‘Pulang Araw’ premiere a red-letter day in Philippine history, entertainment industry
In an era when Philippine history is mostly forgotten, turned into "tsismis," or rendered as wordplay fodder, it's high time to bring back its gravitas anew.
An effective and necessary move, for one, is to create a no-nonsense television drama set during the Japanese occupation, one of the most arresting and haunting periods in the country.
The dark chapter in Philippine history is marked with brutal killings, including of children, and abuses, especially of women.
GMA Network is up to the task with its latest drama series Pulang Araw, its debut collaboration with streaming giant Netflix.
Pulang Araw chronicles the lives of Eduardo (Alden Richards), Teresita (Sanya Lopez), Adelina (Barbie Forteza), and Hiroshi (David Licauco) and how their lives are caught in an intricate web of loyalty, betrayals, sacrifices, and resilience against the backdrop of a war ravaging the country.
During the show's premiere event attended by PhilSTAR L!fe, lead stars Alden, Sanya, Barbie, and David graced the red carpet with some of the other cast members.
They also answered questions from the media, gave attendees a glimpse of what to expect in the show, and reflected on its significance not only in the entertainment landscape but also for generations of Filipino viewers.
Alden—whose character is a loving kuya to Adelina and hates his American father even as he joins the guerilla forces that sided with neither Americans nor the Japanese—said the project has been a long-awaited endeavor 10 years ago.
"Matagal na itong nasa baul ng konsepto," he said, adding that it demands to be told to the present generation which, he noted, is caught up in smartphones and social media.
"I think this is the most relevant and most important story of 2024," he said.
On a personal note, Alden believes Pulang Araw is one of the most important projects of his showbiz career, given its weight. He noted that he easily lets go of the characters he portrays. But this time around, Eduardo is different especially since there are traumatic scenes, including those involving torture.
"Paulit-ulit nagtatanong ang isip ko (tungkol sa) mga dinanas ng mga Pilipino. It's very emotional and disturbing," he said. "Kahit inaarte lang namin siya, nararamdaman namin ang trauma."
Barbie—whose bubbly character becomes a star in vaudeville, or the period's entertainment show marked with specialty acts like singing, dancing, and burlesque comedy—said the role is a perfect metaphor for finding joy amid difficulties.
"Kahit sa buhay, kahit na anong kinakaharap mong problema at paghihirap, lahat ‘yun ay kakalimutan mo," she said. "The show must go on."
Still, Barbie couldn't shake off the narrative's hold on her. She cited instances in which she already had to get out of character, like during lunch breaks, yet the emotions lingered anyway.
"Napakabigat ng ginagawa ko na ang mga nasa script," she said, adding she loved how rich its details are.
Sanya, whose character is Adelina's older half-sister and dreams of becoming a vaudeville star, looked back at how fun yet challenging it was to have tap dance classes with Barbie.
"Masarap sa feeling na meron kaming bagong natutunan para sa palabas na ito," she said.
More importantly, Sanya noted the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Filipinos at the time—especially the comfort women—and giving them gratitude and respect.
"Mahalagang malaman natin (ang kwento nila)," she said.
Sanya said the challenges that Teresita faces would resonate with today's women.
"Lumaban siya di gamit ang sandata kundi utak at puso... katangian 'yun ng isang magiting na babae," she said, adding there are modern-day Teresitas nowadays who would face challenges and fight abuses.
For his part, David—whose character is a son of Japanese immigrants—said Hiroshi is "very interesting" because of his inner conflict.
“It’s a battle of the brain and battle of the heart," he said. "Pinaka-conflict niya is kung pipiliin niya ba ‘yung bayan niya o ‘yung minamahal niyang si Adelina.”
L!fe also had the chance to talk to the lead stars more about their respective preparations for their roles.
Alden said he heard his lolo and lola's personal stories again during World War II and recorded and listened to them over and over again.
"The way the writers are writing Pulang Araw is based on the anecdotes of different people who lived during the war," he said. "Kahit fiction siya, ang laki ng resemblance niya sa totoong nangyari."
He also watched war movies like 2016's Hacksaw Ridge starring Andrew Garfield as inspiration, especially for the fight scenes.
Barbie, meanwhile, said one of the production's impressive elements was its attention to detail, especially with the set pieces and costume design.
"Higit 38 look tests ang ginawa namin. Gusto kasi nating historically accurate tayo," she said. "Bukod sa story at direction, ang unang-unang makikita ng mga tao ay ang mga itsura namin at locations."
Barbie also took pride in the fact that Pulang Araw has romantic love elements, especially since her character is paired with David, the other half of their "BarDa" love team which rose to fame in Maria Clara at Ibarra.
"Ang sarap sa feeling na gitna ng giyera, alam mong may taong kakapitan mo. Na alam mong mahal ka, pipiliin ka at the end of the day," she said.
Sanya said that aside from research, she watched several films, including 2001's Pearl Harbor, though focused on its handling of a love story.
She also spoke with her grandparents and comfort women.
"Sana maging way ito para mas mahalin natin ang bansa natin at ang bawat isa," she said. "At the end of the day, tayo lang ang magsusuportahan."
As for David, he had to learn to speak Japanese, including binge-watching anime to master the delivery and evocation of emotions.
"Our portrayal of these characters is not just about entertainment, but has a deeper meaning," he said.
Other cast members of Pulang Araw include Kapuso stars Dennis Trillo, Epy Quizon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Ryan Sese, Julie Ann San Jose, Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega, Mikoy Morales, Aidan Veneracion, and Isay Alvarez. Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, Sef Cadayona, Jay Arcilla, and Robert Seña also have supporting roles.
There's special participation from the United States' Billy Ray Gallion and Japan's Jackie Woo and Maria Ozawa.
The show is under the helm of GMA's veteran director Dominic Zapata (Mulawin, My Husband's Lover) and writer Suzette Doctolero (Encantadia, Maria Clara at Ibarra).
Pulang Araw premiered on Netflix last July 26 and on GMA Network last July 29.