Story of Ruru’s first single

MANILA, Philippines — Ruru Madrid recently released his first single titled Nawawala on digital streaming platforms Spotify and Apple Music, coinciding with the launch of its music video on GMA’s Facebook page and YouTube channel last Aug. 16. Directed by Miggy Tanchanco, it features Kapuso star Kelly Day.

A music lover who prefers alternative rock and looks up to icons like Hale, Parokya ni Edgar, Rivermaya, Eraserheads, I Belong to the Zoo, December Avenue and Ben&Ben, Ruru admitted he’s neither a singer as good as Christian Bautista nor Mark Bautista.

“I am not a singer (but) I do love music,” he said at the press launch of Nawawala. “Actually, I was not into singing when I was younger but my family has this tendency to tease you (aasarin ka) if you don’t know how to sing. Our family enjoys bonding over music and my dad was a band member then.” 

Ruru had his formal voice lessons later on under Annie Quintos of The CompanY after his Protégé stint. He has had recordings, including Let the Love Begin, the theme song of GMA 7’s series with the same title; Sa Yakap Mo for Sherlock Jr., both in duet with fellow Kapuso Gabbi Garcia; and Sana sa Huli for TODA One I Love.

Described as an emotional song expressing “hugot,” which gives millennial and Gen Z listeners delight in today’s music scene, Nawawala showcases Ruru in a soulful rendition of the composition by Kettle Mata, Roger Alcantara and Enzo Villegas. The actor said that Nawawala was initially a ballad but after suggesting that the song could sound better in alternative rock, the composers approved it.

“I just enjoy listening to this type of genre since I am not a song belter like kuya Christian, kuya Mark, di ba? So siguro yung naaayon lang po sa boses ko rin and it happens that this is my ideal genre. Nakita ko kasi ngayon that millennials are into hugot songs. ‘Yung kahit na masakit trip pa rin nila ‘yun so yung Nawawala ay saktong-sakto dahil maraming hugot.”

While shooting the music video, Ruru got carried away with the song.

“Nung pinatugtog yung kanta, naiyak na ako agad. I don’t know why,” he said, explaining that the song essays the story of two lovers who go through the stages of a relationship.

“Dadaan kayo sa honeymoon stage and then sa problems…but sometimes it comes to a point na akala niyo mahal na mahal niyo pa ang isat-isa pero unti-unti na palang nawawala,” Ruru said but quickly dismissing the idea that he was going through something.

“Wala naman akong pinagdadaanang hindi okay, hehehehe! Marami naman akong hugot sa buhay but I think anyone goes through it naman. I am happy for all the blessings at isang pangarap ko na naman po yung natupad.”