Since GMA Network announced Pulang Araw, I was already looking forward to this ambitious production. Especially since I’ve longed for a Filipino historical drama for years. Maria Clara at Ibarra whet the appetite. Pulang Araw, I hoped, would feed that hunger.
After watching the first episode last weekend, I of course loved the stunning visuals. And I appreciated the scope. But I had my doubts about how this potentially 100-episode series would eventually play out.
As with every Filipino teleserye, I don’t know if I can keep up with a daily series. But after watching the rest of this first week of Pulang Araw, I might be a bit more motivated to do so.
So for now, I won’t necessarily be recapping every episode like I do other series I follow closely. But I’ve decided to write down my thoughts about each week’s episodes. I think other than appreciating aspects of the series that deserve the appreciation, it will be fascinating to track how the series does eventually play out during its run.
One of the things I liked the most about this first week of episodes is their basic format. Basically splitting episodes between “the past” and “the present”. That is, “the present” being our main characters in the middle of World War II and “the past” depicting their childhood ten years before.
That allows the series to deliver the usual (and necessary) childhood backstory phase of the overall story. But subtly allowing those scenes to support and highlight the (for now) quick peeks at the present day war-torn Philippines. Not focusing solely on one period or another offers up a refreshing approach to telling what really is a very familiar Filipino teleserye plot.
At least, one that has a very different and unique setting from the norm.
Pulang Araw centers around the friendship of the four characters played by Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco and Alden Richards. Barbie and Alden as siblings Adelina and Eduardo, Sanya as Adelina’s half-sister Teresita and David as Hiroshi, the son of Japanese immigrants.
These first episodes feature their younger versions wonderfully brought to life by Franchesco Maafi, Cassy Lavarias, Cheska Maranan and Miguel Diokno. And what’s interesting for me is I kinda want to spend a lot more time with the younger versions of our main characters.
As is often the case on Filipino teleseryes, sometimes the younger versions of main characters and that childhood backstory can be much more engaging and interesting than the adult characters. One of the most infamous examples is ABS-CBN’s Agua Bendita where Xyriel Manabat’s charming performance and the endearing child-focused story delayed the “growing up” moment for the title character, angering the actress (and her family) who was supposed to take over for the adult version.
Here on Pulang Araw, the scenes in 1931 offer up this endearing sense of nostalgia and innocence. Partly the innocence of the Philippines under American rule, not knowing the horrors that would arrive with World War II. But innocence mostly with the children who are at first protected from the impending danger of the times.
This is like the calm before the storm that is World War II and Japanese occupation. And the scenes with the kids being kids and getting pulled from all sides by the actions of the adults are very compelling.
I think my absolute favorite moment from this week was the baseball game where little Eduardo and little Adelina first meet little Hiroshi. It was a touching moment between them and the idea that these kids from different backgrounds and cultures can be friends. But it was also an excellent way to depict the fascinating cross-section of influences in the Philippines at the time. These kids were playing America’s pastime in baseball. Japanese and Filipino children playing in the fields. Lingering consequences from the Spanish colonizers too.
That really was the perfect way to set the stage for the complex feelings and emotions about all these influences on the Filipino people. Filipino nationalism? Growing tired of American rule? Welcoming potential Japanese saviors? I know all of this will be something that I’m sure the series will be touching upon as the weeks go by.
The less interesting parts of the week involved the typical teleserye tropes. That of course includes kabits and infidelity and abusive parents/relatives. All of the scenes from Auntie and Uncle causing a scene in revealing Adelina’s identity to her father’s family to the stepmother being cruel to her to the married couple having to deal with that infidelity; it’s all stuff we’ve seen before. Only, this time we get a refreshingly different backdrop of vaudeville performances and classic 1930s automobiles as opposed to 21st century Philippines.
Of course, this is all part of laying the groundwork for our main characters. And even supporting characters, based on the AVP of the series before its premiere. But when there are other more exciting and interesting parts of the series, these familiar things can feel more underwhelming than they might actually be.
Still, those other parts of the series were just that strong to be able to make-up for those oft-used teleserye bullet points.
So again, the highlight of these first five episodes has definitely been the young actors portraying the child versions of our main characters. Their performances and the nostalgic stories of the younger characters just have this endearing and charming feel that draws you in. Very emotional and warm scenes from them throughout the week.
Rhian Ramos also delivered a strong performance in the first episode. But this week’s focus was definitely on the four talented young actors.
And of course the production spared no expense with the period details. Some scenes with the obvious greenscreen backdrops. But most everything else coupled with the sepia-hued visuals do an effortless job of transporting you to this time. Whether it is 1931 or 1943.
What I am looking forward to next is seeing many more big battle scenes of the war. And also not shying away from the atrocities that occurred in the Philippines. Again, it’s something that isn’t often depicted on Filipino television or movies. But I think it’s a great thing to be able to remind everyone of this hugely consequential moment in Philippine history.
And also, definitely hope the series sticks with the little kids a bit longer. Or maybe continue this back and forth between the past and present. Which can go either way. But it would be interesting to see them try to find that balance.
Overall, a solid, if not strong first week for Pulang Araw.