Czarina Faith Abuso

“Roja” villains off duty: Joel Torre, Yassi Pressman, and Team Uno share fun off-cam bonding moments

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>“<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Roja</strong></a>” continues to take us to fever‑pitch tension between the guests of La Playa Roja and Uno with his team, as action‑packed scenes turn what was once a serene resort into a bloody war---driven by the goons seeking revenge against the Roja family.  </p><p>But behind the intense scenes that keep us on the edge of our seats lies an unbreakable bond off cam. So let’s take a break from the chaos brought by Uno and his men, and look back at how they share laughter, memories, and genuine camaraderie when the cameras stop rolling. </p><p>Starting off with the head of the goons, Joel Torre, he posted a group photo of himself as Uno with his team. Seen in the shot are Marc Abaya (as Dos), Bernard Palanca (as Tres), Harvey Bautista (as Kwatro), Gello Marquez (as Singko), Lou Yanong (as Sais), Rikki Mae Davao (as Smile/Leni), and Floyd Tena (as Capt. Jacinto). Joel shared the photo with the caption: “ROJA: The Team.” </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7ifWFkXva/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=452&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A18843109.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1013" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px;min-width:326px;padding:0px;position:absolute"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Joel also shared on his Instagram account snaps from his rest days and bonding nights with the cast. He posted a reel containing a slideshow of photos following the conclusion of shooting the first cycle of the series.  </p><p>In the reel, he is seen posing for photos with his children in the series, Yassi Pressman (as Ayen) and Rikki Mae. He also included a few lunch dates with the cast, shots of the sunset, and the breathtaking view of Mayon Volcano. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPcbR6sDzao/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=452&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A18843150.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="969" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px;min-width:326px;padding:0px;position:absolute"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Concluding the shoot of Cycle 2, the veteran actor shared more snaps with the cast through another set of Instagram reels. This time, the reel featured photos of him enjoying the scenic views of their location, joining boodle fights with the staff and crew, and posing with fellow cast members. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQc4SSQEiq-/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=452&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A18843185.600000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="969" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px;min-width:326px;padding:0px;position:absolute"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Joel also posted behind-the-scenes shots with Maymay Entrata, who plays Luna, giving fans a glimpse of their fun and candid moments off cam---something different from the scenes they share together in “Roja.”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRI6ufGEj9v/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A29577155.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="964" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Marc Abaya, who portrays Dos, is also fond of sharing behind-the-scenes moments with the cast on his Instagram account. Calling it a “reunion,” Marc posted a snap with Joel, captioned “Reunited with THE MIGHTY,” as the two posed in front of the majestic Mayon Volcano. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DO8IBbiE5kM/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A29577207.600000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="916" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>He also shared a photo with Joel and Bernard inside the prison---a look back at how they met in the series before planning the siege.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPwXWSxE7r5/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A29577263.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="792" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, Gello Marquez had his own version of a “Roja Dump.” In a set of photos, Gello gave us a glimpse of how he lived the life of Singko. On camera, he brought out his cool persona with guns and weapons, while off camera, he showed the real Gello---happily hanging out with the other cast members. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-13" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP34yMaD-Qc/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A13%2C%22os%22%3A29578642.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="940" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-13" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Lou shared black-and-white snippets of her life as part of Uno’s team. Some of the slides feature photos of her with VIP guests Kobie Brown, Iñigo Jose (as Jabbas), and Benedict Cua (as Boss Topak), along with the people behind the siege, composed of Gello, Harvey, Marc, Bernard, Yassi and Joel.  </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQy3MVZkpiq/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A29578690%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1126" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>While we are still set to uncover more about her real identity as Leni, Uno’s daughter, Rikki Mae- one of La Playa Roja’s staff who turned out to be part of Uno’s team and a mole among the hostages---shared a fun TikTok after her big reveal. She capped it with the caption: “Goodbye Smile, hello LENI!” </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@rikkimaedavao/video/7591345855786011925" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7591345855786011925" id="v50288939591602590" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><iframe name="__tt_embed__v50288939591602590" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7591345855786011925?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-01-05T14%3A22%3A17.851010%3A309b33d6-28fc-45fe-be3d-6255860822be%26action%3Dedit" style="width:100%;height:955px;display:block;visibility:unset"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>With her special participation in the series, Yassi Pressman, who plays Ayen, Uno’s eldest daughter, shared her own “Roja Week 1 Dump.” In it, Yassi posted photos of herself holding guns, shooting her introduction video, posing with Uno’s team, and bonding with other cast and staff members---capturing what life was like while filming. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-15" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRl3ZDpEU3g/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A15%2C%22os%22%3A29578776.199999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="952" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-15" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Yassi also considers working on “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Roja</strong></a>” as a reunion project with Joel, with whom she has shared the limelight for nine years across multiple projects.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQv9v1JEeSX/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=503&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A29579231.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1093" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>As the series reaches its mid‑season run, “Roja” promises even more intense fight scenes between the goons and the Roja family. But beyond the action, it also stands as another testament to how the cast continues to strengthen their bond off camera. </p><p>Don&#x27;t miss an episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Roja</strong></a>&quot; weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, ALLTV2, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and<a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> iWant</strong></a>.</p>

<p>Let us take a break from the chaos brought by Uno, and look back at how Joel Torre and the rest of the cast of “Roja” share laughter, memories, and genuine camaraderie when the cameras stop rolling.</p>

Let us take a break from the chaos brought by Uno, and look back at how Joel Torre and the rest of the cast of “Roja” share laughter, memories, and genuine camaraderie when the cameras stop rolling.