Ruru Madrid gives rare glimpse of Basilan in Cinemalaya film 'Hand of God'

Ruru Madrid spent only three days in Basilan to film his Cinemalaya movie “Hand of God” but he said he was able to immerse himself in the community and learn more about the culture there.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremonies for the 22nd Cinemalaya International Film Festival, Madrid said he feels proud to be part of the movie, which speaks of hope in the midst of conflict.

READ: Ruru Madrid, Dennis Trillo to reunite in new GMA series ‘Hari ng Tondo’

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“Hand of God” is among the nine full-length films introduced by Cinemalaya as among its finalists this year. Aside from Madrid, it also stars Iza Calzado, Sue Ramirez, Jhong Hilario, Ronnie Lazaro, and Cholo Barretto, and is directed by Mark Duane Angos.

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In detailing his brief experience working in Basilan, known for its history of violence, he said the province has a lot of facets that not many Filipinos know.

“The film is a story of hope,” Madrid said when asked to describe the film. “Sa gitna ng gulo, pwede palang may sumibol dyan na pag-asa.”

Madrid plays the character of Lt. Edgardo Reyes, an idealistic soldier assigned to a remote village in Mindanao, scarred by years of conflict and terrorism. The story revolves around a child soldier who found unexpected refuge in playing football. He then finds himself questioning the violent ways laid down by his elders and choose a future of his own.

“The moment na sinabi sa akin yung story, hindi na po ako nag-atubili na tanggapin yung project… Actually, when we got there po, sobrang tuwang-tuwa po yung mga taga-Basilan kasi first time na may nagshoot na pelikula. May feeling sila na may mga napuntahan ka na pag ang mga kapwa mo Pilipino na hindi sila madalas na napupuntahan ng mga pinapanood nilang artista,” he said.

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When asked if he felt scared while shooting in Basilan, Madrid said that the people of Basilan never gave them any reason to feel any fear while staying there, as their team was welcomed warmly. He hoped that more filmmakers in the future would consider filming there for other projects.

“Dito po, mararamdaman mo yung pagka-genuine po ng pag-welcome at pagmamahal nila sa’yo… I would say na sana pagkapanood nitong ‘Hand of God,’ makapag open ito sa filmmakers na pwede rin pala mag-shoot sa Basilan. Kasi ang ganda po ng lugar, maganda ng dagat, ang sarap na mga pagkain, mabait ang mga tao,” he further said.

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Inspired by Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo

Madrid said that he got the inspiration to work on an independent film after seeing fellow Kapuso actors Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo find fulfillment in doing gritty roles.

In particular, Madrid said he was able to watch Rivera in “Balota,” a critically acclaimed Cinemalaya entry in 2024 and was shown worldwide the following year.

Meanwhile, he and Trillo — who himself did a number of Cinemalaya films in the past — did “Green Bones,” together for the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, where the two of them were hailed Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor, respectively.

“The fact na nabigyan ako ng opportunity to do this kind of film, to do a Cinemalaya project, it’s an honor,” he said.

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“Sabi ko nga para ko syang na-manifest. Kasi right after ‘Green Boots,’ sabi ko, gusto ko din magkaroon naman ng Cinemalaya. Na-inspire ako kay Ate Yan (Rivera) sa ‘Balota.’ And also, na-inspire din ako kay Kuya Dennis kase napag sabay nya yung shooting ng ‘Green Bones’ sa ‘Pulang Araw.’ E dahil nga ngayon may ‘Hari ng Tondo,’ tas ngayon ‘Hand of God,’ tambling!” he said, referring to his new TV show, also on GMA.