Ahead of Dennis Trillo’s ‘Pulang Araw’ debut, Jay Ortega shares snap of Akio with Yuta Saitoh

Who is excited for Dennis Trillo’s debut in “Pulang Araw?”

On X (formerly Twitter), Jay Ortega, who plays the role of Akio Watanabe in the series, shared a snap of him with the Kapuso Drama King, who portrays the character of Japanese Imperial Army Officer Col. Yuta Saitoh.

“Tapos na kami mag TikTok, trabaho na tayo Saitoh chuusa!!” Jay wrote in his August 18 post.

Dennis is set to make his “Pulang Araw” debut on Wednesday, August 21 — his first-ever major kontrabida role.

In a "24 Oras" interview, Dennis said that he had always wanted to play an antagonist role.

"Matagal ko na 'tong hinihintay eh. Matagal ko nang hinintay ang ganitong klaseng project, ganitong kabigat na character. Ngayon naman as a kontrabida. May kaunting pressure pero mas nandoon ako sa importansya sa pagkakaroon ko ng challenge bilang artist, bilang artista," he said.

According to him, he did not have second thoughts when accepting the role of a Japanese soldier.

Set before and during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, "Pulang Araw" follows the story of four childhood friends who face different struggles as war erupts in the country.

It also stars Barbie Forteza as Adelina, David Licauco as Hiroshi, and Alden Richards as Eduardo.

Other cast members include Rochelle Pangilinan, Ashley Ortega, Angelu De Leon, Neil Ryan Sese, and more, with special participation from Rhian Ramos, Julie Anne San Jose, and more.

"Pulang Araw" airs weeknights on GMA Prime at 8 p.m. after "24 Oras." It is also streaming on Netflix.

Tapos na kami mag tiktok, trabaho na tayo Saitoh chuusa!!????#PulangAraw #PulangArawEp18 pic.twitter.com/B5362knluZ

— Jay Ortega (@ortegajay_) August 18, 2024

— Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News