'Lolong' will be an 'eye-opener' to viewers amid pandemic, says Shaira Diaz

GMA Network's upcoming action-adventure series, "Lolong," is not afraid to tackle the big issues of society like the environment and politics.

In a recent online interview with the press, Ruru Madrid said everyone can relate to each of the characters' stories, one way or another.

"With everything happening in the world, our country, people can relate to the show and think, 'That's right, those also happen to us,'" he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

"[It] will be an eye-opener to everyone. Now that we're in a pandemic, I feel like we will be able to reflect with each character because they mirror our reality," Shaira Diaz added.

Mikoy Morales and Christopher De Leon said the story of "Lolong" is timely and socially relevant, as the elections and the campaign period is coming amid the pandemic.

"We'll try to show the viewers how parallel the series is to how systems work, how people with good and bad intentions work," Mikoy said.

"Some of our [characters], mine and Jean Garcia's side, [are] all about the ins and outs of politics," Christopher said.

With a crocodile named Dakila as one of the main characters of the show, Jean said that she wants the younger generation to learn how to respect animals.

"Let's not treat them as experiments or a fanfare," she said. "They have their own world and place. Let's respect and give them freedom."

"The Lord created them not to kill or prey on humans. They're here in this world because they have a purpose. They're not pets," she added.

The full cast of "Lolong" was revealed on Friday. Rochelle Pangilinan, Bembol Roco, Malou De Guzman, Priscilla Almeda, and Maui Taylor, among others, will appear on the series.

Meanwhile, the crocodile Dakila, the "highest-paid actor" of the show, was introduced to the public in May when the first trailer was released.

The cast of "Lolong" is currently in lock-in taping. The premiere date of the show is yet to be announced.

—MGP, GMA News