Alden Richards admits it was difficult to let go of character’s trauma in ‘Pulang Araw’

Alden Richards admitted it was hard to let go of his "Pulang Araw" character’s emotions and experiences.

At the press conference of the highly awaited drama, Alden said the torture scenes were especially hard to film, despite his personal preparations.

“Mayroon kasing reality aspect ‘yung ‘Pulang Araw’ eh, nangyari siya talaga eh. So ang mahirap sa akin during that time is ‘yung kung pano kumalas dun sa trauma,” Alden said during the series’ grand media conference in Makati City on Tuesday.

In "Pulang Araw," Asia’s Multimedia Star plays Eduardo, a Filipino-American who ends up being a guerilla fighter during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. He is also the caring older half-brother of Adelina, played by Barbie Forteza.

According to Alden, it was especially challenging because the set-up was too realistic. Filming took place in a set built like a concentration camp in a dungeon in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.  Said Alden, the dungeon was dark and filled with smoke, with actors portraying how the Japanese tortured Filipinos.

"it’s very disturbing," Alden said.

“Usually kasi on-off ako eh, hindi ako nagdadala ng character after a certain taping day or shoot day. But for some reason, ‘yung ‘Pulang Araw,’ paulit-ulit nagtatanong ‘yung isip ko,” he added. “Sabi niya, dinanas ‘to ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino. It’s very emotional.”

The award-winning actor admitted "it was something I never knew I would experience while doing ‘Pulang Araw’."

"At one point, meron at meron tayong mga kababayan especially our lolos and lolas or older na dumaan dun,” he continued.

Alden considers “Pulang Araw” one of his most important projects of the year because it tells “the untold legacy of the Filipinos during World War II.”

“Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends: Adelina (Barbie), Teresita (Sanya Lopez), Hiroshi (David Licauco), 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 via www.netflix.com/PulangAraw on July 26 and GMA Prime beginning July 29.

— LA, GMA Integrated News