Lolong (TV series)

Lolong
Season 2 title card
Also known as	Crocodile Whisperer Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan [a]
Genre	Adventure Action drama
Created by	Jessica Soho Lee Joseph Castel
Directed by	Rommel P. Penesa
Starring	Ruru Madrid
Theme music composer	Ann Margaret R. Figueroa Rico Blanco
Ending theme	"Para sa Pangarap" by Hannah Prescillas "214" by Jeremiah Tiangco [1]
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Tagalog
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	89
Production
Executive producers	Eunice F. Mandia Mark Anthony B. Norella John Gary Criel J. Candelaria
Production locations	Quezon, Philippines
Editors	Tricia Senia Jhoan Longboy Kim Badayos
Camera setup	Multiple-camera setup
Running time	25–43 minutes
Production company	GMA Public Affairs
Original release
Network	GMA Network
Release	July 4, 2022 (2022-07-04) – present

Lolong (international title: Crocodile Whisperer) is a Philippine television drama action series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Rommel P. Penesa, it stars Ruru Madrid in the title role. It premiered on July 4, 2022 on the network's Telebabad line up.

The series is streaming online on YouTube. ^{[2] [3]}

Cast and characters

Cast

Ruru Madrid

Christopher de Leon

Maui Taylor

John Arcilla

Rodjun Cruz

Lead cast

• Ruru Madrid as Rolando "Lolong" Candelaria ^[4]

Supporting cast

• Christopher de Leon (season 1) ^[5] as Armando Banson
• Jean Garcia ^[6] as Donatella "Dona" Banson
• Shaira Diaz ^[6] as Elsie Dominguez
• Arra San Agustin (season 1) ^[7] as Isabella "Bella" Melendez
• Paul Salas ^[6] as Martin Candelaria / Martin Banson
• Rochelle Pangilinan ^[6] as Karina Marabe
• Bembol Roco (season 1) ^[5] as Narciso "Narsing" Candelaria
• Malou de Guzman (season 1) ^[5] / Tetchie Agbayani (season 2) as Isabel ^[8]
• Mikoy Morales ^[6] as Victoriano "Bokyo" Dela Cruz
• Ian de Leon (season 1) ^[5] as Lucas Morales
• DJ Durano (season 1) ^[5] as Alberto "Abet" Dominguez
• Marco Alcaraz (season 1) ^[5] as Marco Mendrano
• Maui Taylor ^[6] as Dolores Baticusin
• Alma Concepcion as Ines Candelaria ^[6]
• John Arcilla (season 2) as Julio Figueroa ^[6]
• Martin del Rosario (season 2) as Ivan ^[8]
• Nonie Buencamino as Nando ^[8]
• Leo Martinez (season 2) as Kanor ^[8]
• Rocco Nacino (season 2) as Flavio Elustrisimo ^[9]
• Klea Pineda (season 2) as Laya ^[8]
• Victor Neri (season 2) ^[10] as Dominador Innocenio ^[9]
• Rodjun Cruz (season 2) as Bungo ^[8]
• Nikki Valdez (season 2) ^[6] as Jessabel Hermosa-Calaycay ^[9]
• Pancho Magno (season 2) ^[6] as Franco ^[11]
• Bernadette Allyson (season 2) as Anna ^[8]
• Boom Labrusca (season 2) ^[6] as Jose Dela Vega
• Michael Roy Jornales (season 2) as Leo ^[11]
• Rob Sy (season 2) as Khaleed ^[11]
• Jan Marini (season 2) ^[6] as Jopay dela Cruz
• Gerard Pizarras (season 2) ^[6] as Joshua dela Cruz
• Tanya Gomez (season 2) as Chona ^[11]
• Archi Adamos (season 2) ^[6] as Delfin
• Rubi Rubi (season 2) ^[6] as Auring
• Karenina Haniel (season 2) ^[6] as Wenggay
• Via Antonio (season 2) as Joy ^[11]
• John Clifford (season 2) as Ricky ^[8]
• Waynona Collings (season 2) as Rain ^[8]
• Inah Evans (season 2) ^[6] as Cinderella ^[11]
• Nikko Natividad (season 2) as Hudas ^[8]
• Nicco Manalo (season 2) ^[6] as Boy Kamot
• Joe Vargas (season 2) ^[6] as Tisoy
• Barbingot Forteza (season 2) ^[6]
• Jennie Gabriel (season 2) as Roxie ^[11]
• Saviour Ramos (season 2) as Wowie ^[11]
• Kate Yalung (season 2) as Mila ^[11]
• Jim Pebanco (season 2) as Nunez ^[11]
• Drey Lampago (season 2) as Tres ^[8]
• Ryrie Sophia (season 2) as Gelai ^[8]
• Aljohn Banaira (season 2) as Memot

Guest cast

• Leandro Baldemor ^[5] as Raul Candelaria
• Priscilla Almeda ^[5] as Gloria Candelaria
• Pokwang ^[12] as Coring
• Sue Prado as Riza dela Torre
• Luke Conde as Benjo Dominguez
• Vin Abrenica as Diego ^[13]
• Thea Tolentino ^[13] as Celia
• Lucho Ayala ^[13] as Victor
• Rafael Rosell ^[13] as Reyes
• Ryan Eigenmann as Delfin
• Mon Confiado as Luciano
• Michelle Dee (season 2) ^[6] as Apo Ayong
• Vangie Labalan (season 2) as Tonette ^[11]
• Juancho Trivino (season 2) as Hector ^[11]
• Chai Fonacier (season 2) as Mercy ^[11]
• Marcus Madrigal (season 2) as Tigreal ^[11]
• Kim Perez (season 2) as Miyo ^[11]
• Don Umali (season 2) as Alex ^[11]

Episodes

Series overview

Season	Episodes		Originally released
			First released	Last released
1	65		July 4, 2022 (2022-07-04) [14]	September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30) [15]
2	24		January 20, 2025 (2025-01-20) [16]	TBA

Season 1 (2022)

Lolong episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original release date
1	1 [17]	"Premiere"	July 4, 2022 (2022-07-04)
2	2 [18]	"Lolong and Elsie"	July 5, 2022 (2022-07-05)
3	3 [19]	"Lolong and Madam Dona"	July 6, 2022 (2022-07-06)
4	4 [20]	"Lolong and Daks"	July 7, 2022 (2022-07-07)
5	5 [21]	"Lolong and Karina"	July 8, 2022 (2022-07-08)
6	6 [22]	"Sunog"(transl. fire)	July 11, 2022 (2022-07-11)
7	7 [23]	"Lolong Meets Bella"	July 12, 2022 (2022-07-12)
8	8 [24]	"Atubaw"	July 13, 2022 (2022-07-13)
9	9 [25]	"Palaban"(transl. fighter)	July 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
10	10 [26]	"Hostage"	July 15, 2022 (2022-07-15)
11	11 [27]	"Bayani"(transl. hero)	July 18, 2022 (2022-07-18)
12	12 [28]	"Distance"	July 19, 2022 (2022-07-19)
13	13 [29]	"Pasabog"(transl. explosion)	July 20, 2022 (2022-07-20)
14	14 [30]	"Justice for Narsing"	July 21, 2022 (2022-07-21)
15	15 [31]	"Palayain si Narsing"(transl. free Narsing)	July 22, 2022 (2022-07-22)
16	16 [32]	"Lolong, Arman and Dona"	July 25, 2022 (2022-07-25)
17	17 [33]	"Dona Cares"	July 26, 2022 (2022-07-26)
18	18 [34]	"Bati Tayo" (transl. we are good)	July 27, 2022 (2022-07-27)
19	19 [35]	"Huli Ka, Lolong" (transl. caught you, Lolong)	July 28, 2022 (2022-07-28)
20	20 [36]	"Laban, Tiya Ninang" (transl. fight, aunt Ninang)	July 29, 2022 (2022-07-29)
21	21 [37]	"Laglagan" (transl. dropping)	August 1, 2022 (2022-08-01)
22	22 [38]	"Sakripisyo" (transl. sacrifice)	August 2, 2022 (2022-08-02)
23	23 [39]	"Karina, Get Get Out"	August 3, 2022 (2022-08-03)
24	24 [40]	"Chicken"	August 4, 2022 (2022-08-04)
25	25 [41]	"Bagong Mayor" (transl. new mayor)	August 5, 2022 (2022-08-05)
26	26 [42]	"Takas" (transl. escape)	August 8, 2022 (2022-08-08)
27	27 [43]	"Atubaw Reveal"	August 9, 2022 (2022-08-09)
28	28 [44]	"Dakila vs. Armando"	August 10, 2022 (2022-08-10)
29	29 [45]	"Daks, Tago" (transl. Daks, hide)	August 11, 2022 (2022-08-11)
30	30 [46]	"Lolong, Save Dakila"	August 12, 2022 (2022-08-12)

Lolong: Bagong Yugto

Lolong: Bagong Yugto episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original release date
31	1 [47]	"Bagong Yugto"(transl. new chapter)	August 15, 2022 (2022-08-15)
32	2 [48]	"Lolong and the Tinago"	August 16, 2022 (2022-08-16)
33	3 [49]	"Lolong vs. Diego"	August 17, 2022 (2022-08-17)
34	4 [50]	"Lolong and Martin Kidnap"	August 18, 2022 (2022-08-18)
35	5 [51]	"Lolong vs. Armando"	August 19, 2022 (2022-08-19)
36	6 [52]	"Tinago Battle"	August 22, 2022 (2022-08-22)
37	7 [53]	"Atubaw vs. Armando"	August 23, 2022 (2022-08-23)
38	8 [54]	"Lolong vs. Elsie"	August 24, 2022 (2022-08-24)
39	9 [55]	"Lolong Reveal"	August 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
40	10 [56]	"One Has to Die"	August 26, 2022 (2022-08-26)
41	11 [57]	"Martin vs. Armando"	August 29, 2022 (2022-08-29)
42	12 [58]	"Bagong Kakampi"(transl. new ally)	August 30, 2022 (2022-08-30)
43	13 [59]	"Atu Bros"	August 31, 2022 (2022-08-31)
44	14 [60]	"Sugod Bahay"(transl. house invasion)	September 1, 2022 (2022-09-01)
45	15 [61]	"Escape Plan"	September 2, 2022 (2022-09-02)
46	16 [62]	"Wanted: Atubaw"	September 5, 2022 (2022-09-05)
47	17 [63]	"Lucas is Back"	September 6, 2022 (2022-09-06)
48	18 [64]	"Celia for Sale"	September 7, 2022 (2022-09-07)
49	19 [65]	"A Betrayal"	September 8, 2022 (2022-09-08)
50	20 [66]	"Kapatid Reveal"(transl. sibling reveal)	September 9, 2022 (2022-09-09)
51	21 [67]	"Martin vs. Lucas"	September 12, 2022 (2022-09-12)
52	22 [68]	"Lolong vs. Victor"	September 13, 2022 (2022-09-13)
53	23 [69]	"Timebomb"	September 14, 2022 (2022-09-14)
54	24 [70]	"Lolong's Return to Tinago"	September 15, 2022 (2022-09-15)
55	25 [71]	"Lolong or Martin"	September 16, 2022 (2022-09-16)
56	26 [72]	"Lolong, Save Elsie"	September 19, 2022 (2022-09-19)
57	27 [73]	"Punong Buwaya"(transl. head crocodile)	September 20, 2022 (2022-09-20)
58	28 [74]	"Huling Atubaw"(transl. final Atubaw)	September 21, 2022 (2022-09-21)
59	29 [75]	"Lolong and Armando Face Off"	September 22, 2022 (2022-09-22)
60	30 [76]	"Truth or Lie"	September 23, 2022 (2022-09-23)
61	31 [77]	"Lolong to the Rescue"	September 26, 2022 (2022-09-26)
62	32 [78]	"Laban, Karina"(transl. fight, Karina)	September 27, 2022 (2022-09-27)
63	33 [79]	"Lolong Returns"	September 28, 2022 (2022-09-28)
64	34 [80]	"Halimaw" (transl. monster)	September 29, 2022 (2022-09-29)
65	35 [81]	"Season Finale"	September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)

Development

Broadcast journalist Jessica Soho came up with the series' concept of conflict between humans and a crocodile, which was featured in her show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho . ^[82] Lolong is named after a crocodile of the same name, which was known as the world's largest crocodile in captivity. ^[83] A 6.7 meters (22 ft) long animatronic, enhanced by computer-generated imagery was used to depict the crocodile "Dakila". ^[84]

Casting

In October 2020, Philippine actress Sanya Lopez left the series due to joining the drama series First Yaya . ^[85] Kim Domingo was also initially attached to appear in the series. ^[86]

Production

Principal photography commenced in July 2021 in Quezon. ^[87] It was halted in August 2021 due to the enhanced community quarantine in National Capital Region caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ^[88]

Ratings

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in television homes, the pilot episode of Lolong earned a 17.7% rating. ^[14] The season 1 finale scored a 19.3% rating. ^[15] The season 2 premiere achieved a 10.8% rating. ^[89]

Accolades

Accolades received by Lolong

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref.
2022	Gawad Pilipino Awards	Best Primetime Series	Lolong	Won	[90]
	Asian Academy Creative Awards	Best Visual or Special FX (TV or Feature Film)		Won	[91]

Notes

1. Season 2 (2025).

References

1. Ruiz, Marah (June 22, 2022). "Jeremiah Tiangco sings Rivermaya's "214" for Lolong". GMA Network . Retrieved January 20, 2025.
2. "Lolong Full Episodes (PH Exclusive) - YouTube". YouTube . Retrieved May 5, 2024.
3. "Lolong Season 2 - Bayani ng Bayan (Full Episodes) - YouTube". YouTube . Retrieved January 21, 2025.
4. Policarpio, Allan (March 23, 2021). "Ruru and Shaira out to prove love teams need not have real lovers to succeed". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved May 31, 2021.
5. Solis, Lolit (July 18, 2021). "Direk Andoy, maraming pinatamaan sa 'basura'". The Philippine Star . Retrieved July 19, 2021.
6. "Ruru Madrid returns to primetime with Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan". GMA Network . January 15, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
7. Wang, Nickie (April 8, 2021). "Why is Ruru feeling deeply honored and ecstatic these days?". Manila Standard . Retrieved May 31, 2021.
8. "Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan cast". GMA Network . Retrieved February 16, 2025.
9. "Ang mga tauhan ng Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan (Online exclusive): Lolong 2". YouTube . January 19, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
10. "Primetime's top adventure series Lolong returns for season 2". LionhearTV. October 27, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
11. "Lolong 2: Ang pagbabalik ng bayani! (Full Episode 1) January 20, 2025". YouTube . January 20, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
12. Godinez, Bong (April 7, 2023). "Pokwang: Through heartbreaks, hardships, happiness". PEP. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
13. Mataro, RJ (August 26, 2022). "Ruru Madrid admits that his role in Lolong is his most tiring yet". LionhearTV. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
14. "Top-rating Lolong maintains a 16%-17% rating for its pilot week!". LionhearTV. July 14, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
15. "Finale episode ng Lolong, umalagwa ang ratings; Start-Up PH kumusta ang pilot week?". PEP. October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
16. "Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan, Tanong Ng Bayan to air in January 2025". PEP. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
17. "Premiere". Facebook .
18. "Lolong and Elsie". Facebook.
19. "Lolong and Madam Dona". Facebook.
20. "Lolong and Daks". Facebook.
21. "Lolong and Karina". Facebook.
22. "Sunog". Facebook.
23. "Lolong Meets Bella". Facebook.
24. "Atubaw". Facebook.
25. "Palaban". Facebook.
26. "Hostage". Facebook.
27. "Bayani". Facebook.
28. "Distance". Facebook.
29. "Pasabog". Facebook.
30. "Justice for Narsing". Facebook.
31. "Palayain si Narsing". Facebook.
32. "Lolong, Arman and Dona". Facebook.
33. "Dona Cares". Facebook.
34. "Bati Tayo". Facebook.
35. "Huli Ka, Lolong". Facebook.
36. "Laban, Tiya Ninang". Facebook.
37. "Laglagan". Facebook.
38. "Sakripisyo". Facebook.
39. "Karina, Get Get Out". Facebook.
40. "Chicken". Facebook.
41. "Bagong Mayor". Facebook.
42. "Takas". Facebook.
43. "Atubaw Reveal". Facebook.
44. "Dakila vs. Armando". Facebook.
45. "Daks, Tago". Facebook.
46. "Lolong, Save Dakila". Facebook.
47. "Bagong Yugto". Facebook.
48. "Lolong and the Tinago". Facebook.
49. "Lolong vs. Diego". Facebook.
50. "Lolong and Martin Kidnap". Facebook.
51. "Lolong vs. Armando". Facebook.
52. "Tinago Battle". Facebook.
53. "Atubaw vs. Armando". Facebook.
54. "Lolong vs. Elsie". Facebook.
55. "Lolong Reveal". Facebook.
56. "One Has To Die". Facebook.
57. "Martin vs. Armando". Facebook.
58. "Bagong Kakampi". Facebook.
59. "Atu Bros". Facebook.
60. "Sugod Bahay". Facebook.
61. "Escape Plan". Facebook.
62. "Wanted: Atubaw". Facebook.
63. "Lucas is Back". Facebook.
64. "Celia For Sale". Facebook.
65. "A Betrayal". Facebook.
66. "Kapatid Reveal". Facebook.
67. "Martin vs. Lucas". Facebook.
68. "Lolong vs. Victor". Facebook.
69. "Timebomb". Facebook.
70. "Lolong's Return to Tinago". Facebook.
71. "Lolong or Martin". Facebook.
72. "Lolong, Save Elsie". Facebook.
73. "Punong Buwaya". Facebook.
74. "Huling Atubaw". Facebook.
75. "Lolong and Armando Face Off". Facebook.
76. "Truth or Lie". Facebook.
77. "Lolong to the Rescue". Facebook.
78. "Laban, Karina". Facebook.
79. "Lolong Returns". Facebook.
80. "Halimaw". Facebook.
81. "Season Finale". Facebook.
82. Malig, Kaela (June 2, 2021). "Did the idea for action series Lolong come from Jessica Soho?". GMA Network . Retrieved January 20, 2025.
83. "GMA Network raises the bar with nearly 100 new, cutting-edge programs". Manila Bulletin . April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
84. Viernes, Franchesca (May 31, 2021). "Watch: Lolong teaser introduces its 'highest paid actor,' the crocodile 'Dakila'". GMA Network . Retrieved January 20, 2025.
85. Anarcon, James Patrick (October 13, 2020). "Sanya Lopez pulled out of Lolong to replace Marian Rivera in First Yaya". PEP. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
86. Anarcon, James Patrick (October 8, 2020). "Shaira Diaz chosen as Ruru Madrid's leading lady; what happened to Sanya Lopez, Kim Domingo?". PEP. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
87. Gacura, TJ (October 3, 2021). "10 upcoming GMA Network shows already started their lock-in tapings this last quarter of 2021". LionhearTV. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
88. "Lolong at Voltes V: Legacy, tigil-taping dahil sa ECQ". PEP. August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
89. "Ratings: Lolong vs Batang Quiapo; Mga Batang Riles vs Incognito". PEP. January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
90. Ruiz, Marah (September 16, 2022). "Lolong won Best Primetime Series at Galad Pilipino Awards 2022". GMA Network . Retrieved November 17, 2024.
91. "GMA's Lolong won at 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winner for Best VFX/Special Effects". Manila Bulletin . September 16, 2022.

External links

• Official website
• Lolong at IMDb