CEBU, Philippines — This November 6, Ruru Madrid returns via GMA Public Affairs’ action-packed series “Black Rider” which weaves together elements of heroism, revenge, justice, and family drama in a compelling narrative on a cinematic scale.
It also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Yassi Pressman, and Katrina Halili, with the special participation of Kylie Padilla.
Ruru is Elias Guerrero, a motorcycle driver for the delivery app Biyahero. He soon embraces another personality as “Black Rider,” a vigilante who will fight the notorious syndicate, Golden Scorpion.
The homegrown Kapuso actor has trained intensively for hand combat, motocross, and martial arts designed for the fight choreography of “Black Rider” which he considers a dream project come true.
“Pinagsama-sama ang mga artista mula sa iba’t ibang henerasyon. Isang karangalan na makasama ko ang mga tinitingala kong artista sa napakalaking proyektong ito,” shares Ruru.
“Black Rider” also serves as Matteo’s biggest project yet after returning to the Kapuso Network. He plays Paeng Policarpio, a courageous police officer who shares a deep bond with Elias.
Yassi Pressman, who plays Vanessa “Bane” Bartolome, is also returning to the teleserye genre and GMA. Bane is a petty thief whose life becomes intertwined with Elias. She also has a dark past with the Golden Scorpion and the actress is excited to show the “badass” side of her character.
Katrina Halili is Rona Marie Ana ‘Romana’ Tolentino, a vigilante who fights alongside Elias against the Golden Scorpion. “I am happy and excited to return to primetime and this time, for a full-action drama alongside great actors,” says Katrina who is expected to show off her fierce action skills.
“Black Rider” features an ensemble of young and seasoned actors, including action stars Zoren Legaspi, Raymart Santiago, Gary Estrada, Raymond Bagatsing, Isko Moreno, Monsour del Rosario, and Roi Vinzon; as well as veteran actors Rio Locsin, Gladys Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal, and Almira Muhlach.
Sharing Elias’ motorcycle skills but driven by ambition and a thirst for power within Golden Scorpion is Calvin Magallanes, played by Jon Lucas. Joining Elias as Biyaheros are Empoy Marquez, Janus del Prado, and Rainier Castillo.
Set to make Elias’ life miserable are the Golden Scorpion Boys – Joem Bascon, Dustin Yu, Joaquin Manansala, Kim Perez, Vance Larena, and Saviour Ramos.
Comedians Empoy Marquez and Jayson Gainza, as well as Gen Z’s favorite rapper Shanti Dope, social media stars Pipay and Ashley Rivera, drag queen Turing, Sparkle artists Prince Clemente and Mariel Pamintuan, and young love team Ashley Sarmiento and Marco Masa add color to the series.
“Black Rider” promises exciting action sequences that aim to elevate Pinoy action while emphasizing family love and heroism in the face of adversity. Elias’ transformation from a regular motorcycle driver to a symbol of justice and hope for the people of Manila will undoubtedly strike a chord with Filipinos. The story also emphasizes motorcycles’ enduring appeal in the Philippines, a country with approximately 30 million motorcycle riders out of a population of 100 million.
The series is produced by the team led by Senior Program Manager John Mychal Feraren; Program Manager Gemma Gonzaga; and Executive Producers Lea Reyes, Jojo Aleta, and Tanna delos Santos.
Comprising the creative team are Erwin Caezar Verdillo Bravo, the creator and head writer of GTV’s 2021 series “The Lost Recipe”; John Bedia, one of the writers of “Descendants of the Sun Philippines”; Aeious Asin, one of the writers of 2022 series “Lolong” also bannered by Ruru; and Dickson Comia, writer of some of the long-running anthologies on Philippine television.
Helmed by action director Erwin Tagle, master directors Rommel Penesa (“Lolong”) and Richard Arellano, “Black Rider” premieres Monday, 8 pm on GMA Telebabad, with simulcast airing on Pinoy Hits and livestreaming via Kapuso Stream, and delayed telecast on GTV at 9:40 pm. — (FREEMAN)