Television star Ruru Madrid will be joined by some of the biggest names in the local entertainment in the 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 as 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.
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 added 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.
Directing Lolong are Rommel Penesa and Rado Peru.
