Lolong—2022’s most watched TV show in the Philippines—is set to make history again as it airs in Indonesia this January.
Through the Kapuso Network’s content distribution arm GMA Worldwide, the hit series bannered by Ruru Madrid will be seen on Indonesia’s free-to-air TV network ANTV as Dakkila. Lolong will be the first Filipino title acquired by ANTV.
One of Indonesia’s major TV networks, ANTV reaches 130 million people through its 37 relay stations covering 155 cities across the said country.
According to ANTV, the GMA Public Affairs-produced series perfectly fits the Indonesian TV audience’s taste for the fantasy genre as their viewers enjoy shows featuring special animal characters or mythical creatures.
Lolong tells the exciting tale of a man’s extraordinary friendship with a giant crocodile named Dakila.
The series became a force to be reckoned with in Philippine primetime viewing. During its successful run, Lolong consistently dominated TV ratings, posting double-digit numbers every night. It was hailed as “Best Primetime Serye” at the Gawad Pilipino Icon of the Year 2022 and was the Philippines’ National Winner for Best Visual/Special Effects at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
From a fictional character, Lolong has become a household name, with Filipinos being able to relate to Ruru’s character. Viewers praised the show for promoting values on family, friendship, and the environment.
The show and the cast drew crowds wherever they went. Even its popular crocodile character, Dakila, visited key cities in Mega Manila and select provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The 22-feet long animatronic crocodile even made headlines prior to the show’s airing—with international news outlets reporting on the supposed ‘sighting’ of a giant crocodile ‘roaming’ around Marikina and Antipolo during the show’s promo.
Lolong’s powerhouse cast includes Shaira Diaz, Arra San Agustin, Christopher de Leon, Jean Garcia, Bembol Roco, Malou de Guzman, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Marco Alcaraz, Mikoy Morales, and Maui Taylor.
Directed by Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru, the series stemmed from the idea of award-winning broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho and Assistant Vice President for GMA Public Affairs LJ Castel.
