
Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards are confirmed to star in Pulang Araw, the biggest action-drama of 2024.
The four Kapuso stars were among the cast who attended a story conference to discuss roles and the story line of the new show.
“Coming from 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' na parang we really left a mark, the show itself, the team behind it left a mark and really gave a big impact in terms of Philippine history. So now, mas ma-embrace natin ang pagbabalik tanaw sa ating historya,” Barbie said.
Barbie will take on the character of Adelina, while Alden will portray her American half-brother Eduardo.
“I'm very grateful to GMA na ibinigay nga nila sa akin ito because it's basically showcasing my roots na hindi ko na-experience growing up na 'yun nga, 'yung pagiging pagkakaroon ko ng dugong Amerikano,” Alden said.
Pulang Araw will also be a reunion project for Barbie and Sanya, who previously appeared together in the GMA Afternoon Prime Series Half Sisters in 2016. Sanya will play the role of Teresita, Adelina's half-sister.
“Masarap gumawa kasi ng teleserye na alam mong 'pag nagawa mo 'to, maraming mai-inspire eh sa storya na 'to at gusto kong maramdaman 'yung struggle noon ng mga Pilipino kung paano nila nalampasan 'yung World War 2 noon,” Sanya shared.
The two actresses will also take tap dancing and singing lessons as part of their character's bodabil expertise.
The show also marks Barbie and David's onscreen reunion, with David's character being Japanese soldier Hiroshi Tanaka.
“Super grateful na si Barbie 'yung kasama ko kasi kapag kasama ko siya, mas dumadali 'yung buhay ko, of course sanay na 'ko sa kaniya. And you know, somehow, she calms me down whenever kinakabahan ako,” David said.
The other cast members include Epy Quizon, Angelu De Leon, Rochelle Pangilinan, and Aidan Veneracion, among others.
Written by Suzette Doctolero and directed by Dominic Zapata, Pulang Araw will also include real-life experiences of Filipinos who lived through the Japanese occupation.
“Sana in a way, itong 'Pulang Araw' is maging katuwang or kaibigan nila 'pag nagsimula kaming umere sa GMA na hindi sila nag-iisa, alam namin ang mga pinagdaanan nila, at nandito kami para bigyan sila ng pasasalamat at papuri para sa mga sakripisyo,” Alden said.
MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT BARBIE AND DAVID'S KILIG MOMENTS IN THE GALLERY BELOW.