GMA Network is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated period drama series, ‘Pulang Araw,’ showcasing its strength in producing compelling historical narratives.
The series is slated for its television premiere on July 29, but eager viewers can get an early look as it will first stream on Netflix starting July 26.
‘Pulang Araw,’ which translates to “Red Sun”—a nod to the Japanese flag—explores the pivotal years from the end of American colonization to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines between 1942 and 1945. This dramatic series, while featuring fictional characters and storylines, is inspired by real events and individuals from this often-overlooked period in Philippine history.
The series has already generated significant buzz, with its trailer accumulating 5.4 million views across various platforms within just 24 hours of its release. It aims to portray the resilience, sacrifices, and struggles of Filipinos during their fight for independence and national identity.
Kapuso TV writer and creative consultant Suzette Doctolero is the visionary behind ‘Pulang Araw.’ In an interview, Doctolero revealed that she began conceptualizing the series in 2012, shortly after the success of her critically acclaimed pre-colonial drama ‘Amaya.’
“Right after Amaya, ginawa ko na ang konsepto nito. Pina-approve ko sa GMA at in-approve nila. So around 12 years na,” Doctolero stated.
Reflecting on the lengthy development process, Doctolero expressed her excitement about the series’ upcoming release. “Ang tagal kong naghintay…2011, 2012. Finally, ipapalabas na s’ya. [I’m] so happy na binigyan uli ako ng chance na magkuwento ng history natin, ng kasaysayan ng Pilipino.”
In addition to ‘Amaya’ and ‘Pulang Araw,’ Doctolero has also penned several hit dramas, including ‘Encantadia,’ ‘My Husband’s Lover,’ ‘Sahaya,’ ‘Legal Wives,’ and ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra.’
Doctolero emphasized the gravity of creating history-based series, hoping they will educate viewers, especially the younger generation. “Bihira s’yang chance, e, ‘no? Niyayakap ko s’ya at tinatanggap ko s’ya, ‘yong responsibilidad na ‘yon hoping na katulad ng ating mga ginawang historical fiction [series] ay may matutunan ‘yong mga nanonood, lalo na ‘yong kabataan,” she said.
Netflix has been actively promoting ‘Pulang Araw,’ highlighting its upcoming release. The streaming platform announced, “Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Alden Richards with Dennis Trillo make history in action-drama Pulang Araw, streaming first on Netflix. July 26.”
Don’t miss the chance to experience ‘Pulang Araw’—stream it on Netflix starting July 26 and catch it on GMA Prime from July 29.
