For Sanya Lopez, Teresita Borromeo is no longer just a fictional role she plays in “Pulang Araw.”
At yesterday’s Pandesal Forum in Quezon City, the actress expressed deep empathy for the victims forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. Her voice broke as she recounted her experience meeting two of the surviving comfort women, who had been raped and tortured during the war.

“Napakabigat po ano, I mean kanina pa sumasakit ‘yung batok ko kaka-control ng mararamdaman ko at isa lang naman po ako, sa totoo lang po, pero ramdam ko ‘yung mga ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan natin po,” Sanya said.
She was joined by “Pulang Araw” co-star Ashley Ortega, who plays a Catholic nun and a comfort woman, as well as members of the Flowers for Lolas coalition, a group of NGOs and activists advocating for the rights of World War II comfort women victims.
In preparation for her role as Teresita Borromeo, Sanya conducted extensive research, which included meeting two surviving members of Lila Pilipina, both in their 90s, who continue to seek justice for the atrocities they endured during the war.
“Naiiyak ako kada na lang… sobrang durog na durog rin po ako, sobrang sakit po sa puso na marinig ‘yung kwento nila dahil totoo po ‘yung nangyari sa kanila at hindi po biro,” Sanya added.
Reflecting on the continued fight for justice, she asked, “Kailan kaya nila matatanggap ‘yung hustisya na nararapat para sa kanila? Kasi konti na lang sila, so kailan pa di ba po?”
Sanya also expressed her admiration for the strength of the comfort women, saying, “Kaya sa mga lola po natin na nakipaglaban, nakipagsapalaran at ipinaglaban ang mga sarili nila bilang kababaihan, saludo po ako sa inyo! Saludo po ako sa katatagan ninyo.”
Sanya assured that “Pulang Araw” would honor their stories and expressed hope that the series could contribute to their ongoing fight for justice. “Asahan n’yo po na isa ‘to sa magiging boses ng ating comfort women. Istorya po nila ito kaya sana ay suportahan po natin. At sana po, ito pong istorya ng ‘Pulang Araw’ ay makatulong sa kanilang ipinaglalaban, at kayo po ang inspirasyon namin, lalo na po ng mga kababaihan ngayon at sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. Mabuhay po ang mga comfort women!”
Other speakers at the Pandesal Forum, including Gabriela Party List Rep. Arlene Brosas, Flowers for Lolas spokesperson Teresita Ang See, Lila Pilipina director Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Malaya Lola legal counsel Atty. Virginia Suarez, and activist Atty. Dennis Gorecho, emphasized the need for education, legislation, and media coverage to shed light on the comfort women’s plight.
The Kamuning Bakery’s Pandesal Forum was moderated by Wilson Flores.