5 things to look forward to in ‘Pulang Araw:’ A spoiler-free list

“Pulang Araw” is almost here!

The highly-anticipated historical series is set to captivate viewers as it tells stories about the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, with scenes of war but also, of strength.

Netflix has been dropping impressive trailers one after another, clueing in excited viewers — us! — of more stories lines, giving a sneak peek of the characters' struggles before and during the war, as well as  the incredible production design and artistry.   

Before it premieres on Netflix Friday — and on GMA Network come Monday — here is a spoiler-free list of what to look forward to in “Pulang Araw.”

1. The acting prowess of Kapuso stars. The cast and crew’s heart and soul went into “Pulang Araw” to be able to tell the best stories they could.

Before taping, lead stars Barbie Forteza and Sanya Lopez took on tap dancing lessons to prepare for their roles as vaudeville stars Adelina and Teresita; David Licauco studied Nihongo for his part as Japanese immigrant Hiroshi, and Alden Richards brushed up on his Tagalog speaking to portray guerilla fighter Eduardo.

A watch-through of the series’ official teaser trailer showed the main cast’s hard work paying off and how their acting skills tell various parts of an important era in Philippine history.

One of the trailers also introduces Dennis Trillo’s character, Col. Yuta Saitoh, a Japanese imperial army officer whose mission is to conquer the Philippines. The Kapuso Drama King speaks in Nihongo and already earned the ire of viewers in a quick glimpse of his first major kontrabida role.

2. Compelling and relevant themes to reflect on 

Views on freedom, human rights, and even 1940s entertainment are among the themes viewers can look forward to in “Pulang Araw.”

According to Alden, how past events led to Filipinos’ current freedom is an important factor to reflect on. At the series' media conference in Makati earlier this month, he recalled what director Dominic Zapata told them during their story conference: "Kung ano mang kalayaan na meron tayo at this very moment is because of people who went through hell [during]  the World War II era.” 

He held on to this view all throughout taping, he shared, adding, "Ito yung show na magpapakita na hindi ganun kadali ang pinagdaanan ng ating mga kababayan. ’Yung mga kwento ng lolo’t lola natin sa atin ay mabibigyan ng larawan na biswal sa tulong ng proyektong ito.”

Asia's Multimedia Star said working on the series “makes me even more proud to be a Filipino.”

Meanwhile, Sanya said "Pulang Araw" aims to give respect to the people “na nakaranas ng hirap ng panahon na ‘yon na hanggang ngayon, na sariwa pa rin sa kanila ‘yung nangyayari.”

The First Lady of Primetime said the series aims to enlighten the younger generation of the importance of history. "Palinaw ito sa ating mga bagong henerasyon ngayon kung sino ‘yung mga dapat bigyan natin ng respeto, at kung bakit dapat tayo magpasalamat kung bakit meron tayong kalayaan sa ngayon.”

For David, human rights during the Japanese period is a theme to look forward to.

“I think until now, meron pa ring mga human rights na hindi pa rin naisasatupad, dahil syempre maraming mga problema,” the Pambansang Ginoo said, adding audiences could learn about how Filipinos were back then, “na kailangan nilang gawin ‘yun, ‘yung lumaban para sa ating human rights.”

Finally, Barbie set her eyes on “Pulang Araw” showcaseing the world of vaudeville. “’Yun po ay isa sa mga malalaking istorya dito sa programang ito,” Barbie said. “Napakakulay, napakalayo sa mundo ng giyera.”

She added, “Kumbaga kahit sa buhay, kahit anong kinakaharap mo na problema at paghihirap, lahat ‘yun kakalimutan mo kasi the show must go on.”

3. Alden's action scenes

Alden's character is a guerilla fighter and the one most exposed to war scenes, and according to the actor, he did a lot of his action scenes instead of a body double.

“Talagang ako ‘yung nagpa-harness, ako ‘yung nagpatalsik. So that really adds to the experience of doing this,” Alden said.

“I made it to a point na ako talaga yung lumalapit,” he continued. “Ang daming ganung moments kasi while doing those scenes, nakakadagdag siya sa adrenaline kasi hindi ka na umaarte eh. Talagang ayan na ‘yung explosives sa tabi mo lang eh, sa tabi mo lang eh.”

But Already also had a lot of scenes laden with emotion, which is what David enjoyed the most. The Pambansang Ginno recalled a scene with Alden where they went through a slew of emotions. 

“From happy, naging surprised, tapos naging sad, tapos hagulgol,” the actor said. “Tapos sinuntok ko siya.”

4. Barbie and Sanya's "kenkoy" scene 

Without spoiling anything, the cast talked about scenes they predict that will be the talk of the town, including Barbie and Sanya's "kenkoy" scene.

Barbie considers the scene a super memorable one — one that they shot for a full day. According to the actress, they were so tired but every time Direk Dom called action, their energies would also shoot up.

“Ang gandang experience, ang gandang i-share din sa ibang mga artista dito kasi hindi lang po kami ni Sanya abangan niyo. Makakasama din naming sa entablado ang aming tatay dito, si Direk Epy Quizon,” she said.

But "Kenkoy" moments weren't limited to onscreen. Sanya recalled a "napakabigat" na scene, where she accidentally swallowed her co-actor's sweat. “Alat bhie,” she laughed.

5. Cameos by Kapuso stars

“Pulang Araw” definitely has a star-studded cast, but some of your favorite Kapuso artists are also set to grace the show.

Julie Anne San Jose will have a special participation as Katy Dela Cruz, the queen of vaudeville. Derrick Monasterio, Isay Alvarez, Rabiya Mateo, Jackie Woo, Maria Ozawa, Billy Ray Gallon, and Rhian Ramos will also have special roles in the series.

“Pulang Araw,” is coming to Netflix via www.netflix.com/PulangAraw on July 26 and GMA Prime beginning July 29.