On Thursday, August 11, Kapuso star Ruru Madrid stressed that after doing Lolong, he would appreciate whatever they received from the audience.
During the show’s virtual media conference with select press members, including LionhearTV, Madrid said he is just grateful for the opportunity to lead the biggest project of GMA Network.
“When I started showbusiness, ako lang ‘yung tipo na sobrang taas ng pangarap sa buhay. Ito ang pinakamatagal ko nang inaantay eh,” began the actor. “So noong binigay po sa akin ang proyekto na ito, I’m just very thankful. I mean, whatever happens, maging successful man iyan, kung ano man po ang mangyari, sobrang magiging masaya po ako.”
He is happy with whatever the show will receive in terms of ratings for several reasons. Madrid knew he gave it his all, the friendship he made along the way, and the learnings.
“Dahil first, alam ko sa sarili ko na binuhos ko po ang lahat ng makakaya ko para po sa programang ito.
“Pangalawa, ‘yung samahan na nabuo namin while doing this project, hindi rin po matatawaran. I know for sure na habambuhay po ‘yun na pagkakaibigan at hindi na po mawawala iyon.
“At ‘yung mga natutunan ko of course, sa mga veteran actors na kasama ko po dito. Mapa beterano man o bagong aktor, ang dami kong natutunan.”
The lessons he learned from his seasoned co-actors like Christopher de Leon and Jean Garcia, among others, were his most important reason. Madrid stated that he would use it to inspire the next generation of artists.
“I guess ‘yun ang pinaka-naging hindi ko makakalimutan dahil maia-apply ko pa iyon sa mga next project ko at sa mga bago pang generations ng mga actors.”
Apart from being a source of entertainment, the actor was satisfied with the show aiming to spread awareness, especially in preserving the environment.
“I mean this project is bukod sa entertainment na naibibigay sa mga tao, of course, gusto rin naming makapagbigay ng aral na mapupulot din nila lalo na sa mga kabataan.
“Siyempre ang mga kabataan ngayon napapansin po natin na lagi silang nasa gadgets, they’re all playing games sa mga phones nila. Hindi nila naiisip or hindi nila nalalaman kung ano pa ‘yung mga dapat pa nating gawin para sa kalikasan natin.”
The messages from the fans were also appreciated, said Madrid.
“Sa mga natatanggap namin na komento kung kani-kanino po na mga tao, na mga long messages, sobrang sarap po sa puso. Kasi alam po namin na lahat ng pinaghirapan namin, ngayon ay nagbubunga na.”
Currently, he is in South Korea, taping for the upcoming Kapuso reality game show Running Man Philippines.
Lolong is the second-most viewed program in the Philippines, averaging 16-17% during its pilot episode.
