Following the success of Maria Clara at Ibarra, GMA premieres Pulang Araw, a historical drama that stars Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco. The teleserye transports viewers to the period of Japanese occupation in the Philippines, narrating the experiences of our countrymen during the grim and challenging time.
Joining the cast in the show's pilot episode was Rhian Ramos, who portrayed Fina dela Cruz, the mother of half-siblings Eduardo (Alden) and Adelina (Barbie). Despite only appearing briefly, the actress moved audiences with her gripping performance.
WATCH: Rhian Ramos as Fina dela Cruz on Pulang Araw
In episode one of the series, Fina and her kids become subjects of ridicule when word spreads that she was a kerida, or a mistress. Adelina and Eduardo learn of this when they're tormented for having different fathers. When the two get into a physical altercation with their peers, Fina's motherly instincts push her to defend them.
"Hala! Tumawag kayo ng mga konstabularya. Kasi talagang tatagain ko kayong lahat!" Fina boldly exclaims to their neighbors. With a dagger in hand, Rhian's character seeths with rage as she stands up for her children.
Later on, it's revealed that Fina contracted tuberculosis. With no information about the illness or any medication available, she fears that she might infect her offspring. The episode ends with their family being broken apart, with Adelina and Eduardo getting indefinitely separated.
Netizens React to Rhian Ramos' Performance on Pulang Araw
Even with her limited screentime, Rhian stole the show with how she played Fina. As a parent who would do anything for her children, she "mothered, devoured, ate, and left no crumbs," said one netizen.
One user on X claimed that she was giving a Best Actress-worthy performance. Another expressed how they still can't get over the emotional scene, and how Rhian totally deserves all of the applause.
Given that the drama is set during the first half of the 1900s, characters such as Fina predominantly speak in pure Tagalog. Many netizens praised Rhian for delivering her monologue not only with emotion but also with proper diction. "Parang dati lang, hindi kayang mag-Tagalog masyado," one wrote.
Admitting to her "conyo girl" ways, Rhian playfully responded to an X user complimenting her performance. "Omg, like, thank you so much," she wrote back.
Beyond her mastery of the script, audiences were moved by how the actress portrayed the love a mother has for her kin. One netizen stated that "her screen presence [was] so strong," highlighting the immense care she displayed for Adelina and Eduardo.
With just two episodes out on Netflix, many netizens are already hooked on Pulang Araw, partly thanks to Rhian's scenes. One deduced how Fina was a "literal personification of the motherland," which sets the stage for what else will occur throughout the show. Another commended the cinematography and overall storytelling, adding how it made them proud to be Pinoy.
Screenwriter Suzette Doctolero took to X to express her gratitude to Rhian for her thoughful portrayal of Fina. The actress replies that "it was such a treat" for her to play such a role.
And all the praise is totally deserved, Rhian! Bravo!
Stream episodes of Pulang Araw on Netflix 72 hours before they're cast on GMA every weeknight at 8:00 p.m.
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