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GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon applauded the team behind 'Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation)' for their hard work and dedication in retelling the beautiful story of patriotism and love amid war, based on the South Korean drama of the same title, during the height of COVID-19 pandemic.

Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) continues to receive accolades as it earned a commendation from GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.

In a memorandum, the Kapuso chief commended "the creative/technical and production teams and artists of Descendants of the Sun, the first and only Philippine production to have earned the distinction of 'Most Popular Foreign Drama of the Year' at the Seoul International Drama Awards" held in September 2020.

Atty. Gozon also congratulated Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) for being "the first GMA program to meet the international standards of the streaming platform Netflix."

Most of all, Atty. Gozon applauded the show's cast, staff, and crew for a job well done as its production continued with its mission in retelling the beautiful story of patriotism and love amid war, based on the South Korean drama of the same title, during the height of COVID-19 pandemic.

It is remembered that Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) first premiered on GMA in February 2020. However, production was suspended for six months due to the quarantine brought about by the pandemic. Production resumed in September 2020 allowing the series to resume its run on October 26, starting with an eight-day recap. Its final episode aired on Christmas Day, December 25.

In this regard, Atty. Gozon further recognizes the team's "hard work and dedication, overcoming challenges and difficulties set before [them] during this time of pandemic, to ensure that the production of 'Descendants of the Sun' was consistently world-class and something that we could all be proud of."

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado headlined the romantic story of Alpha Team leader Captain Lucas Manalo and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Maxine Dela Cruz, otherwise dearly known as 'Big Boss' and 'Beauty,' in Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation).

From the very beginning, their relationship was off to a rocky start. As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Special Forces, Lucas is always sent off to various missions that last from days to weeks. And with shifts as long and as busy as Maxine's, the right timing was never on their side. She tries to distance herself from him and his dangerous job but instead finds herself unable to resist him. One disaster after another befalls upon them, but their love stands stronger than anything that comes their way.

Also part of the lead cast were award-winning actors Rocco Nacino and Jasmine Curtis-Smith who portrayed the roles of Technical Sergeant Diego Ramos a.k.a. 'Wolf' and Captain Moira Defensor. Much like Lucas, Diego is brave, noble, and willing to sacrifice his own happiness for others -- even if that includes letting go of his girlfriend, Moira. But Moira is tough, headstrong, and won't go down without fighting for the both of them.

Part of the medical team were the series' hard-working doctors and nurses: Pancho Magno as Dr. Daniel Spencer; Renz Fernandez as Dr. Earl Jimeno; Chariz Solomon as Nurse Emma Perez; Andre Paras as Dr. Ralph Vergara; Nicole Donesa as Nurse Via Catindig; Reese Tuazon as Dr. Sandra Delgado; Jenzel Angeles as Nurse Hazel Flores; and Bobby Andrews as Dr. Eric Feliciano.

In August 2019, GMA's Entertainment Group inked a partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines which sealed the Network's commitment to accurately represent the country's military forces.

After months of intense training for their roles, the military team -- composed of Antonio Aquitania as Lt. Col. Bienvenido Garcia; Ricardo Cepeda as Lt. Gen. Carlos Defensor; Paul Salas as Marty Talledo; Jon Lucas as Staff Sergeant Benjo Tamayo or 'Harry Potter'; Lucho Ayala as Staff Sergeant Alen Eugenio or 'Snoopy'; and Prince Clemente as Sergeant First Class Randy Katipunan or 'Picollo' -- assumed their place on the front line.

The series was made more intense by the rebel characters of Neil Ryan Sese as Rodel Dela Cruz; Ian Ignacio as Greg Abad; Rich Asuncion as Janet Pagsisihan; and Carlo Gonzalez as Val.

The family of Captain Lucas was played by Roi Vinzon as Sgt. Major Abraham Manalo; and Hailey Mendes as Judith Manalo; while Dr. Maxine had her mother, Marina Benipayo as Olivia Dela Cruz.

In a series of exciting cameo roles, Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) also featured Tonton Gutierrez as Gen. Cruz; Sophie Albert as Dr. Liza Ayson; Kim Rodriguez as Denise; Addy Raj as Alif Fayad; Ronnie Henares as Manager Ed; Mark Herras as Orly; and Gabby Eigenmann as Sen. Ricardo Santillan.

Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) was under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata.

Check out how they shot the series under the new normal in this gallery: