Cover The cast of Netflix’s ‘Pulang Araw’ (Photo: Jove Moya)
The cast of Netflix’s ‘Pulang Araw’ (Photo: Jove Moya)
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People behind Netflix’s ‘Pulang Araw’ reflect on the role of mainstream media in enlightening the masses. Hear from the main cast Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, and writer Suzette Doctolero
In the words of Filipino poet and activist Emmanuel Lacaba, “awakened, the masses are messiah.” This statement is especially true for the people who make Netflix’s latest war drama Pulang Araw. Set in the 1940s, this brand new series by director Dominic Zapata taps into the audience’s psyche by bringing them back to the Second World War.
The painful era is visualised through the eyes of its protagonists Eduardo (Alden Richards), Adelina (Barbie Forteza), Hiroshi (David Licauco), and Teresita (Sanya Lopez). The characters, albeit fictitious, strive to present facts that are hundred per cent accurate and well-researched.
At the press conference held last Tuesday, Tatler chanced upon Suzette Doctolero, one of the minds behind this moving war epic. She is best known for her works in Amaya (2011), Encantadia 2005, and the 2016 reboot of the same title.
“This [Pulang Araw] is 12 years in the making,” she tells us in an exclusive interview. “Right after I made Amaya, it was already approved by GMA [Network] but it didn’t come to fruition off the bat. It just came in time today; especially now—the Philippines may be caught between two major countries again...just like before.”
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Above ‘Pulang Araw’ writer Suzette Doctolero tells us about the importance of mainstream media in educating the masses (Photo: Jove Moya)
‘Pulang Araw’ writer Suzette Doctolero tells us about the importance of mainstream media in educating the masses (Photo: Jove Moya)
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Doctolero hints at the escalated maritime dispute between our country and China. On July 12, 2016, the arbitral tribunal that adjudicated the Philippines’ case against the Chinese Mainland ruled overwhelmingly in favour of the former; however, China has refused to recognise this and continues to assert its claims over the contested areas in the West Philippine Sea.
“The reason why we did this is very clear to all of us and [in hindsight] I am grateful that we didn’t do this in 2011 but did it today instead because it is more relevant now than ever,” says Doctolero.
“When we watch we can also reflect and ask ‘Why is this the history of our country? Why do we always become the pawn?’—it’s important that we see this story because history always repeats itself… because we never learn,” she adds.
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Above The official trailer of Pulang Araw
“When we watch we can also reflect and ask ‘why is this the history of our country? Why do we always become the pawn?”
Reflections: ‘Pulang Araw’ main cast
Above The main cast of Pulang Araw on Netflix: David Licauco, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, and Sanya Lopez with host Ayn Bernos (Photo: Jove Moya)
The main cast of Pulang Araw on Netflix: David Licauco, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, and Sanya Lopez with host Ayn Bernos (Photo: Jove Moya)
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The pilot episode was notably moving, evident in the tears it elicited from the audience. From where we were seated, we saw National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and a few others wipe their eyes several times amid the screening.
During their group interview, the main cast—Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Barbie Forteza ponder on the learnings they made while filming and reading their respective scripts for the first time.
“I think many of us forget what’s really important these days,” says Richards. “It seems we have already forgotten to look back on why we are experiencing the democracy we have today. Who were responsible for it, and who helped us achieve it? The hardships our fellow countrymen endured in the past were not easy. Their stories will be given colour and visual representation through this narrative,” he stresses.
For Lopez, the show is meant to honour the lives of those who endured hardships during the Japanese occupation era. “This is our way of paying respect to people whose bad experiences remain vivid for them to this day. This story is not meant to revisit their pain but to provide clarity on the significance of history. Who deserves our respect and gratitude for the freedom we experience today?” she asserts.
Above ‘Pulang Araw’ star David Licauco as Hiroshi (Photo: Jove Moya)
Above ‘Pulang Araw’ star Barbie Forteza as Adelina (Photo: Jove Moya)
‘Pulang Araw’ star David Licauco as Hiroshi (Photo: Jove Moya)
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Above ‘Pulang Araw’ star Sanya Lopez as Teresita (Photo: Jove Moya)
Above ‘Pulang Araw’ star Alden Richards as Eduardo (Photo: Jove Moya)
‘Pulang Araw’ star Sanya Lopez as Teresita (Photo: Jove Moya)
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Pulang Araw is a glaring reminder of why Filipinos should keep fighting for their human rights, according to Licauco. “What we are tackling in this teleserye is also the human rights abuses during the Japanese occupation period. I believe that even in the present time, there are still human rights that we have not fully realised,” he says.
“So, I think what we can really learn from Pulang Araw is how Filipinos fought back then and why we also need to do it now—fight for our human rights,” he adds.
When asked about her first impressions of her role as Adelina, Forteza said that it was interesting how her perspective of the show quickly shifted after she performed heavy scenes.
“To be honest, when I first read the script, my first impression was that it was beautiful, but when I started doing the scenes, it felt so heavy, it hurt my heart so much. During our last shoot in the middle of the war, I was really in a daze because I couldn’t switch off my emotions just like that; you need a few minutes to shake it off after the scenes,” Forteza reveals.
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Barbie and David, together again
Above Pulang Araw stars David Licauco and Barbie Forteza on the set of Zig Dulay's 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' (Photo: GMA)
Pulang Araw stars David Licauco and Barbie Forteza on the set of Zig Dulay's 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' (Photo: GMA)
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Capping off with a cheerful note, Forteza and Licauco tell the press about their newfound understanding of each other. The onscreen partners worked together on Zig Dulay’s Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022) and Aloy Adlawan’s Maging Sino Ka Man (2023).
Licauco admits that despite starring in two different series together, Forteza continues to surprise him with her acting prowess.
“Barbie is a really good actress, so I learn a lot from her,” says Licauco. “I was taken aback by her acting in one of our latest scenes together—the one where I said ‘I love you,’ he adds.
As for Licauco, Forteza says that the actor continues to love acting by the day. “What I discovered about David is that his passion for acting is growing. He’s really learning to love the craft, and it’s delightful to see him diligently studying the Japanese language [Licauco is a Japanese national in the show]. His character is really challenging; he has a lot of internal conflicts, and I see that in his scenes. We’ll see a different David Licauco here, and I am so proud of him.”
Pulang Araw is set to premiere on Netflix on July 29, 2024. It also stars Dennis Trillo, Rhian Ramos, Epy Quizon, Angelu de Leon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Robert Seña, Mikoy Morales, Aidan Veneracion, Jay Arcilla, and Ashley Ortega, among others.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
