‘Lolong’ makes a big splash on primetime
Ruru Madrid’s adventure-serye “Lolong” made quite a splash on its pilot airing as the GMA Public Affairs’ latest TV offering dominated the ratings and online trending topics.
Based on Nielsen Philippines’ National Urban TV audience measurement overnight ratings for July 4, Lolong’s pilot episode, which aired on both GMA and GTV, posted a combined people rating of
17.7 percent – beating rival show “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, which only managed to get a combined people rating of 11.6 percent (TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Cinemo).
Lolong’s ‘dambuhalang’ arrival on Philippine television was also met with netizen’s overflowing praises on the show’s maiden episode. From the story’s social relevance to its quotable quotes, powerhouse cast, CGI effects, and cinematography, “Lolong” became the talk of the town yet again – with the official hashtag #LolongPremiere taking the number one spot on Twitter Philippines trends and amassing more than 35,000 tweets.
@sighrealbaby tweeted “Ganda ng graphics huyyy!! Parang totoo #LolongPremiere”
This was seconded by Francis Adrian Idul who said, “Sobrang ganda ng CGI. Parang 1080p ang render ng texture ni Dakila. Yung animation din.”
“May moral lesson at yun ay ang pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan. Yan ang ideya na gustong ipabatid ng palabas na ito. Dapat ganitong serye sinusuportahan natin – yung may makukuha tayong aral, hindi yung walang katapusang barilan,” said Seberre Anadon Jerald.
A netizen named April’s Butterfly posted: “Congrats GMA! Maganda po yung ‘Lolong’. Maganda rin yung aral na gustong iparating nito na sumasalamin sa realidad ng buhay. Tungkol sa mga tao na may kapangyarihan…at tungkol sa mga hayop at kapaligiran natin.”
Ruru took to social media to thank everyone who watched the pilot episode with him. “Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nanood ng #LolongPremiere. Sana po ay patuloy nating panoorin ang ‘Lolong’ gabi-gabi,” he said.
Excitement has been brewing over the Kapuso primetime show ever since it was announced in 2019, and the long wait was definitely worth it.
Viewers were already treated to big, actionpacked scenes in the first few minutes of the first episode where Lolong (Ruru) was facing a group of armed men led by Ryan Eigenmann and Mon Confiado raging war against the Atubaws. Lolong, having the ability to have his wounds heal faster, managed to get the upper hand. But soon Lolong found himself being attacked by a hooded man, who, armed with a special knife, was able to inflict wounds on Lolong. He was later on revealed as Martin (Paul Salas). Lolong then called on Dakila, a giant crocodile.
The scene then took viewers to an earlier time – eight years ago where a younger Lolong (Zyren Dela Cruz) was seen in his hometown, Tumahan, together with his parents Gloria (Abby Viduya) and Raul (Leandro Baldemor). Here, viewers got a glimpse of the beginning of Lolong’s upcoming journey of discovering his identity.
“Lolong” was inspired by the idea of award-winning broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho and Assistant Vice President for GMA Public Affairs LJ Castel.
Aside from the TV airing on GMA and GTV, the pilot episode was live streamed on the social media platforms of GMA Public Affairs.
“Lolong” also stars Shaira Diaz, Arra San Agustin, Paul Salas, Christopher De Leon, Jean Garcia, Rochelle Pangilinan, Malou De Guzman, Bembol Roco, and many more.
“Lolong” airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.