Candid Shot: Ruru Madrid

Kapuso star Ruru Madrid can't wait for his fans to watch "Barangay 143," the first Filipino anime that also features the favorite sports of many Filipinos which is basketball.

The much-awaited Filipino anime series will debut on GMA 7 sometime in October. In the series, Ruru plays Wax, one of the lead characters.

"I'm very happy to be part of this project kasi this is the first time na Japan and Philippines na mag-collaborate through an anime series. I'm also a fan of anime and basketball," the 20-year-old actor says.

Ruru adds: ""Sobrang fan talaga ako ng anime. So when I auditioned for this role, nu'ng binabasa ko pa lang 'yung script, umiyak ako sa eksena. Sabi ko 'Siguro ito na 'yung kailangan kong ipakita para makuha agad nila ako."

"Barangay 143" is a feel-good coming of age story of a young Korean boy whose search for his father brings him to the Philippines.  Lost and desperate for answers, is here in this foreign land that he finds an unlikely family in a team of misfits whose only ambition is to bring glory to their hometown.

Set against the backdrop of gritty Tondo, the series also features original music from a whole host of celebrity Filipino singers and musicians. The series is painstakingly designed and produced here in Manila with the help crew from across Japan, South Korea, USA, Malaysia and Singapore.

POP NEWS PHILIPPINES interviewed Ruru at the LRT Station in Santolan, Pasig City moments before he boarded the train to promote the anime. Also joining him during the fun ride were Migo Adecer and Kelley Day, who are also lending their voices for the Filipino anime series. - ROBERT REQUINTINA

1) Your best physical feature?

"I don't know. I think it's better na other people will say it."

2) The best part about being a movie star?

"I think mga perks din like minsan sa mga pila. Pero siyempre hindi namanako pumapayag pag pinapauna ako.

3) Describe yourself in three words?

"Hardworking, competitive, and sobrang love ko 'yung craft ko."

                                                Ruru Madrid (left) and Migo Adecer.

4) The sweetest thing you've done to a girl?

"Mangharana. Kasi very traditional ako eh. Ayoko ng modern way ng panliligaw.

5) Do you have a girlfriend now?

"Wala po."

6)  Your wishes?

"My first wish - eto lagi kong iniisip ito nung bata pa ako eh. Magkaroon ako ng unlimited wish. And then maibigay ko lahat ng pangangailang ng mahal ko sa buhay."

7) Biggest regret so far?

"This is very personal pero siguro the time when my lola passed away. Before she passed away, parang hindi ako nakakapunta sa bahay niya. Then nung time na  ag-aagaw buhay na siya, sinabi niya sa akin 'I Miss You.' Sana ang dami kong time na nakasama siya."

8) Favorite song?

"The Scientist by Coldplay."

9) Your favorite vacation place?

"Yung bahay namin sa Antipolo everytime na kasama ko yung family ko."

10) Total turn off?

"Pagiging rude. Sobrang off na ako run"

11) Craziest thing you've done to a girl?

"May crush ako dati. Sabi niya, gusto niya sa mga lalaki yung may hikaw. So ginawa ko kumuha ako ng karayom at binutas ko yung isang tenga ko sa harapan niya. Five years ago yata. Pero na-impress siya kasi hindi niya alam na gagawin ko yun."

12) How do you see yourself five years from now?

"Siguro I am still here sa industry and siguro nakapagpatayo na ako ng bahay sa pamilya ko."

13) Marriage?

"Hindi pa siguro kasi going 21 pa lang ako. Pero hindi natin masasabi."

14) Sports you want to excel in but has yet to try?

"Halos lahat kasi ng sports ginagawa ko. I play golf, volleyball, soccer, football, basketball. Rugby siguro."

15) Have you been rejected by a girl?

"Siguro 'yung mga time na bata pa ako. Mga ligaw-bata kung tawagin."