Pulang Araw

Pulang Araw
An image of Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards and Dennis Trillo standing in the middle of a forest, with small fires on the ground and a jet in the sky. Richards is holding the Philippine flag. The series title is displayed on the center of the image.
Title card
Also known as
  • In the Arms of the Conqueror
  • Crimson Invasion
GenreWar drama
Created bySuzette Doctolero
Written by
  • Suzette Doctolero
  • Onay Sales
  • Anna Aleta Nadela
Directed byDominic Zapata
Creative directorAloy Adlawan
Starring
Theme music composer
Opening theme"Kapangyarihan" by Ben&Ben and SB19
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageTagalog
No. of episodes110
Production
Executive producerRosie Lyn M. Atienza
Production locations
CinematographyRoman Theodossis
Editors
  • Benedict Lavastida
  • Robert Ryan Reyes
  • Vince Valenzuela
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time18–42 minutes
Production companyGMA Entertainment Group
Original release
NetworkGMA Network
ReleaseJuly 29 (2024-07-29) –
December 27, 2024 (2024-12-27)

Pulang Araw (transl. red sun / international title: In the Arms of the Conqueror) is a 2024 Philippine television drama war series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Dominic Zapata, it stars Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, Alden Richards and Dennis Trillo. It premiered on July 29, 2024, on the network's Prime line up. The series concluded on December 27, 2024, with a total of 110 episodes.

The series is streaming online on Netflix and YouTube.

Premise

Eduardo, Adelina, Teresita, and Hiroshi navigate their respective lives amid the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Cast and characters

Cast
An image of Barbie Forteza.
Barbie Forteza
An image of Sanya Lopez.
Sanya Lopez
An image of David Licauco.
David Licauco
An image of Alden Richards.
Alden Richards
An image of Dennis Trillo.
Dennis Trillo
Lead cast

Eduardo's younger sister, harbors a strong dislike for Americans. When World War II begins, she chooses to side with the Japanese.

Adelina's older half-sister, Teresita Borromeo, has aspirations of becoming a vaudeville star. She is the daughter of Carmela and Julio Borromeo.

The son of Japanese immigrants, he goes to Japan to study and eventually returns to the Philippines, where he reunites with his childhood friends Adelina, Teresita and Eduardo.

Harbors resentment towards his American father, who rejected his mother. The older half-brother of Adelina and has romantic feelings for Teresita. Choosing to side with neither the Americans nor the Japanese, he joins the guerrilla forces.

A Japanese Imperial Army officer whose mission is to conquer the Philippines, he eventually develops feelings for Teresita.

Supporting cast
Guest cast

Development

Writer Suzette Doctolero began conceptualizing Pulang Araw between 2012 and 2013. In 2023, the series was announced, with Doctolero serving as the head writer.

Doctolero's interest in writing a story set during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines was a result of her grandparents' experience as guerrilla fighters and vaudeville performers. She researched and interviewed World War II veterans, vaudeville artists and comfort women for the series.

Casting

In November 2023, the cast of the series was announced. In December, Abraham Lawyer joined the cast. In July 2024, additional cast members Robert Seña, Neil Ryan Sese, Jay Arcilla, Sef Cadayona and Tyro Daylusan were announced. Julie Anne San Jose, Derrick Monasterio, Isay Alvarez, Rabiya Mateo, Jacky Woo, Maria Ozawa and Billy Ray Gallon were announced for a guest role.

Production

Principal photography commenced on December 1, 2023. Filming took place in Manila, Quezon, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan and Pampanga. Historical locations that were no longer existent were recreated using CGI. Several Japanese language coaches were hired to teach the cast, including cast member Ryoichi "Ryo" Nagatsuka, who is of Filipino-Japanese descent. Filming concluded on December 4, 2024.

Music

"Kapangyarihan" (transl. power) by Ben&Ben and SB19 serves as the main title theme of Pulang Araw. The songs for the series were produced by Rocky Gacho, using the compositions from the time period the series is based on, notably of Shelton Brooks, Nicanor Abelardo, Brewster Higley and Daniel E. Kelley. A soundtrack album was released on August 9, 2024, by GMA Playlist, featuring songs performed by the series' cast.

Release

The pilot episode of Pulang Araw premiered on Netflix on July 26, 2024, while its television debut on GMA Network was broadcast on July 29, 2024. Originally set to air 100 episodes, the series was ordered additional ten episodes in November 2024. The final episode of the series was released on Netflix on December 24, 2024, while its television broadcast on GMA Network aired on December 27, 2024.

Reception

Ratings

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in Television Homes, the pilot episode of Pulang Araw earned a 12.8% rating.

Critical response

James Patrick Anarcon of PEP, complimented the series' cast and highlighted the performance of actress Rhian Ramos, stating the actress showed "depth" to the character she was portraying. Mikhail Lecaros of The Philippine Star Life, gave a positive note towards the series' production design, visuals, costume design and cast, and also criticized the series for its "tired telenovela tropes".

Accolades

Accolades received by Pulang Araw
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2024 Anak TV Seal Awards Household Favorite Program Pulang Araw Won
Female Makabata TV Star Barbie Forteza Won
Male Makabata TV Star Alden Richards Won
Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Promo or Trailer Pulang Araw Won
7th Gawad Lasallaneta Awards Most Outstanding Teleserye Won
Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival and Entertainment Special Awards Best Performance on a Featured Role Rhian Ramos Nominated
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Plaque of appreciation Pulang Araw Won
Venice TV Awards Best Soap/Telenovela Nominated
Tag Awards Chicago Best Actress, Series Barbie Forteza Gold
Best Actor, Series Dennis Trillo Silver
Best Supporting Actress, Series Sanya Lopez Bronze
Best Supporting Actor, Series David Licauco Gold
2025 10th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards Best Primetime Drama Series Pulang Araw Won
Socially Relevant TV Series Won
Best Primetime Drama Series Actor David Licauco Won
Best Primetime Drama Series Actress Sanya Lopez Won
Best Primetime Supporting Actor Epy Quizon Won
Best Primetime Supporting Actress Rochelle Pangilinan Won
38th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Child Performer Cassy Lavarias Nominated
Brianna Advincula Nominated
Best Drama Actor Alden Richards Nominated
David Licauco Nominated
Best Drama Actress Barbie Forteza Nominated
Best Drama Supporting Actor Dennis Trillo Won
Best Drama Supporting Actress Rochelle Pangilinan Nominated
Best New Male TV Personality Jay Ortega Nominated
Best Primetime TV series Pulang Araw Nominated
6th ALTA Media Icon Awards Best Actor for Television Dennis Trillo Won
Most Promising Male Star Jay Ortega Won

Legacy

The series is set to be archived on the Lunar Codex located in Earth's Moon – an archive of works to be launched from Earth through NASA Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services program partners.

References

  1. ↑ "In the Arms of the Conqueror". GMA Worldwide. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  2. ↑ Brzoznowski, Kristin (October 10, 2024). "Showcase: GMA Network - TVDrama". World Screen. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  3. ↑ Calderon, Nora (May 5, 2023). "Barbie at David, pinaghahandaan ang Pulang Araw" [Barbie and David, preparing for Pulang Araw]. The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  4. ↑ Santiago, Ervin (March 21, 2024). "Dennis handa na sa bardagulan nila ni Alden sa Pulang Araw: Exciting!" [Dennis ready now for rumble of him and Alden on Pulang Araw: Exciting!]. Inquirer Bandera. Archived from the original on June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Pulang Araw (Full Episodes) - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  6. ↑ Songco, Pauline (June 10, 2024). "Historical action-drama Pulang Araw coming to Netflix". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (November 24, 2023). "Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco headline historical action-drama Pulang Araw". PEP. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Pulang Araw introduces full cast of characters in new teaser trailer". GMA Network Inc. July 9, 2024. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  9. ↑ Sermino, Dondon (November 24, 2023). "Barbie, David tandem 'di pa laos" [Barbie, David tandem not yet unpopular]. Abante. Archived from the original on June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Severo, Jan Milo (June 11, 2024). "Pulang Araw to release on Netflix 72 hours before GMA airing". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  11. 1 2 Policarpio, Allan (March 15, 2024). "Meeting with surviving comfort women moves Ashley Ortega to tears". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  12. ↑ Del Rosario, Pauline (June 11, 2024). "Barbie, David, Alden, Dennis, Sanya magsasama-sama sa Pulang Araw" [Barbie, David, Alden, Dennis, Sanya to join together on Pulang Araw]. Inquirer Bandera. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Pulang Araw: Ang Pagpapakilala (Official AVP)" [Pulang Araw: The Introduction]. GMA Network Inc. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  14. 1 2 Napoles, Jimboy (September 20, 2024). "Get to know SkyGarden's Ryo Nagatsuka, the Japanese language coach in Pulang Araw". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  15. ↑ Napoles, Jimboy (August 22, 2024). "Meet newbie actor Jay Ortega a.k.a. Akio Watanabe in Pulang Araw". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  16. ↑ "Pulang Araw ng GMA-7, unang mapapanood sa Netflix" [Pulang Araw of GMA-7, to be first watched on Netflix]. PEP. June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  17. ↑ Basina, Carby Rose (December 12, 2024). "Justin Lim bids goodbye to his Pulang Araw character First Lt. Yamada". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  18. 1 2 Gabinete, Jojo (June 24, 2024). "David Licauco, nakasama si Maria Ozawa sa isang proyekto" [David Licauco, joined Maria Ozawa in one project]. PEP. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Napoles, Jimboy (August 8, 2024). "Meet Cassy, Franchesco, Cheska, and Migz, the talented young actors in Pulang Araw". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Derrick Monasterio: "Gusto ko nang mag-start ng family soon."" [Derrick Monasterio: "I want now to start a family soon."]. PEP. April 21, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  21. ↑ Tomada, Nathalie (March 13, 2024). "Cornerstone's Michael Sager, Zephanie look back on journey to becoming Kapuso". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  22. ↑ Salterio, Leah (May 22, 2024). "Rabiya Mateo set for special role in period drama Pulang Araw". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  23. ↑ "Michelle Dee hindi pa tapos ang beauty-pageant journey?" [Michelle Dee's beauty-pageant journey is not yet finished?]. PEP. December 1, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  24. 1 2 "Ronnie Liang joins cast of Pulang Araw". GMA Network Inc. October 23, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  25. 1 2 Tunac, Hermes Joy (December 10, 2024). "Jay Ortega, Ronnie Liang, more stars sign with Sparkle". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Pulang Araw: Kamikaze | Sneak peek". GMA Network Inc. December 19, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  27. ↑ Llemit, Kathleen A. (November 24, 2023). "Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez to star in Japanese-era drama". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on June 11, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  28. ↑ Ramos, Neil (December 6, 2023). "Abraham Lawyer, Michelle Dee's brother, to join show business: Report". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  29. ↑ Llemit, Kathleen A. (July 10, 2024). "Pulang Araw to have SB19, Ben&Ben collab song; Julie Anne San Jose as guest star". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Pulang Araw introduces full cast of characters in new teaser trailer". GMA Network Inc. July 9, 2024. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  31. ↑ Gabinete, Jojo (December 4, 2023). "Melanie Marquez, nagulat sa balitang mag-aartista na ang anak na si Abraham Lawyer" [Melanie Marquez, shocked at news of offspring Abraham Lawyer to become an actor now]. PEP (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  32. ↑ Tomada, Nathalie (July 16, 2024). "How Pulang Araw takes us back to an important time in history". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  33. ↑ Gabinete, Jojo (December 10, 2024). "Dennis Trillo, muling ipinamalas ang husay sa Pulang Araw" [Dennis Trillo, showcased again the expertise on Pulang Araw]. PEP (in Tagalog). Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  34. ↑ Napoles, Jimboy (August 9, 2024). "Pulang Araw OST, available na sa lahat ng music streaming platforms" [Pulang Araw OST, available now on all music streaming platforms]. GMA Network Inc. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  35. ↑ Yap, Jade Veronique (November 13, 2024). "Pulang Araw is extended for 2 weeks". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  36. ↑ Gabinete, Jojo (December 24, 2024). "Pulang Araw, magpapaalam na sa ere makalipas ang 110 episodes" [Pulang Araw, to say goodbye now on air after 110 episodes]. PEP. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  37. ↑ "Pulang Araw pilot episode sa GMA-7, nagapi ba ang Batang Quiapo?" [Pulang Araw pilot episode of GMA-7, defeated the Batang Quiapo?]. PEP. July 30, 2024. Archived from the original on July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  38. ↑ Anarcon, James Patrick (August 5, 2024). "Pulang Araw boasts of ensemble cast, impressive storytelling". PEP. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  39. ↑ Lecaros, Mikhail (August 6, 2024). "Review: World War II and drama converge in Pulang Araw". The Philippine Star Life. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  40. ↑ Basina, Carby Rose (December 6, 2024). "GMA Network programs, personalities recognized at Anak TV Seal Awards 2024". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  41. ↑ "GMA Network Programs and Personalities Shine in Asian Academy Creative Awards". GMA Network Inc. October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  42. ↑ "Kapuso programs, personalities reap awards in 7th Gawad Lasallianeta". GMA Network Inc. December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  43. ↑ "Rhian Ramos earns nomination at Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival 2024". GMA Network Inc. November 25, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  44. ↑ Severo, Jan Milo (August 26, 2024). "Pulang Araw receives plaque of appreciation from MTRCB". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  45. ↑ "Pulang Araw nominated at Venice TV Award". GMA Network Inc. September 26, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  46. ↑ Escuadro, Kiko (January 17, 2025). "P-Pop Superstars SB19, Bini, and Hori7on shine at Tag Awards Chicago". Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  47. ↑ Javier, Kristian Eric (February 7, 2025). "David Licauco, Sanya Lopez win at 10th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards". GMA Network Inc. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  48. ↑ Mallorca, Hannah (February 2, 2025). "PMPC Star Awards for Television bares list of nominees". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  49. ↑ "GMA Network wins big at ALTA Media Icon Awards 2025". GMA Network Inc. October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  50. ↑ Severo, Jam Milo (November 28, 2024). "Pulang Araw to become first Filipino series archived in the moon". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 25, 2024.