In Lolo and the Kid, we have seen there are some characters who have significantly impacted the lives of the grandfather and grandson duo: Lolo and Kid. Let’s delve into this through the cast and character guide of the film directed by Benedict Mique.
Spoilers Ahead
Lolo
Lolo, played by Joel Torre, is a complex character deeply shaped by his past. He’s an old man who saw hard times when he struggled with addiction and lived on the streets. His character shows a mix of deep-seated pain and an intense, albeit flawed, sense of responsibility. Lolo’s relationship with Kid is both tender and troubled. On one hand, he is a protective and caring figure. Despite his own struggles, Lolo takes Kid in and tries to shield him from the worst of the harsh reality of life on the streets. He looks after him and even involves him in their daily survival tactics. The care is genuine, and his protective instincts are evident in how he shields Kid from everything, teaching him how to be a better human being. He also teaches Kid how to act like the “rich bums,” who are sophisticated and polite, different from the other poor junkies on the street. He educates Kid on how to show respect to everyone and be a better human being. However, Lolo is also deeply selfish. He uses Kid to gain sympathy from wealthy people by manipulating situations to their advantage.
Lolo’s own past experiences have made him cynical about the value of education and better opportunities. He dismisses Kid’s dreams of going to school as he believes that knowing how to get by on a daily basis is all they need to learn, and there is no point in education as the education system has failed him. His reluctance to let Kid go, despite knowing that it might be in his best interests, reveals his fear of losing his purpose and his source of companionship in his forever lonely life. Lolo’s ultimate decision to let Kid stay with the wealthy couple reflects the conflicted love and protectiveness he had towards Kid. He recognizes that Kid deserves a better life and that his own life—filled with hardship and regret—would only hold Kid back. Even though he struggles with letting go, his final caring act is ensuring Kid has a future he couldn’t provide.
Kid
Kid, portrayed by Euwenn Mikaell, is a character who embodies innocence and loyalty. From a young age, Kid sees Lolo as his entire world. Despite the harshness of their lives on the streets, Kid clings to Lolo with utmost love. To Kid, Lolo is not just a guardian but also a companion, and their bond is the cornerstone of his world and makes them “partners forever.” Kid’s life revolves around his grandfather, and he chooses to stay with Lolo despite the difficulties they face. He never fully grasps the extent of his abandonment by his biological parents, as he has always seen Lolo as his only family. For Kid, the streets, with Lolo by his side, represent a sense of belonging and family, even if it’s far from ideal. His desire to stay with Lolo is driven by a deep-seated need to be with the person he loves and trusts the most.
Even when given a chance at a better life with the wealthy couple, Kid struggles with the idea of leaving Lolo behind. He views their life together as preferable to the unknowns of a richer, more stable life where Lolo wouldn’t be present. Kid’s choice reflects his emotional attachment and belief in staying with Lolo. In the end, when Lolo left Kid with the rich couple, he was initially devastated by the separation and unable to understand Lolo’s choice. But he eventually grows up (the adult Kid played by Juan Karlos) with the couple and becomes an educated, successful young man. He graduates from school, works full-time, and leads a fulfilling life. Lolo, on the other hand, continues his tough existence until he ends up in the hospital. When Kid learns of Lolo’s condition, he goes to the hospital and finds his old grandfather there. They reconnect and decide to spend a last few moments together. He was forever grateful for the sacrifices his grandfather made for him.Â
Fatty
Fatty was the guy who bought the stolen stuff that Lolo and Kid took from rich people after their emotional manipulations. Even though Fatty sometimes ripped them off, he was still a crucial part of their lives. They trusted him to sell their stolen goods to Fatty instead of anyone else. When Kid ran away from the last couple’s home to find his grandfather, it was clear that Fatty helped make sure Kid got home safely. At the end of the story, when they meet up with Fatty again, he’s older too. It’s touching to see how they all reconnect. Even as a grown-up, Kid still pulls off some of his old tricks where he swipes things from Fatty’s shop just like before.
Sandra
Sandra, played by Iza Calzado, is a wealthy single woman living in a big mansion. She had a rough childhood—her parents were addicts, and she went from one foster home to another until she was finally adopted by a loving couple. They gave her a chance to get an education and build a successful life, which helped her turn things around. Because of her own rough start, Sandra wanted to give Kid a similar chance. She proposed adopting him and sending him to school and hoped to offer him the same opportunities she had. But later, when Sandra saw Kid and Lolo sneaking away with her things, she didn’t stop them. Having faced poverty herself, she understood their struggles and chose not to press charges or make things harder for them. She knew what hardship felt like and decided to let them go, even though she wanted to help Kid.
Gemma and Allan
Gemma, played by Maryll Soriano, and Allan, played by Joen Bascon, were the first couple in the movie who wanted to adopt Kid. They had tried to have children of their own but couldn’t, so when they saw Lolo and Kid living on the streets, they offered them food, took them in, and wanted to raise Kid as their own. Allan even gave Lolo money to help him out. Unfortunately, they ended up being tricked by the duo, who took advantage of their trust.
John and Norman
John, played by Nico Antonio, and Norman, played by Markki Stroem, were the gay couple who wanted to adopt Kid. They were the first to catch Kid and Lolo stealing from their home. When they chased after them, Kid got hit by a car and ended up in the hospital with a head injury. John, who was like a protective father, was furious with Lolo for using Kid for his advantage. Even though John and Norman could have been great parents, Kid decided to stick with the only family he had ever known, Lolo.
Irma and Joel
Irma, played by Shaina Magdayao, and Joel, played by Alfred Vargas, were the couple who finally adopted Kid. Their own son had passed away from cancer when he was young. So when they saw Kid, he felt like he could be their son, not as a replacement but as a second chance to be parents. They wanted to raise him as their own. Lolo realized that Irma and Joel were the perfect fit for Kid. They could offer him everything Lolo couldn’t—a real chance at a good life. So, Lolo decided it was best to leave Kid with them. It turned out to be the best decision truly, as Irma and Joel turned out to be loving and wonderful parents to Kid.
