David Licauco, popularly known as the Pambansang Ginoo, recently revealed that he felt starstruck upon meeting Japanese actress Maria Ozawa for the first time. During an interview featured in Nelson Canlas’s report on 24 Oras Weekend, the actor shared his memorable reaction to encountering the international star on the set of their new series, Pulang Araw.

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“Actually paakyat dito nakita ko si Maria Ozawa,” David recounted. “Nagulat ako na andyan siya saka ang ganda niya.”

Maria Ozawa, a renowned actress and former adult film star turned mainstream celebrity in Asia, plays Haruka Tanaka, the mother of David’s character Hiroshi Tanaka in the series. Hiroshi is depicted as the son of Japanese immigrants navigating life in the Philippines, adding depth to the drama’s cross-cultural storyline.

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This isn’t the first time Licauco and Ozawa have been linked in a lighthearted manner. Earlier this year, David went viral for a humorous moment during an episode of Family Feud. Asked to name something associated with “Maria,” David quickly blurted out “Maria Ozawa,” drawing laughter from both the audience and host Dingdong Dantes. The clip made rounds on social media, even catching Maria’s attention. She reacted by saying, “He’s cute,” further sparking amusement among fans.

The admiration appears mutual, with David now expressing genuine awe at working alongside Maria on set. Fans of both stars eagerly anticipate seeing their on-screen chemistry in Pulang Araw.

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Aside from David Licauco and Maria Ozawa, the star-studded series boasts a powerhouse cast including Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, Alden Richards, and Dennis Trillo. Pulang Araw is a gripping drama that weaves a tale of love, conflict, and resilience, set against the backdrop of Japanese-Philippine relations.

The series has not only captured attention on television but also made waves online. Airing weeknights at 8 p.m. on GMA Prime, right after 24 Oras, the show has also gained traction on Netflix. Currently ranking in the Top 10 TV Shows in the Philippines, Pulang Araw continues to attract a wide audience, thanks to its compelling narrative and dynamic performances.

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David Licauco, known for his charm and versatility as an actor, has seen a steady rise in his career. His openness about personal experiences, including his admiration for co-stars, endears him even more to his fans. His candid confession about being starstruck by Maria Ozawa adds another layer of relatability to his persona, making fans root for him even more.

As Pulang Araw unfolds, audiences look forward to witnessing the unique bond between Hiroshi and Haruka Tanaka, brought to life by David Licauco and Maria Ozawa. The series promises more heartfelt and surprising moments, both on-screen and off.