Lobo (TV series)

Production

In 2004, Lobo was already planned as a project by ABS-CBN with the original storyline centering on siblings who are both wolves. Robin Padilla was the first choice of ABS-CBN for the role "Noah" with Claudine Barreto as "Lyka". Kristine Hermosa and Bea Alonzo were also considered but these pairings was scrapped when Padilla transferred to GMA-7. In early 2007, John Lloyd Cruz and Anne Curtis were also offered the lead roles but turned them down due to a prior commitment to return to their roles for the sequel to the television drama Maging Sino Ka Man. The show finally began formal preparations, training, and filming with the transfer of Angel Locsin to ABS-CBN. The management decided to pair her with Piolo Pascual. Heart Evangelista was also offered "Gabriella"'s role now played by Shaina Magdayao. The choice of the dog who portrays Lyka's white wolf alter-ego brought about ABS-CBN's decision to buy a purebred dog named Brasca all the way from France costing P200,000.

Plot

The plot revolves around young lovers Lyka Raymundo and Noah Ortega. Lyka is a young woman aspiring to be a fashion designer and works as a fashion assistant in the House of Elle. Her decision to pursue the arts is frowned upon by her Tita Clara Rivero because, according to her, it is not a practical choice.

Noah becomes a second lieutenant of the Philippine Army. During a crucial mission, he saves Don Manolo Sebastian and becomes involved in the battle between the Luna and the Waya.

Lyka's position as fashion assistant to Lady Elle is foreshadowed by the fact that she is believed to be the last hope of her fellow White Werewolves (a faction/clan of Filipino werewolves): "Ang Huling Bantay". It is through the House of Elle that Lyka crosses paths with Noah, Lady Elle's bodyguard and driver. Little does she know that he is actually her childhood friend, "Jay-Jay" who she thought was long dead. When Lyka and Noah finally meet and fall in love, something had to tear them apart. Something that Noah can never accept. The blossoming romance between the two is hindered by the presence of Gabrielle Dizon and Anton Rivero. Gabrielle is a deep-penetration agent who attempts to distract Noah while Anton is in love with Lyka and will do anything to prove his love.

There are two opposing groups in the story—the Luna and the Waya. The members of the Luna organization have a grudge against the werewolves while the Waya are the protectors of the Lobo (the werewolves), and they want them to co-exist harmoniously with normal humans.

Extended Cast

Guest Cast

Ratings

The show premiered on January 28, 2008 with a rating of 26.4%. This registered a higher pilot reception compared to Palos and Kung Fu Kids in Mega Manila ratings. The series finale got the high ratings of 33.4% (together with The Singing Bee, which garnered 33.2% in the nationwide ratings game according to the NUTAM (Nationwide Urban TV Audience Measurement) conducted by AGB Nielsen.

Theme Song

Lobo's theme song, Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap, (Literal English translation: "You Are My Dream" or "You Are My Desire") was composed by Ogie Alcasid and was originally sung by Martin Nievera. Halfway through the season, a duet version of the song, performed by Martin Nievera and Raki Vega, was introduced.

International release

According to ABS-CBN International Sales & Distribution, the series will soon be shown in different countries in Asia with the English title of She Wolf: The Last Sentinel. ABS-CBN Teleseryes penetrate TV landscape in other countries as it was also set to be aired in Thailand television. The series re-aired again on Jeepney TV starting March 11, 2013.

Sequel

In 2010, ABS-CBN decided to produce a sequel of the series entitled, Imortal. According to ABS-CBN.com, Lia, also played by Angel Locsin, is the daughter of Noah and Lyka Ortega.

A second sequel entitled La Luna Sangre, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, is set to premiere sometime in 2017. The sequel series was first revealed at the company's trade launch on November 22, 2016.