KAPUSO actor Ruru Madrid will be joined by some of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry in GMA Network’s upcoming primetime series “Lolong” where he takes the titular role.
It was earlier announced that Shaira Diaz and Arra San Agustin will be Ruru’s leading ladies in what is dubbed the Philippines’ biggest primetime adventure series of 2021. The rest of the artists who will be part of the GMA Public Affairs-produced show were revealed last July 16.
Christopher de Leon, Jean Garcia, Bembol Roco, Malou de Guzman, Rochelle Pangilinan and Ian de Leon are part of the powerhouse cast of this exciting series about a man’s extraordinary friendship with a giant crocodile.
Joining them are Mikoy Morales, Paul Salas, DJ Durano, Marco Alcaraz, and Maui Taylor. Set to portray special roles as well are Leandro Baldemor and Priscilla Almeda.
Ruru said he is overwhelmed with the star-studded lineup that makes up his biggest project to date. “It’s very heart-warming. It’s an honor to be able to work with all these great people. I just can’t wait to finish production so our Kapuso viewers can watch it already,” said Ruru.
The homegrown Kapuso actor said he is grateful for the trust GMA Network gave him through Lolong.
“I feel so blessed that GMA has trusted me with this project. I promise to give it my all,” said Ruru.
Meanwhile, Shaira shared that “Lolong” has a lot to offer.
“‘Lolong’ has a bit of action, romance, and moral lessons like heroism,” she said. “It also raises awareness on our ecosystem, and how we need to take care of animals around us,” she said.
Like Ruru, Arra also cannot believe they will be working with some of the country’s veteran actors. “It’s a huge honor to be able to work with them and to learn from them as well,” she said.
“It’s an exciting material,” said Christopher of the upcoming Kapuso primetime series. “When I watch any series on TV, I want it to be entertaining. This one, it has heart and at the same time it’s entertaining,” he said.
Jean also said she is looking forward to her new project. “I’m excited for the project because it will be the first time I get an opportunity to work alongside some of these talented people. I hope my character would have a different approach. I’ll just rely on director Rommel (Penesa) at director Rado (Peru), and all the writers.”
Netizens expressed their excitement for the upcoming GMA primetime series when it dropped its official teaser on “24 Oras” late last May, with some praising the graphics and animation used and even compared it to Disney-produced shows.
The idea of making a crocodile-themed drama series came from award-winning journalist and host Jessica Soho, and “Kapuso mo, Jessica Soho” program manager, LJ Castel.
“I thought it would be interesting to weave reality with fiction and come up with a riveting adventure drama on primetime TV. I’m also hoping that the story would help educate our viewers about these fascinating but feared creatures with whom we share our many rivers, lakes, and seas,” Soho said through the production team. She said that the inspiration came “from all the crocodile stories we follow on KMJS, even in far-away islands like Balabac in Palawan. Humans versus crocodiles!”
Dakila, who will be Lolong’s (Ruru) friend in the story, is made of fiberglass body and silicone skin. Referred to as the “highest paid actor” of the series, Dakila needs to be manned by 14 people. Using pneumatic technology and an air compressor operated by a technician, Dakila’s tail can wag and his snout can open. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) will also be used to make the creature more realistic.
Lolong is produced by GMA Public Affairs -- the same team behind some of the country’s top-rating primetime series, “Inday Will Always Love You,” “One of the Baes,” “Owe My Love,” as well as the well-loved series that showcased stunning cinematography and superb visual narratives “The Lost Recipe,” “Ilustrado,” “Alamat,” and “Sirkus,” among others.
Don’t miss the Philippines’ biggest primetime adventure series of the year, soon on GMA Telebabad. Kapuso abroad can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV. (PR)