Ruru Madrid says practicing Filipino martial arts teaches him discipline

Ruru Madrid has been passionate about his Filipino martial arts training lately as he prepares for the second season of “Lolong.”

Following the story conference and cast reveal of “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan,” the actor talked more about his experience in an interview with GMA News Online, and said that he is “enjoying every single moment na nag-te-train ako for Filipino Martial Arts.”

More than learning about the rules and techniques, the Primetime Action Hero said that the most important lesson would be the value of discipline.

“Kahit na napakahirap niyang aralin, maraming mga pagkakataon na masasaktan ka, masugatan ka, pero ‘yun ‘yung magpapatibay sa ‘yo,” Ruru said.

“Lalong lalawak o hahaba pa ‘yung patience mo eh,” he added.

Ruru said that although it is difficult and beginners may want to quit, the struggles are all worth it in the end.

“Napaka sarap sa puso pagka nakukuha mo na ‘yung tamang galaw.”

The actor also hopes that he will be able to introduce FMA to the Filipino audience through his character, Lolong.

“Kasi most of the time, syempre sanay tayo na boxing, Muay Thai—I’m not saying na hindi dapat natin siya maaral, but you know, bago muna natin gawin ‘yung mga ‘yon, mahalin muna natin ‘yung sariling atin which is Filipino martial arts,” Ruru said.

“Marami ang mga nasa FMA community ang umaasa na maipalabas ‘to sa atin because most of the time, sa abroad siya eh. Like most of the time, ginamit siya sa ‘John Wick,’ ginamit siya sa ‘Arrow’ ni Stephen Amell, pero dito sa atin, wala talagang gumagamit. So, you know, ‘yun ‘yung sana gusto kong mapakilala sa bawat Pilipino mula dito sa ‘Lolong,’” he added. “Napakaraming magandang sistema dito.”

“Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” takes place four years after the first season, with the titular character Lolong, now a masked hero helping maintain the peace in their small town.

The show premieres on GMA Prime in January 2025.

The first season of “Lolong” premiered in 2022 and followed the title character who had an unlikely friendship with a giant crocodile named Dakila. The adventure series also tackled themes of family, friendship, and the environment.

During its run in 2022, “Lolong” became the most watched TV show in the Philippines.

Soon after its season finale, Ruru teased that Lolong would be making a comeback. —JCB, GMA Integrated News