Sanya Lopez says saving love for one's self is important: 'Sometimes, it's OK to be selfish'

Sanya Lopez admitted that she often has a hard time relating to her character in “Pulang Araw,” because of her self-sacrificing tendencies.

In the highly anticipated series, the First Lady of Primetime plays Teresita Borromeo, a vaudeville star and the caring older sister of Adelina, played by Barbie Forteza. Sanya describes her as somebody who is “Sobrang selfless.”

“Masyado siyang mapagmahal, to the point na kaya na niyang i-sacrifice ‘yung sarili niya [para lang] sa mga taong mahal niya,” Sanya told GMA News Online during a set visit to “Pulang Araw.”

In real life though, Sanya said that she cannot be as selfless as Teresita.

“Hindi mo mapapantayan eh. Ganun ‘yung level ng pagiging selfless niya,” she said. “Ibang klase yung pagmamahal ni Teresita,” Sanya said. “Actually kahit ako eh, minsan ang hirap maka-relate. ‘Yung talagang, kaya mong gawin ‘yun, Teresita?’ Maiiyak ka nalang sa kanya, ganun.”

She added, “Nandun ako sa may moment na kailangan mo i-sacrifice ‘yung mga bagay na ‘to for the sake of a great opportunity. Kumbaga, parang mas may magaganda kasing mangyayari pa, bakit kailangan mong i-sacrifice yung bagay na ‘to.”

For Sanya, when she loves somebody, she makes sure to save some for herself. She shared a quote she randomly saw on TikTok, “Sometimes, it’s OK to be selfish.”

“Not because gusto mo lang maging selfish but at the end of the day, ikaw lang din sa sarili mo ang magliligtas sa sarili mo,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s OK to be selfish. OK rin naman maging selfless, pero timbangin natin.”

“Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends: Adelina (Barbie), Teresita (Sanya), Hiroshi (David Licauco), and Eduardo (Alden Richards). 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. —JCB, GMA Integrated News