“Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” premiered on Monday to much hype from fans.

Ruru Madrid thanked Kapuso viewers for the support during a guesting on “Unang Hirit” on Tuesday morning.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nakanood ng ‘Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan’ kagabi,” he said.

“Napaka sarap po sa puso makatanggap ng mga magagandang komento,” the Kapuso Primetime Hero added. “At marami na ring nag-po-post na mga magulang na may mga batang gumagaya na rin kay Lolong o kay Bangkil, kaya thank you.”

Ruru said that just to be given a sequel is an honor, and that he is “very grateful.”

He added that he hopes viewers will continue watching the series, saying there are new cast members and stunts to look forward to.

“So ‘yung mga ‘di namin nagagawa noon, nung Season 1, this time… mas dambuhala na,” he said.

In the action-packed premiere, Lolong and Elsie’s (Shaira Diaz) wedding was interrupted by a troop of villains, leading to a bloody encounter.

The villains also ransacked a bus hoping to find an “Atubaw,” or a tribe who live with crocodiles and have the ability to heal themselves quickly.

Lolong, who is now a masked hero named Bangkil, came to fight and save his townspeople.

With no one to help him, Lolong called for help from his beloved friend, the giant crocodile Dakila, who immediately came to the rescue.

In preparation for the role, Ruru studied Filipino martial arts.

“Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” airs weekdays on GMA Prime at 8 p.m. after “24 Oras.”

More cast members include John Arcilla, Paul Salas, Rochelle PangilinanKlea Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Martin Del Rosario, and many more. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News