Barbie Forteza on why Filipinos should watch ‘Pulang Araw’: ‘This is very personal to all of us Filipinos’

Barbie Forteza shared that “Pulang Araw” is the heaviest project she has done so far.

In her interview with Nelson Canlas on “24 Oras,” the Kapuso Primetime Princess said that she had to level up to portray her role as Adelina.

“‘Yung character ko kasi parang magmula bata siya, sinarili niya lahat na parang ‘yung dumating ‘yung giyera, dun siya talaga sumabog na ‘Hindi na pwede ito. Hindi na pwedeng inaapi tayo kasi ako, magmula bata ako, inaapi na ako eh kasi mahirap kami,’” she said.

Barbie continued, “Masasabi ko rin na ito ‘yung pinakamabigat at emotionally challenging for me kasi unlike ‘yung previous projects ko, ito kasi inspired by true events. Hango siya sa totoong kasaysayan natin.”

The Sparkle star also believes that “Pulang Araw” has an important message for Filipinos.

“Ito ay hango sa totoong kwento ng mga Pilipino. Could be your grandparents hindi ba? Kumbaga this is very personal to all of us Filipinos. Sa mga social issues natin ngayon, pakiramdam ko, ito ang isang proyekto na makakapagpabalik ng pagmamahal natin sa Pilipinas at sa ating kapwa Pipino,” Barbie said.

“Pulang Araw” also stars Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, Alden Richards, and Dennis Trillo.

It 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. 

Written by Suzette Doctolero and directed by Dominic Zapata, "Pulang Araw" will premiere on Netflix on July 26, three days before its television premiere on July 29.