Kyle Echarri, Donny Pangilinan ignite excitement at 'Roja'

Fans of Kapamilya heartthrobs Kyle Echarri and Donny Pangilinan were treated to a double thrill as the highly anticipated ABS-CBN teleserye Roja staged its first-ever fan meet and poster unveiling, setting the tone for one of the most awaited TV events of 2025. Hosted by Kapamilya Chat’s Jeremiah and ABS-CBN entertainment reporter MJ Felipe, the event blended excitement, laughter, and heartfelt fan moments, giving audiences a glimpse into the show’s creative process and the chemistry between its two leading men.

A visual story in red

The centerpiece of the event was the official Roja poster — photographed by Jojit Lorenzo and designed by Justin Besana. The poster features Kyle and Donny locked in a mirrored pose, symbolizing the show’s central theme of duality: two men intertwined by fate yet divided by secrets and choices. Bathed in deep orange and amber tones, it captures the meaning behind Roja — the Spanish word for “red,” representing love and blood, passion and peril.

Donny said the striking symmetry seen in the poster was achieved through multiple takes. “Walang daya! Nanginig na kami kasi ilang shots ang kailangan… may stiff neck na kami,” he said. (“No cheating! We were shaking because of the multiple shots needed… our necks were stiff.”) Kyle added, “But it was worth it. The photo really says everything about what Roja stands for.”

Honest moments and fan connections

Fans had the rare opportunity to ask Kyle and Donny personal questions about their roles and motivations.

For Kyle, joining Roja was an easy decision. “It was an easy yes for me. Projects like this don’t come often. It’s a dream for any actor my age, especially to work again with veterans like Joel Torre, who played my father in Pamilya Sagrado. There’s nothing that told me to say no — everything told me it’s once-in-a-lifetime,” he said.

Donny said his choice was fueled by the series’ storytelling. “Sino ba ako para humindi?” he joked. “It’s about what’s at stake when you’re about to lose everything — your family, your love, your peace.” He added that he shares traits with his character: ambition, closeness to his mother, and willingness to risk his safety for loved ones.

Brotherhood by the sea

Both actors discussed life on set, partially filmed by the beach — their “own definition of paradise.” Kyle described the experience as a mix of hard work and serenity: “It’s such a blessing. We’d wake up, jog, swim, then go straight to work. You can’t ask for a better start to the day.” Donny agreed, calling it one of the most refreshing shoots of his career.

Kyle also ticked off a bucket-list moment during production — holding a real gun on set for the first time. “I only played with toy guns before. Now, it’s part of the story. Definitely a step toward more mature roles,” he said.

The cast and what awaits

Roja promises to be a high-stakes action-drama filled with intensity, mystery, and heart. Joining Donny and Kyle are Lorna Tolentino, Janice De Belen, Joel Torre, Raymond Bagatsing, and Maymay Entrata, marking her return to television.

Rising stars include Kai Montinola, AC Bonifacio, Harvey Bautista, Iñigo Jose, Emilio Daez, and child actress Zia Grace. The ensemble is completed by Nikki Valdez, Cris Villanueva, Sandy Andolong, Robert Seña, Rans Rifol, Maika Rivera, Lou Yanong, Marc Abaya, Bernard Palanca, Raven Molina, and Gello Marquez.

With its haunting visuals, layered characters, and emotionally charged storytelling, Roja is shaping up to be one of ABS-CBN’s most ambitious dramas yet — a fiery tale where love and blood are two shades of the same red.