KyRu tandem reunites to bring more kilig

MANILA, Philippines — They are a love team on screen but good friends off screen: the real score between Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid, also known to fans as KyRu.

Kylie is happily married to Aljur Abrenica and a doting mom to their son Alas, while Ruru is rumored to be dating Bianca Umali. Kylie and Ruru’s successful team-up as seen in their onscreen chemistry in 2016’s Encantadia gained them a big following. They were paired again in last year’s The Cure. Followers who got hooked to KyRu are apparently more excited than ever at the Kapuso stars’ reunion project, Toda One I Love, GMA News and Public Affairs’ political rom-com series which premieres Monday night, Feb. 4.

Kylie and Ruru said they are happy to be reunited and agreed that the show is perfect as a gift to their fans. Recalling how amazed he was when their supporters made #KyRu top the Twitter-trending topics, Ruru said, “That’s why we are thankful to our fans because they never left us and kahit kailan hindi sila sumuko. And with our new show, we want them to know that this is for them and we make sure that we give our best. My first team-up with Kylie in Encantadia ay medyo nakakabitin that’s why I’m very happy that I’m paired with her again because we are already comfortable with each other. Walang kahit anong ilangan, magaan lang.”

Kylie agreed, “I think it’s also because maganda ang iniwan naming tatak sa Encantadia and it’s great that we have this kind of follow-up which is funnier, not so serious and more appropriate for our age. I’m excited for people to watch it and for our tandem as well. I am so grateful to our fans because I didn’t expect na ganun pa rin kalakas yung support nila and even if I got married and have a son already, our chemistry is still there which is I think the magic of KyRu. But it’s always been professional work and that’s why I can say na it’s safe, hahaha!”

Asked if Kylie sought Aljur’s permission before accepting the project, she replied, “Yes, I immediately sent him the character breakdown. Actually, he is always the first one to know, siya talaga yung first na nilalapitan ko sa lahat.”

She related that Aljur supports her all the way that’s why he gave her the go-signal not just to do the show but also to continue the KyRu loveteam.

“Kinikilig din siya, hahaha! And about the show’s theme, nagustuhan niya agad. He said that this (show) is good because it’s a woman empowerment kind of project daw,” she said, adding that she also had to ask Aljur about the possibility of doing kissing scenes.

“We just talked about it recently. I was the one who brought it up to him because I was actually fishing, knowing that he will also have an upcoming project, baka magkaroon ng…ayoko ng gulatan. What if there’s going to be like this or that? We agreed that if it is really needed for the role then we have to do it, but if it’s not really that important even if it’s asked, then maybe we don’t have to do it.”

In Toda One I Love, Kylie plays the strong-willed, independent Angela “Gelay” Dimagiba. The series gives viewers a glimpse of Philippine local politics — all presented with a sprinkle of comedy and romance. It revolves around the family, dreams and loves of the three lead characters — Gelay, Emong (played by Ruru) and Kobe (David Licauco). They will find themselves caught up in the topsy-turvy politics of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association or TODA, as well as the local mayoral elections.

“I love my role as a tricycle driver and I’m really enjoying Gelay who is boyish but has a strong set of values,” said Kylie who revealed to initially having jitters as it is her first time to do comedy. “I struggled a little. But I really did observe everyone and I learned a lot. I hope I’m doing okay.”

(Directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Nick Olanka, Toda One I Love also stars Gladys Reyes, Victor Neri, Jackie Rice, Kim Domingo, Tina Paner, Maureen Larrazabal, Raymond Bagatsing, Allen Dizon, Cai Cortez, Buboy Villar, Archie Alemania, Kimpoy Feliciano, Ayeesha Cervantes and Bruce Roeland.)