Lolong widens lead in primetime, gears up for more giant surprises

With its compelling storyline, powerhouse cast, and impressive visuals, Lolong is living up to its description as this year's biggest adventure-serye on Philippine primetime, widening its lead against competition week-on-week.

Since its pilot airing last July 4, the Ruru Madrid-starrer has maintained its slot as the preferred show on its time slot, posting double-digit ratings every night.

Based on Nielsen Philippines’ National Urban TV Audience Measurement data for July 4 to 22 (with July 18 to 22 based on overnight ratings), Lolong, which airs on both GMA and GTV on weeknights, recorded a combined average people rating of 16.2 percent. Its rival program, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, only managed to log 12.4 percent average people rating (combined rating from TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Cinemo).

Moreover, last week (July 18-22), Lolong widened its lead over competition to 3.9 rating points from its second week margin of 2.9 rating points.

Beyond the action-packed scenes, Lolong has earned viewers’ praise for promoting values on family, friendship, and the environment. They have found in Ruru’s character a new hero they can relate to–someone whose love for his family and friends inspires him to be a better person. Just like Lolong, Filipinos will do everything for their loved ones.

Viewers, especially the younger generation, are also encouraged to be heroes in their own capacity.

“Kahit na sino pwede maging bayani basta may maganda kang nagagawa para sa bayan at para sa pamilya mo," said Ruru’s character in the series.

In real life, Ruru is grateful for the overwhelming support of viewers on his show. “Nakatataba po ng puso ang mainit na pagtanggap ng mga manunood sa Lolong. Lubos po ang pasasalamat naming mga bumubuo ng programa sa ating mga Kapuso. Sana po ay samahan ninyo si Lolong sa mga susunod pang linggo dahil simula pa lang ito ng mga malalaking tagpo na mapapanood ninyo at ng mga rebelasyong malalantad sa pagkatao hindi lang ni Lolong pero ng iba pang karakter sa Tumahan,” said the Kapuso Action-Drama Prince.

Indeed, Lolong’s journey has only begun.

His Tiyo-Ninong Narsing (Bembol Roco) was blamed for the bombing that the Bansons have plotted. Luckily, through the help of Karina (Rochelle Pangilinan) and Marco (Marco Alcaraz), Narsing’s innocence was proven.

Armando (Christopher de Leon) and Dona (Jean Garcia) are not happy over the release of Narsing. But heartless as the couple may be, their vulnerabilities are revealed in bits and pieces as they recall the cruel fate of their son, Isaac.

Still, the Bansons’ victims long for justice and healing. One of them is Bella (Arra San Agustin) who is now willing to do anything just to uncover their atrocities.

Lolong starts fully embracing his identity as an Atubaw. He continues to become the mysterious masked hero in Tumahan who helps the environment and the people in need.

Meanwhile, the Lolong filter has also been making waves on social media. Netizens continue to share on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, their video of trying out the said feature.

Developed by NMI Creatives in partnership with the GMA Public Affairs Social Media team, the Lolong filter lets a person turn into a crocodile like Dakila by facing the screen.

Netizens who use the filter can have the chance to get featured on their GMA Public Affairs' social media accounts, as well as the chance for a virtual meet and greet with the cast. All they have to do is to tag @gmapublicaffairs in their videos.

In addition to the TV and online experience, Lolong is also set to conquer the road as it beefs up for a nationwide road tour beginning next week. Lolong stars and its popular crocodile character, Dakila, will visit key cities in Mega Manila and select provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Viewers should also look forward to a raffle promo wherein they have a chance to win cash prizes.

Lolong also stars Shaira Diaz, Paul Salas, Malou De Guzman, Ian de Leon, DJ Durano, Mikoy Morales, and Maui Taylor.

Watch Lolong weeknights 8 p.m. on GMA and 9:45 p.m. on GTV. Kapuso abroad can catch it as well via GMA Pinoy TV. Online, Lolong is live streamed on the social media platforms of GMA Public Affairs.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMAnetwork.com. (30)