'Pulang Araw' cast shares how they unwind after heavy scenes

“Pulang Araw” premiered on Netflix on Friday, and it's already making waves.

The historical series tells the story of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. With its intense scenes of war and abuse in the first episode alone, the cast says it has been a challenge to let go of the characters’ emotions.

In a junket interview, GMA News Online asked the lead stars Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards how they unwind after their difficult scenes, and they said that they mainly isolate themselves and spend time alone in their tents.

“Ako, lumalayo sa set,” Alden said, adding that it was difficult for him to let go of his character Eduardo’s trauma because what he went through was too realistic.

Sanya said for her, it's food.

“Bibili kami ng pagkain, may magpapaluto sa set. Makakarating nalang ‘yung pagkain sa kani-kanilang mga tent. Pero food talaga ‘yung comfort naming para alam mo ‘yon, para makalimutan ninyo,” she said. “Kasi iba ‘yung pagod din eh, ‘yung init lalo na sa [location namin sa] Pampanga.”

“Ito kasing ‘Pulang Araw,’ ang hirap niyang gawan ng masaya talaga. Kumbaga, seryoso talaga siya,” she added.

Sanya also said that Alden and Barbie are the ones who lift the team’s spirits.

“Sila ‘yung benta lagi sa ‘min. Masyado lang rin talagang… mahirap din talaga, siguro lalo na sa ‘min ni David. Ang hirap na maki-butt in din sa mga ganon lalo na ang hirap din nung role, nung character namin.”

“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.  

Dennis Trillo joins the cast as Japanese imperial army officer, Col. Yuta Saitoh, his first major kontrabida role.

“Pulang Araw” made a strong debut on Netflix via www.netflix.com/PulangAraw on Friday, and was a trending topic on X. It airs on GMA Prime beginning July 29. —JCB, GMA Integrated News