Alden Richards says 'Pulang Araw' is a reminder of 'who we are' as Filipinos

Alden Richards hopes that the Filipino youth would give "Pulang Araw" the time of day, because of its strong patriotic message.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News' Lyn Ching aired on "Unang Hirit" on Tuesday, Alden said, "I think that's the purpose of 'Pulang Araw' right now, for the youth especially."

"'Pulang Araw' serves as a reminder of who we really are," Asia's Multimedia Star added. "We are Filipinos, we have to be proud of being Filipinos.'

Alden and his co-stars Sanya Lopez, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco were then asked: "In real life, how would you survive it (Japanese occupation)?"

"We are always at the mercy of a powerful country," Alden answered, "and siguro I'd like to say maybe hanggang ngayon, may ganoong aspeto pa rin sa buhay natin."

"Pero ako, if I were to be asked that queston, I will always fight for what is right for all of us," he added.

“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 July 26, and was a trending topic on X. It airs on GMA Prime beginning July 29.