Ruru Madrid says being an Iglesia ni Cristo member can be challenging as an actor

Ruru Madrid admitted that being a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has, at times, affected the projects he accepts, saying he has declined some opportunities because of his religious beliefs.

Madrid explained that balancing his career and faith can be challenging, especially since many of his supporters are also INC members.

“I’m going to be honest, Tito Boy, of course challenging siya sa pagiging isang aktor,” he said during a guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Tuesday, Aug. 4. “Bilang isang aktor hindi ka lang naman umaarte. Marami ring mga tao na naglu-look up sa’yo.”

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The actor added that not everyone, particularly among his fellow church members, may understand the demands of his profession.

“So ang ginagawa ko na lang po, bago pa po namin gawin ang isang proyekto, mag-uusap-usap kami ng production, mag-uusap-usap kami ng directors kung ano ‘yung mga hangga’t maaari maiwasan,” he said.

While he has turned down opportunities that conflict with Iglesia ni Cristo teachings, Madrid clarified that he does not necessarily see his faith as a limitation.

“But I wouldn’t say na limitasyon siya kasi pwede naman po ’yung ipagpaalam,” he said. “Pero totoo ’yan, marami na pong mga bagay na natanggihan ko just because of my faith. Bawal kaming mag-endorso ng alak, bawal kaming mag-endorso ng sugal.”

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Madrid has long been vocal about being a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. In 2020, his girlfriend, actress Bianca Umali, converted to the INC since one of the church’s teachings is to share the same religion before marriage.

In 2024, Umali and Madrid admitted that they are not open to the idea of “living under the same roof” before marriage, as they asserted that they obey the precepts of their church.

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The INC recently celebrated its 112th founding anniversary. The religious group earlier drew criticism after they held a multi-day protest to support Sen. Rodante Marcoleta against expected plunder charges. /ra