‘Pulang Araw’ cast shares relatable qualities about their characters

These modern-day Kapuso stars can relate to their characters' personalities from the 1940s, too.

Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards of the highly anticipated series “Pulang Araw” shared with GMA News Online that there are qualities from their characters that they resonate with.

Barbie plays Adelina, a vaudeville star. The Kapuso Primetime Princess said she can relate to her character’s habit of keeping her problems and challenges to herself.

“When you’re in front of your family, especially your sister, you’re gonna put on a happy face for them kasi hindi mo na para dagdagan pa ‘yung burden nila kasi may sarili silang problema,” Barbie told GMA News Online during a set visit to Sampaloc, Manila. “So ‘yung mga problema mo, sasarilihin mo na lang. I feel that."

David said he likes how Hiroshi, a Japanese migrant, is the type to weigh his options and priorities.

“At the same time, I would think na he empathizes with the people he loves, so lagi niyang iniisip ‘yung ibang tao rather than ‘yung sarili niya,” the Pambansang Ginoo said.

Similarly, Sanya is interested in her character Teresita’s selflessness. Teresita is also a vaudeville star and is Adelina’s older sister.

“May mga moments na kailangan natin mag-sacrifice,” she said. “’Yung pagiging selfless kasi ni Teresita, parang hindi mo mapapantayan eh. Ganun ‘yung level ng pagiging selfless niya.”

“Nandun ako sa level na may moment na kailangan mong i-sacrifice ‘yung mga bagay na ‘to for the sake of a great opportunity,” the First Lady of Primetime added.

Finally, Alden. He plays the role of Eduardo, the older brother of Teresita and Adelina with a strong and caring personality for his sisters and friends.

Alden joked that he relates to Eduardo’s “Laging mainit ulo. ‘Di joke lang,” he laughed.

“Basically, 'yung love for the people that matter to him. I think that’s one of the common denominators namin,” Asia’s Multimedia Star said, turning serious.

“At the same time, you fight for what is right and just for you and for the people around you. I think that’s one of the things na magkatulad kami."

“Ang hindi—malandi siya, malandi si Eduardo. Laging mainit ang ulo,” he said. “’Yun 'yung dalawang attitudes niya na wala sa ‘kin in real life but I was able to channel that to create the character of Eduardo.”

“Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends: Adelina (Barbie), Teresita (Sanya), Hiroshi (David), and Eduardo (Alden). As war ravages their homeland and Japanese forces occupy the Philippines, their dreams, friendships, and loyalties are tested, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. 

More cast members include Dennis Trillo in his first major kontrabida role, as well as Rhian Ramos.

“Pulang Araw” is coming to Netflix on July 26 and GMA Prime beginning July 29.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News