetchie Agbayani.

The show’s powerhouse ensemble includes Victor Neri, Nonie Buencamino, Rodjun Cruz, Pancho Magno, Michelle Dee, Nikki Valdez, Bernadette Allyson, Boom Labrusca, Jan Marini, Gerard Pizarras, Archi Adamos, Nicco Manalo, Nikko Natividad, John Clifford, Waynona Collings, Rubi Rubi, Inah Evans, Barbiengot Forteza, Joe Vargas, Karenina Haniel, and Mr. Leo Martinez.

Catch “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” weeknights after 24 Oras on GMA Prime beginning Jan. 20. Global Pinoys can also watch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.