'Lolong' cast reflects on maternal influence

In “Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila” — airing weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Prime — Ruru Madrid portrays Lolong, whose formidable character is fueled not only by survival but also by a selfless drive to help others. His unwavering grit empowers him to overcome relentless challenges as he ventures into the heart of Manila.

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Along his journey are characters who either provide solace and aid, or cast long shadows of misery and challenge. Just as they add depth to Lolong’s journey and reveal different facets of his strength, the artists behind these characters carry personal stories shaped by the subtle yet strong influence of their mothers. Some of them are mothers themselves who juggle the demands of their profession with the rewarding yet challenging role of motherhood.

Ruru, Jean Garcia, Elle Villanueva, Yasser Marta, Vaness del Moral, and Tessie Tomas explore the impact of their own mothers or role as moms on who they are today:

What qualities of your mom do you admire the most and try to emulate?

RURU: 'Yung pagiging hardworking niya. Kahit na pagod at puyat na siya, talagang hindi niya iisipin 'yun para lang may makain kami sa araw-araw. Hindi na baleng hindi siya makakain basta makakain ang mga anak niya. Isusubo na lang niya, ibibigay pa niya sa amin. 'Yun 'yung natutunan ko sa kanya - 'yung pagmamahal sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga mahal mo sa buhay - ipaparamdam mo lagi sa kanila kahit sa maliliit na bagay. And 'yun din ituturo ko sa magiging future na anak ko.

ELLE: 'Yung pagiging strong niya because she raised me alone. She's a single mom, so I admire na lahat ginagawa niya para sa'kin. I wanna be like her in the future. I wanna be able to raise someone in the future na responsable at may takot sa Diyos. Gusto kong maging independent din and maging powerful na babae.

YASSER: Sobra siya magsakripisyo para sa aming mga anak niya. Iniwan niya 'yung tatay ko para sa amin. Mas inuuna niya kaming mga anak niya kaysa sa sarili niya. Masipag talaga si mama. Sobrang sipag. Gagawin niya lahat para sa mga anak niya.