Ruru Madrid shared that working with the creatives of Green Bones was something he manifested.
In the latest episode of Bida/Bida by Netflix Philippines, the actor recalled being deeply inspired after watching Firefly, which was directed by Green Bones director Zig Dulay. That moment sparked his desire to work with the team behind it.
"Nung una, nung sinabi pa lang sa akin na gagawa si sir Ricky Lee, dun pa lang sabi ko, ano 'to parang blessing. Actually, parang na-manifest ko talaga kasi parang nung pinapanood ko 'yung Firefly nun, sabi ko, 'Sana makatrabaho ko 'tong mga 'to,'" he said.
Ruru also revealed that he had envisioned being part of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) lineup. His film Green Bones eventually became one of the official entries for the 2024 edition of the festival.
"[Sabi ko] parang pakiramdam ko may MMFF ako next year. Parang na-attract," he highlighted.
The actor went on to describe his reaction upon learning that Dennis Trillo would be joining the cast.
"And then biglang sinabi sa akin na mayroong Dennis Trillo na kasama. Dun pa lang sabi ko isang karangalan na napapanood ko siya live kung papaano niya ginagawa 'yung proseso niya bilang isang aktor. Habambuhay ko 'yung dadalhin at iyon 'yung ipagmamalaki ko sa younger generation na nakatrabaho ko si Dennis Trillo," he said.
Green Bones follows the story of a "notorious murderer set for release from prison. [A] New corrections officer [is] determined to keep him incarcerated by any means, despite lack of legal grounds," as per its IMDb.
The movie will be streaming on Netflix starting June 19.
Ruru bagged the Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film at the MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal.
In his acceptance speech, Ruru reflected on his journey through numerous nominations where he came up short.
"Buong buhay ko, lagi po akong underdog. Lagi akong talo, na-a-underestimate, lagi akong binababa," he recalled. "Nung una, nasasaktan ako, iniisip ko, 'Bakit?' But then I realized na kaya pala siya nangyayari sa akin, para 'pag dumating 'yung araw na ibibigay na sa akin 'yung kapalit nun, katulad po nito, hindi ko po ite-take for granted lahat ng 'yun."
He went on: "Kasi alam ko 'yung hirap na pinagdaanan ko bago ko makuha 'to, at hindi po 'yun naging madali."
Ruru then offered a heartfelt message to dreamers who may be feeling discouraged.
"Gusto ko lang din po sabihin 'to, dahil alam kong marami pong nangangarap na sumusuko na lang dahil nauunahan sila ng takot, nauunahan sila ng hindi nila kaya ng pakiramdam nila, walang naniniwala sa kanila," he said.
The actor continued: "Pero naniniwala ako na basta ikaw naniniwala ka sa sarili mo na kaya mo, na mararating mo 'yung pinapangarap mo, basta malinis ang intensyon mo, nagpu-pursige ka at pinipili mo maging mabuting tao sa lahat ng pagkakataon, makakamit mo ito."