Zamboanga City, Philippines – Actress Sanya Lopez deepened her knowledge of World War II during a visit to El Museo de Zamboanga, where she explored artifacts from the Japanese occupation era, as reported on 24 Oras Friday.
Sanya, known for her role in the TV series Pulang Araw, was particularly moved by a Japanese flag on display, which soldiers reportedly carried during the war. “Ang isa sa mga tumatak talaga sa ‘kin, eto, etong Japanese flag… ‘yung mga soldier ng Japan ay may mga dalang Japanese flag, tapos… ‘yung mga nakasulat na ‘to, is pangalan ng family,” she shared, reflecting on how the flag symbolized soldiers’ connection to their loved ones.
The visit also reminded Sanya of her character Teresita’s friendship in Pulang Araw. “What if magkita-kita kami, ito nalang makita namin, ta’s nakasulat ‘yung pangalan namin dito? Naiiyak ako,” she said emotionally.
The museum, as explained by curator Arch Torres, displays a variety of items from the war, including Japanese currency, helmets repurposed as cooking pots, and a green Tansan bottle from Japan. Torres noted that while the war did not significantly influence Zamboangueño culture, it left behind a trail of devastation in the city.
Sanya stars in Pulang Araw alongside Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Alden Richards. The show’s main antagonist, Col. Yuta Saitoh, is played by Dennis Trillo, portraying a Japanese officer on a mission to conquer the Philippines during the war.