ON July 4, a new hero rises on Philippine primetime TV as Kapuso Action-Drama Prince Ruru Madrid headlines GMA Network’s biggest adventure-serye this year – Lolong.

A homegrown Kapuso artist, Ruru is proud to take on the titular role in this latest creation of GMA Public Affairs that tells the exciting tale of a man’s extraordinary friendship with a giant crocodile.

“This is my 10th year in showbiz at ito ang project na ibinigay sa akin. I’m just very lucky at ganito kaganda ‘yung materyal namin, ganito kaganda ‘yung cast. I learned so much from the show,” shared Ruru.

Joining him in this series as his leading ladies are his co-Sparkle artists Shaira Diaz and Arra San Agustin, who play the roles of Elsie and Bella, respectively.

Free-spirited and “woke,” Elsie is Lolong’s loyal friend. Such friendship will blossom into something deeper that will be tested by various forces.

Bella, on the other hand, is a travel vlogger from Manila. Behind her beauty is a mysterious personality that will leave viewers guessing if she is a friend or a foe.

Off-cam, Shaira and Arra have cemented their friendship because of the show.

“Bago pa man, solid ‘yung samahan namin, yung naging pagkakaibigan namin ni Arra,” said Shaira. “Parang kapatid ko na siya. Si Ruru din, ’di niya pinaparamdam na may lamang sa aming dalawa.”

Arra promised viewers that they will be glued to their screen, “Hindi predictable ‘yung love story dito. Abangan nila ang mga mangyayari.”

Lolong’s life will be further surrounded by the characters brought to life by the powerhouse cast members composed of Christopher de Leon, Jean Garcia, Bembol Roco, Malou de Guzman, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas and Ian de Leon.

Adding more color are Marco Alcaraz, DJ Durano, Mikoy Morales, and Maui Taylor.

Set to portray special roles as well are Ms. Gina Pareño, Pokwang, Mon Confiado, Ryan Eigenmann, Leandro Baldemor and Abby Viduya.

As a child, Lolong (Ruru) develops an affinity with animals through the help of his parents Gloria (Abby) and Raul (Leandro). They introduce him to a unique friend – a gigantic crocodile named Dakila.

Immediately, Lolong and Dakila form an unusual bond. Unfortunately, Armando Banson (Christopher), has made it his personal crusade to kill all crocodiles in his small town of Tumahan, saying that the creatures are a menace to their livestock and have been reported to attack and kill people.

Growing up, Lolong keeps his friendship with Dakila a secret. But he also notices peculiar things about himself and would soon discovers that while being special is not a choice, it is his calling – and he needs to answer the call.

The idea of creating a crocodile-themed drama series came from award-winning broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho and Assistant Vice President for GMA Public Affairs LJ Castel.

Dakila, who has been fondly referred to as the “highest paid actor in the series,” is made of fiberglass body and silicone skin. To make him move like a real crocodile, the production team used pneumatic technology and an air compressor, as well as computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Lolong is another primetime offering produced by GMA Public Affairs.

The Clash Season 2 champion Jeremiah Tiangco sang the series’ official theme song, 214, which was originally done by Rivermaya.

Directing Lolong are Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru.