Two of today’s top Kapamilya matinee idols, Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri, are stepping into a new spotlight—this time as full-fledged action stars—in ABS-CBN and Dreamscape Entertainment’s upcoming big-scale series, ‘Roja’.
The action-drama series, which premieres this November, marks a major transformation for both actors, who perform their own stunts and fight sequences—no body doubles involved.
“We worked really, really hard on this; at the end of the day, it’s all about making audiences happy,” said Donny.
Kyle added, “Thanks to coach Erwin Tagle, we were able to achieve what we wanted for the show. We prepared mentally and physically for this whole challenge.”
In one unforgettable sequence, Donny recalled being caught off-guard by the magnitude of an on-set explosion.
“May eksena kami na sumabog iyong bomba. Hindi po kasi namin alam, ang akala namin parang may fire lang or may effects lang,” Donny shared. “Tapos naka-ready na kami—3, 2, 1! Boom! Sumabog nang ganoon kalakas! Sobrang laki ng sabog. Lumipad talaga kami. Ang ganda ng scene!”
Both Donny and Kyle admitted sustaining minor bruises and scratches from their intense, action-packed scenes but said it was all worth it for the authenticity of the show.
‘Roja’ follows the intertwined fates of Liam (Donny Pangilinan), a talented head chef, and Olsen (Kyle Echarri), a skilled resort security officer—former best friends turned bitter rivals.
Their friendship unravels when Liam discovers that his father (played by Raymond Bagatsing) has been having an affair with another woman (portrayed by Yassi Pressman)—a secret Olsen knew but chose to keep.
But just as personal tensions reach their breaking point, a group of armed men, led by Joel Torre and Yassi Pressman, takes over the luxurious La Playa Roja island resort, holding both guests and staff hostage.
Forced to set aside their differences, Liam and Olsen must rely on their instincts and fighting skills to survive the siege and protect their loved ones.
The series also stars Maymay Entrata as Luna, Liam’s best friend and a member of the culinary staff, along with veteran actors Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen, Sandy Andolong, Robert Seña, Nikki Valdez, and Cris Villanueva.
Directed by Lawrence Fajardo, Rico Navarro, Andoy Ranay, and Raymund Ocampo, Roja combines cinematic visuals, high-octane action, and emotional storytelling—a blend that signals a new era for Philippine television.
The cast underwent months of martial arts, arnis, and firearms training to ensure authenticity.
“Aside from jiu-jitsu, arnis, and handling a gun properly, a big thing is also endurance training kasi we had to make sure our bodies were prepared for the action scenes,” Donny said.
With sweeping island landscapes, explosive sequences, and emotional depth, ‘Roja’ is shaping up to be one of ABS-CBN’s most ambitious offerings yet—a fusion of action, family drama, and moral conflict.
Roja premieres November 21 on Netflix, November 22 on iWant, and November 23 at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5. It will also be available internationally via The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.
