In a time when looking back at history often feels like a distant task, GMA Network and Netflix Philippines' latest historical drama series, "Pulang Araw," finds its purpose in the collective commitment of its lead stars — Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards — to bring a unique yet deeply personal dedication to retelling a chapter of Filipino history.

Richards, portraying Eduardo dela Cruz, reflected on the long-awaited nature of the project, a vision ten years in the making.

"Not many people know, my boss, Ms. Annette (Gozon-Valdes, GMA executive), mentioned this to me ten years ago. Pulang Araw has long been in GMA's treasure chest of concepts. And after ten years, it was given the chance to be made. It's encouraging and a source of pride because many changes have been made to the story and the content of Pulang Araw, but they never took my name out of their minds," he shared during a press conference.

'Pulang Araw' lead stars David Licauco, Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza and Sanya Lopez

He further emphasized that the most important element in making "Pulang Araw" is the theme of freedom.

"When we saw the pilot scenes we filmed, we couldn't wait for many to see it because I think this is the most relevant and the most important series of 2024," Richards continued.

"Whatever freedom we have at this very moment is because of the people who went through hell during the World War II era. This is also something I held onto prior to doing this because, indeed, why don't we tell this story, why don't we give it a picture in the eyes of many, especially in our generation that seems to be all about cellphones and social media, it seems we've forgotten to look back at how we gained the freedom we have today, who helped us achieve it. It wasn't easy for our countrymen. The stories of our grandparents will be given a visual through this project. It makes me even more proud to be a Filipino."

Forteza, taking on the role of the bubbly Adelina dela Cruz, highlighted how Pulang Araw shines a light on vaudeville, using it as a metaphor for resilience and joy amidst adversity.

"As Adelina, I felt the pain of not knowing if I would see my family again the next day. It's such a difficult feeling. Then you have to perform in vaudeville because it's your job. That's hard because everything starts with fear until it turns into anger, sadness, and loss of joy. You don't know if your dreams will ever come true. That's why there are so many takeaways from this show, making it very relevant even today," Forteza said.

For Sanya Lopez, who plays Teresita, the series is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II

"This story doesn't aim to rekindle the pain but to remind the new generations of those to whom we owe gratitude for the freedom we enjoy today," Lopez explained.

"Pulang Araw enlightens us Filipinos about our resilience during the war because, at that time, our situation was hopeless. We didn't know if we would live or die at the hands of the Japanese. During those times, we held on to prayer as our only hope," she added.

Meanwhile, Licauco, playing as Hiroshi Tanaka, a Japanese character torn between duty and love, found his character's internal conflict deeply compelling.

"It's a battle of the brain and battle of the heart. His biggest conflict is choosing between his country or his loved one, which is Adelina," Licauco shared.

"Itong proyektong ito ay makakapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa mga Pilipino, especially sa mga estudyante.

Pulang Araw is a glaring reminder of why Filipinos should keep fighting for their human rights, according to Licauco. "What we are tackling in Licauco, who plays Hiroshi Tanaka, a Japanese character torn between duty and love, found his role's internal conflict deeply compelling.

"It's a battle of the mind and the heart. His biggest struggle is choosing between his country and his loved one, Adelina," Licauco said.

He believes that "Pulang Araw" offers inspiration to Filipinos, especially students.

"This project serves as a stark reminder of why Filipinos should continue fighting for their human rights. We address human rights abuses during the Japanese occupation, and I believe there are still human rights issues that need to be fully recognized today," Licauco explained.

"So, what we can really learn from 'Pulang Araw' is how Filipinos fought for their rights back then and why we need to continue that fight now—standing up for our human rights," he added.

Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Suzette Doctolero, Pulang Araw also stars Sef Cadeyona, Aidan Veneracion, Neil Ryan Sese, Jay Arcilla, Ashley Ortega, Mikoy Morales, Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Angelu de Leon, and Epy Quizon.

The series premiered first last July 26, 72 hours before free TV airing tonight, July 29, 8 p.m. on GMA Prime.