RURU MADRID is proud to lead the huge cast of the most expensive action-adventure series GMA Network has produced, “Lolong”, that will replace “First Lady” on primetime starting July 4.
The show is inspired by the real Lolong, the largest salt water crocodile in the world that measured more than 20 feet in length.
It was captured in Agusan in September, 2011 and was named after crocodile hunter Ernesto “Lolong” Canete who died of a heart attack while searching for it in the marshes of Agusan.
The crocodile’s remains are now on display at the National Museum of Natural History and Ruru Madrid just visited it. In the series, Ruru is named Lolong and the crocodile is named Dakila and the story center on the unusual friendship that developed between them.
“Maraming pagsubok, maraming delays na pinagdaanan ang show na ito,” says Ruru during the show’s zoom presscon.
“About three years in the making ito. The pandemic came at laging may dumarating na problema. Binagyo ang set namin, hindi natuloy. Tapos, biglang may nag-positive sa cast members.”
All the delays somehow demoralized him.
“It came to a point na nawalan na ako ng gana sa career ko. Sabi ko, baka hindi talaga ito ang career na bagay for me.
"Kasi my last show was ‘TODA One I Love’ in 2019. Ang tagal na. Kaya gusto ko nang bumalik sa pag-aaral that time.
"But I prayed. And people told me, huwag kang sumuko. This is my 10th year in showbiz at ito ang project na ibinigay sa akin na napakalaki at lumabas na napakaganda kaya I’m very thankful.
"I learned so much from the show. Lahat pala ng pagsubok na dumating, it was just a test.
"Napilay ako rito, nakatapak ako ng pako, nagkakasakitan sa fight scenes, nagkadulas-dulas dahil maputik ang location.
"Pero dahil dito, sobrang bumalik ang fire, ang passion, ang commitment ko sa career ko. Mas tumibay ako dahil sa ‘Lolong’. Anumang pagsubok pa na darating ngayon, kakayanin ko na.”
Ruru says the show also delivers a valid message about environmental protection and some government people.
“It shows us na dapat nating mas mahalin ang kalikasan. And it’s about corruption in high places.
"It tells us na dapat, huwag nating hayaan ang mga corrupt na magtagumpay at ipaglaban natin ang mga karapatan natin.”
In the story, Ruru belongs to the ancient tribe called Atubaw.
“Sila’y isang lahing nabuhay nang matagal kasama ang mga buwaya, so they got power of the buwaya, like they can heal themselves kung sila ay masugatan. Pag nasaksak sila, nagsasara agad ang sugat.”
The big cast of ‘Lolong’ includes Christopher de Leon as Gov. Armando Banzon; Shaira Diaz as Elsie, the childhood friend of Lolong; Arra San Agustin as Bella a travel blogger from Manila who goes to research on the giant crocodile; Jean Garcia as Madam Donna, the abusive wife of Boyet de Leon; Paul Salas as Martin, son of Boyet and Jean who will run for mayor;
Maui Taylor as Kapitana Dolores who is hungry for power; Marco Alcaraz as Marco, the supportive friend of Lolong; Ian de Leon as Lucas right hand of his dad Boyet; Malou de Guzman as Tiya Ninang, the wife of Bembol; Bembol Roco as Narsing, father of Lolong;
Mikoy Morales as Bokyo, childhood friend of Lolong; DJ Durano as Abet, tatay tatayan ni Lolong; Rochelle Pangilinan as Carina plus in other roles, Thea Tolentino, Vin Abrenica, Alma Concepcion, Pokwang, Sue Prado and Ice Arago.
