History is a beautiful subject, but often warrants a thick book and tedious discussion for it to be understood. There’s more to the past than what is recorded, and it takes creativity to tell history’s untold stories.
That’s exactly what drives GMA Network (GMA), one of the nation’s major broadcasting networks, to tell Philippine history in a unique way. Their bold and entertaining execution of historical storytelling has brought them ratings and virality off the charts, and they are now known as a powerhouse of Philippine historical dramas.
Following the booming success of GMA’s latest historical series, Maria Clara at Ibarra, the network is now presenting a new tale untold of Filipinos during the colonization of the Japanese during World War II, cleverly named Pulang Araw.
PULANG ARAW
Pulang Araw tells the story of four Filipinos, all struggling to survive through the atrocities of the Japanese regime and the doom of World War II. Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Suzette Doctolero, the series follows the lives of Teresita (Sanya Lopez), half-American Eduardo (Alden Richards), Adelina (Barbie Forteza), and Japanese immigrant Hiroshi Tanaka (David Licauco).
Stories of War, Survival, Sacrifices, & Hope
This period drama casts light on the personal battles Filipinos had to face all while struggling to survive overwhelming oppression and relentless danger.
Pulang Araw admirably maintains a degree of solemnity and respect for the actual events of the past. The production team strives to touch on historical accuracy as much as possible. As a drama set in the 1940s, accurate locations and resources for its taping was scarce, but this was overcome by the team scouring the country for similar sites to recreate the period-accurate setting for its intense storytelling.
With the success of Maria Clara at Ibarra, Pulang Araw is anticipated to live up to its predecessor’s fame, if not surpass it. However, Maria Clara at Ibarra isn’t GMA Network’s only loved period-drama. The network has churned out multiple shows over the years that built their reputation as a master of historical series.
Alaala (2017)
On the 45th anniversary of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of Martial Law, GMA produced a special documentary on the life of award-winning screenwriter Bonifacio Ilagan, one of the victims of the harsh dictatorship of the Marcos regime. Alden Richards stars as the young “Boni”, and the documentary follows his life from his youthful days up to his capture and torture under the hands of the Philippine Constabulary. It aired on September 17, 2017.
Ilustrado (2014)
Alden Richards stars once again in another of GMA’s historical hits, Ilustrado, now following the life of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. In this series, we see Rizal beyond his heroism—we witness his tale as a renowned academic, a passionate lover, a filial son, and honorable Filipino. Ilustrado aired on October 20, 2014.
Katipunan (2013)
Known as GMA Network’s first ever docudrama, Katipunan is set in the 1520s and follows the secret society founded by Andres Bonifacio, Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or simply Katipunan. Starring Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio, Katipunan is a dramatic retelling of the valiant hero and what brought this society to bear arms against the Spaniard colonizers. It aired on October 19, 2013.
Indio (2013)
Set in the pre-colonial times, Indio is an epic drama where mortals live harmoniously with gods, goddesses, diwatas and other mythical creatures. However, the arrival of the Spaniards and their quest to spread Christianity has broken that harmony. The series follows half-god-half-human Indio (Bong Revilla) and his journey to save his two worlds from the abuses of the Spanish colonizers. It aired on January 14, 2013.
Amaya (2011)
Who could ever forget Amaya in GMA’s list of renowned historical dramas? Amaya is GMA’s first ever epicserye illuminating the rich myths and legends of the Philippines with teleserye royalty, Marian Rivera, playing the title role. Although fantasy-focused, Amaya is set in the 1500s and tells the tale of our indigenous beliefs before we were thrust into the throes of colonialism. It first aired on May 30, 2011.
CONCLUSION
Amaya’s success became the catalyst for GMA to continuously explore and produce untold stories of our history. And over time, GMA went beyond retelling history as entertainment, but also touched on being informative, educational and impactful.
Their passionate production, relentless pursuit and creative execution has cemented themselves as the powerhouse of Philippine historical dramas. Pulang Araw is set to premiere on Netflix on July 26 and later on GMA on July 29. With GMA’s historical streak of success, we absolutely can’t wait how the story of Pulang Araw will be marvelously told.
