‘Lolong’ adds more characters as series enters new chapter

CEBU, Philippines — A new journey will begin tonight, August 15, in “Lolong” with the entry of additional characters in this GMA Network primetime series that already features a capable ensemble to begin with.

During a virtual conference to promote the show’s midseason, Rafael Rosell, Vin Abrenica, Thea Tolentino, Alma Concepcion, and Lucho Ayala were revealed to be joining the show as it faces a new timeslot rival via the debut of an iconic superheroine in its latest iteration.

Vin, like the rest of his co-stars, feels lucky to be cast in “Lolong”, that he readied himself like he’s never done before.

“I never prepared for any show as intensely as I did for ‘Lolong’. I’m truly happy [to be part of Lolong] kasi nakita ko yung work na binuhos namin nung ginagawa ang Lolong noon, nakikita ko ngayon ‘yung resulta na finally lumalabas na,” said Vin, who plays Diego of the Atubaw tribe – people who share a long history with crocodiles. Unfortunately, the tribe was massacred years ago. Diego now leads the remaining Atubaws, which include Celia – a pregnant Atubaw portrayed by Thea.

Thea is likewise ecstatic to be part of the action-adventure series. “Sobrang happy ako na naging part ako nitong ‘Lolong’ kasi napakaganda ng storya. Ang pinaka paborito ko about ‘Lolong’ ay talagang mahalaga ang bawat characters lalo na ngayon bagong chapter, talagang mas magiging intense ang labanan,” she said.

Rafael, for his part, noted the dynamics and chemistry among the cast members. “The way I was received as a guest on set, it was very warm, I felt part of the cast right away. I think the whole synergy with the whole cast and crew, that’s what’s creating the dynamics in ‘Lolong’ and it shines through sa mga napapanood ng mga tao and I’m just really honored to be part of that,” he said.

Earlier seen in the series, Rafel returns as Fr. Reyes, who believes that humans and animals have equal rights and responsibilities. This time, viewers will see more of his character as a priest assigned to Tumahan.

For Alma, tasked to play Lolong’s mentally challenged aunt named Ines, this was one role she has been waiting for. Ines witnessed how her tribe was massacred. Despite her mental health condition, she holds a secret that will change everyone’s life.

“Sobrang excited ako dahil sa buhay ng isang actor, maghihintay ka ng ganitong klaseng break at ganito kataba ang utak na script. There are so many projects that will come and go, pero very few lang ang masasabi ko na very unforgettable,” she said. “‘Lolong’ is one of the projects that I’m very proud of.”

Of her preparations, Alma shared, “When I got the part sabi ko ito yung project na talagang hinihintay ko all my life kasi this is my first time to portray a role such as this. So I really talked to the directors kasi iniisip ko yong intensity kung saan ako papasok, kasi baka level 1, 5, or 10. Sobrang na-excite ako because this is very different from all of my roles before.”

Also to be introduced in the series is Victor played by Lucho – Abet’s (DJ Durano) best friend. “To be part of this project, who wouldn’t be happy? Napakaganda ng materyal, napakahusay ng [mga] artista,” said Lucho.

With new characters set to complicate or give aid to Lolong’s life, the characters of main antagonists Jean Garcia and Christopher de Leon will still be as ruthless, if not more.

“Dire-diretso parin, kasi yung hatred ng mag-asawa hindi siya natatanggal kasi sobrang sakit nang nangyari sa kanila,” said Jean.

Added Christopher, “Tuloy ang laban, tuloy ang paghihiganti. Yung vengeance hanggang sa dulo. Lalong titindi pa nga dahil gyera na ang nangyayari among the Atubaws, mga buwaya at tsaka sa amin.”

Ruru, the show’s lead star, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception that “Lolong” has ben receiving.

“I’m just very grateful that whatever happens, maging successful man yan, kung ano man mangyari, magiging masaya ako. Dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na binuhos ko lahat ng makakaya ko sa programang ito,” said Ruru, who was speaking from Seoul, South Korea where he has been taping for “Running Man PH”.

“Yung samahan na nabuo naming while doing this project hindi matatawaran. Yung mga natutunan ko sa mga veteran actors man or bagong aktor na kasama dito, yun ang pinaka hindi ko din makakalimutan because I’ll be able to apply them to my other projects.”

Also starring Shaira Diaz, Arra San Agustin, Bembol Roco, Malou de Guzman, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Marco Alcaraz, Mikoy Morales, and Maui Taylor, “Lolong” airs Monday to Fridays, 8 pm after “24 Oras”. Viewers can also catch it at 9:40 pm on GTV and on the GMA Public Affairs social media accounts.