‘Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila’ ends with sacrifice, redemption, mystery

“Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila” bid goodbye to its viewers with a gripping and emotional finale that took fans through an intense rollercoaster of sacrifice, redemption, and new beginnings.

The final episode showed Donatella (Jean Garcia) ending the life of her own son Ivan (Martin Del Rosario), cementing her descent into madness and leading to her eventual confinement in a mental hospital, where she was last seen clinging to the belief that Ivan was still alive.

Meanwhile, Julio (John Arcilla), the story’s antagonist-turned-hero made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to protect Lolong (Ruru Madrid).

As Lolong hovered between life and death, he had a heartfelt, dreamlike encounter with Julio, where the latter asked for forgiveness.

Lolong was briefly pronounced dead, leaving his loved ones devastated. But in true heroic fashion, he miraculously returned to life, gripping Elsie’s (Shaira Diaz) hand as his eyes glowed a striking green.

The show did not end on just heavy emotions. The mood lightened with a joyful celebration for Butchoy and Mimay’s birthday party, where Ayana (Rabiya Mateo) surprised everyone by showing up with cake and joining the festivities.

However, it seems like the story does not simply end there.

In a quiet yet symbolic scene, Lolong and Elsie introduced Butchoy and Mimay to Dakila, the enormous crocodile who has become both protector and friend. Initially frightened, the children quickly warmed up to the creature after learning he only eats fish, not humans.

Watching over Baby Julia at home was Lola Grasya (Tessie Tomas), who briefly turned to grab the baby’s milk beside her.

When she looked back, she was stunned to see Julia’s eyes glowing gold, a mysterious and unanswered tease that seemingly tells more has yet to be unveiled.

The cast of “Lolong” tuned in together on the season finale with a viewing party.

In Lhar Santiago’s report in “24 Oras,” Friday, Ruru said that he was taken over by mixed emotions.

“Siyempre nakakalungkot na hindi na kami araw-araw magkakasama pero masaya at grateful sa kung ano po ‘yung nabuo ng samahan ng ‘Lolong.’ Masaya at grateful dahil lumaban hanggang dulo kaya thank you guys so much. Salamat po sa tiwala na muli pong mabuksan ang mundo po ni Lolong,” he said.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News