Actor Ruru Madrid, now billed as Primetime Action Hero, is to return to TV fresh from his Best Supporting Actor win for “Green Bones” at the 50th Metro Manila Film Ferstival.
He is set to star in “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan,” an action-fantasy series.
Note the first season of Lolong was among most-watched show in 2022.
It went on to earn the prestigious honor as “Best Primetime Serye” at the 2022 Gawad Pilipino Icon of the Year.
It also was the country’s National Winner for Best Visual/Special Effects at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
According to Ruru, the second iteration of the show will showcase even bigger action scenes even as it also serves more compelling drama.
He said, “Hindi na ako makapaghintay na mapanood niyo po ito. Sobrang excited po ako dito. To be honest, dalawang buwan lang po yung preparation namin dito pero pinagbutihan po namin ng sobra ang aming ginagawa para mapaganda po yung programa para sa mga manonood.”
How does he feel that he is now seemingly a favorite of the powers that be at GMA, given the string of projects assigned him since last year?
“Sobrang grateful po,” Ruru retorted. “Sabi ko last year, parang yun yung best year ko pero ito na parang tuloy tuloy pa rin e, sobrang grateful po ako.”
“Sobrang nakakataba po ng puso at pagmamahal at suporta na binibigay sa akin na para akong nananaginip sa mga nangyayari. Ang ma-i-papangako ko lang e, magsisilbing motivation sa akin ito to work harder para naman makapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa mga katulad kong nagangarap.”
In “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan,” viewers can look forward to a new chapter in Lolong’s colorful journey, including the new challenges he is to face after he successfully united the people of Tumahan with the mysterious Atubaws.
Apart from Ruru, set to make a comeback on the show are the well-loved characters of Shaira Diaz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Mikoy Morales, Alma Concepcion, Maui Taylor, and Jean Garcia.
Joining Lolong in his exciting new journey are John Arcilla, Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Klea Pineda, and Tetchie Agbayani.
Other big names in the cast: Victor Neri, Nonie Buencamino, Rodjun Cruz, Pancho Magno, Michelle Dee, Nikki Valdez, Bernadette Allyson, Boom Labrusca, Jan Marini, Gerard Pizarras, Archi Adamos, Nicco Manalo, Nikko Natividad, John Clifford, Waynona Collings, Rubi Rubi, Inah Evans, Barbiengot Forteza, Joe Vargas, Karenina Haniel, and Leo Martinez.
Also joining the show are child stars Ryrie Sophia and Drey Lampago.
Directed by King Mark Baco and Rommel Penesa, “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” banners GMA Public Affairs’ ambitious lineup of programming and projects as part of GMA Network’s 75th year.
It will air weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Prime beginning January 20.
