Television in the Philippines has been evolving, offering audiences more variety, color, and ambition in terms of entertainment. Gone are the days when viewers were limited to melodramas, game shows, and variety programs; local productions are now blending cinematic visuals, high-stakes storytelling, and dynamic performances. One series leading this shift is “Roja.”
A preview of the first three episodes makes it clear that the show is setting new standards for local TV. From breathtaking island locations to crisp, cinematic camera work and intense action and drama, “Roja” proves that Philippine television is leveling up, giving audiences entertainment that goes beyond the usual.
At the heart of the series are Kapamilya stars Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri, who previously built their careers in teen-centric shows. With “Roja,” they take on the challenge of becoming their generation’s next big action stars, stepping into a genre that demands both physicality and emotional depth.
“We worked really, really hard on this; at the end of the day, it’s all about making audiences happy,” Pangilinan said.
Echarri added, “Thanks to coach Erwin Tagle, we were able to achieve what we meant to achieve in the show. We prepared mentally, physically for this whole challenge.”
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of La Playa Roja island resort, the series follows Liam, the resort’s head chef (Pangilinan), and Olsen, a member of the security team (Echarri). Their once-unbreakable bond unravels when Liam discovers that his father (Raymond Bagatsing) is having an affair with a younger woman (Yassi Pressman), a secret Olsen had known but kept hidden.
The personal drama escalates when a group of armed intruders, led by Marc Abaya and Joel Torre, threatens to turn the idyllic resort into a deadly battleground. Liam and Olsen must reconcile their differences, confront their enemies, and rely on their combat skills to survive.
Both Pangilinan and Echarri underwent intensive martial arts, jiu-jitsu, and firearms training, performing nearly all their own stunts.
“Aside from jiu-jitsu, arnis, how to handle a gun properly, a big thing is also the endurance training kasi we had to make sure our body is prepared for the action scenes,” Pangilinan explained.
The series’ credibility and emotional weight are further reinforced by a strong ensemble of veteran actors, including Joel Torre, Lorna Tolentino, Janice De Belen, Sandy Andolong, Robert Seña, Nikki Valdez, and more, whose performances add depth to the high-stakes drama.
With its cinematic visuals, gripping storytelling, and relentless action, “Roja” signals a bold new era for Philippine television. It raises the bar for what local audiences can expect in terms of production quality, storytelling, and ambition.
“Roja” premieres at 8:45 PM on Netflix (November 21), iWant (November 22), and on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, and Kapamilya Online Live (November 24). International viewers can watch via The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.
