Lolong (TV series)

Lolong (International title: Crocodile Whisperer) is a 2022 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 replacing First Lady. The series concluded on September 30, 2022 with a total of 65 episodes. It was replaced by Maria Clara at Ibarra in its timeslot.

The series is streaming online on YouTube.

Cast and characters



 * Lead cast
 * Ruru Madrid as Rolando "Lolong" Candelaria


 * Supporting cast
 * Christopher de Leon as Armando Banson
 * Jean Garcia as Donatella "Dona" Banson
 * Shaira Diaz as Elsie Dominguez
 * Arra San Agustin as Isabella "Bella" Melendez
 * Paul Salas as Martin Candelaria / Martin Banson
 * Rochelle Pangilinan as Karina Marabe
 * Bembol Roco as Narciso "Narsing" Candelaria
 * Malou de Guzman as Isabelita "Isabel" Candelaria
 * Mikoy Morales as Victoriano "Bokyo" Dela Cruz
 * Ian de Leon as Lucas Morales
 * DJ Durano as Alberto "Abet" Dominguez
 * Marco Alcaraz as Marco Mendrano
 * Maui Taylor as Dolores Baticusin


 * Guest cast
 * Leandro Baldemor as Raul Candelaria
 * Priscilla Almeda as Gloria Candelaria
 * Pokwang as Coring
 * Sue Prado as Riza dela Torre
 * Luke Conde as Benjo Dominguez
 * Vin Abrenica as Diego
 * Thea Tolentino as Celia
 * Alma Concepcion as Ines Candelaria
 * Lucho Ayala as Victor
 * Rafael Rosell as Reyes
 * Ryan Eigenmann as Delfin
 * Mon Confiado as Luciano

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. Lolong is named after a crocodile of the same name, which was known as the world's largest crocodile in captivity. A 6.7 m long animatronic, enhanced by computer-generated imagery was used to depict the crocodile "Dakila".

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

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

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.