Netflix Philippines ramped up promotions for Pulang Araw the country’s biggest historical series of 2024, with a star-studded event at The Peninsula Manila Hotel attended by celebrities, press, content creators, and VIPs.

Lead stars Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards seized the spotlight to celebrate the occasion, accompanied by the supporting cast gracing the red carpet. Donned in their 1940s garb from the show, the main cast gave the guests a preview of what to expect in Pulang Araw and their characters.

Alden is committed to giving his best

Speaking to the audience, Alden, who plays Eduardo dela Cruz, shares that the project has been a long-awaited endeavor for him and the production team,

“Nabanggit na po ito sa akin ng aking boss na si Ms. Annette (GMA Executive Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President of GMA Films and GMA Worldwide) sampung taon na ang nakakalipas.”

He also emphasized how profound the story’s impact is in showcasing the experiences and reality during that sensitive period, which he feels many in this generation are unaware of.

“I think this is the most relevant and most important story of 2024.”

Barbie in vaudeville

Barbie, playing the character of bubbly Adelina dela Cruz, appreciates that they were able to spotlight vaudeville in Pulang Araw, taking it as the perfect metaphor for finding joy in the midst of difficulties.

“Kahit sa buhay, kahit na anong kinakaharap mong problema at paghihirap, lahat ‘yun ay kakalimutan mo, kasi the show must go on,” she elaborated.

A narrative that’ll resonate with all Filipinos

Sanya feels that the narrative was shaped by the experiences of Filipinos who went through that hardship during World War II.

“Ito ay pagbabalik tanaw. (…) Itong kwento ay hindi para ibalik sa kanila ‘yung sakit, kundi ipalinaw sa bagong henerasyon kung sino ‘yung mga dapat bigyan natin ng respeto at kung bakit tayo dapat magpasalamat sa kalayaang merong tayo ngayon.”

This sentiment was shared by Alden, saying, “‘yun ‘yung isa sa mga pinanghahawakan ko din. Magbalik tanaw sa kung sino ba ang tumulong sa’ting makamit ‘yun. While doing it (the show), it makes me more proud to be a Filipino.”

Handling challenging and sensitive topics

Because of how heavy the subject is, Alden shared that he struggled to detach himself from the heavier scenes, especially since he views it as a way of honoring the people who fought and survived for the country’s freedom.

“I consider this project as my most important project. It’s a legacy that we’ll be telling—the untold legacy of Filipinos during World War II.”

The sentiment was echoed by Barbie, “Ngayon ko lang naranasan ‘yung ganto sa show; nadadala mo talaga siya pagkatapos, so kelangan mo talaga ng few minutes to really shake it off eh, kasi pabigat talaga ng pabigat ‘yung mga nangyayari.”

What helped, according to her, is how detailed their scripts were and how they allowed her to stay in character, understand Adelina’s depth, and grasp that period better.

Complex characters

For David, who plays a Japanese character named Hiroshi Tanaka, his character’s internal conflict is one of the most interesting things about him.

“It’s a battle of the brain and battle of the heart,” David said. “And pinaka-conflict niya is kung pipiliin niya ba ‘yung bayan niya o ‘yung minamahal niya, which is Adelina.”

Sanya believes her character Teresita is the “embodiment of courage and survival”. “Para sa akin ‘yun ‘yung katangian ng isang magiting na babae, na hindi lang noong panahon ng mga Hapon o ng digmaan, kundi sa panahon ngayon ng mga makabagong Teresita. Na patuloy lumalaban sa mga pagsubok, sa mga panga-abuso, sa pangmamaliit. Na lumalaban para sa kanilang karapatan.”

She also shared her privileged experience of conversing with actual comfort women as part of the preparation for the role, which added a profound layer to her portrayal.

BarDa reunited

Fresh from the success of another historical series that cemented their love team, Barbie and David, more popularly known as BarDa, talked about their experiences working together again in Pulang Araw.

For David, one particular scene made him realize how different Barbie is in this show, “‘yung iksena na nag-I love you ako kay Barbie, dun ako may nakitang kakaiba. Napakagaling ni Barbie Forteza bilang aktres.”

On the other hand, Barbie not only commended him for his Japanese-speaking skills but also applauded David for the growth in his passion for acting.

“Natutunan niyang mahalin ‘yung craft. (…) Ibang David Licauco po talaga ang mapapanood natin dito, and I’m just very proud of him.”

New skill unlocked: tap dancing

With vaudeville being a crucial element of the show, especially for the lead actresses, both Barbie and Sanya detailed their most unforgettable filming moments for these scenes.

“Tap dance classes, bago pa man magsimula ang taping. Ang saya ng experience kasi sobrang lapit sa puso ko si Sanya.”

Sanya was equally enthused with the experience, cherishing the moments she spent training with Barbie,

“Kumakanta habang nagta-tap dance—umaarte habang nagta-tap dance. (…) Masarap sa feeling na meron kaming bagong natutunan para sa palabas na ito.”

The power of love to get freedom

Alden traces Eduardo’s transformation into an indomitable man to his primary motivation—love. The love for his dreams, his family, the person he wants to pursue, and for friendship.

“Lahat tayo ay may ganon eh; lahat tayo may gustong ipaglaban sa buhay at gagawin natin ang lahat para makamtan ‘yun.”

Pulang Araw premieres first on Netflix starting Friday, July 26!

This is a press release. Minor revisions were made by 8List.ph’s editorial team.