Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Empowered and unstoppable: How Yassi, Kai and Lou found strength in their “Roja” characters

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

While “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>” revolved around a hostage-taking situation at a resort, most of the villains and victims we had seen were men, fighting each other in action-packed scenes that kept us hooked. However, it wasn’t just them who stood out, the female characters also showed their determination and courage, something we rarely see in other shows.   Three of these women are Ayen, Gwen, and Ice, brought to life by Yassi Pressman, Lou Yanong, and Kai Montinola, respectively. In Kapamilya Chat’s “The Grand Getaway Fan Meet,” they shared nostalgic moments, heartfelt reflections, and what supporters can look forward to in the finale episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>.”  <div> </div><div><iframe width="1020" height="574" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8rd_jQBYgWs" title="Kai Montinola, Lou Yanong and Yassi Pressman | Kapamilya Chat 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div>The “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>” ladies were asked about their reactions upon seeing how drawn the fans are, and the theories they came up with, immersing themselves in the story as if they were part of the drama. Yassi expressed her gratitude, stating, “Sobrang nakakatuwa. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng naghahanap kay Ayen. Thank you kasi nakaka-inspire po talaga.” Lou echoed the same sentiment, “I also didn’t expect myself to be part of such a great show, with such a great cast and production. It really means a lot.” For Kai, who was delighted with her first teleserye experience, the audience’s reaction was especially memorable, and how they notice the little details in the series. On which scenes they found most difficult to shoot, each of them had her own story to tell. Lou recalled her scene of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/27/roja-emil-inilagay-sa-iisang-lokasyon-ang-kanilang-mga-hostage-episode-4-2159" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">terrorizing the VIP guests</a>, while Kai pointed to the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/20/roja-ice-nabahala-para-sa-kaligtasan-ni-liam-episode-42-2137" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">escape sequence on the island</a>. The most challenging moments for Yassi were her confrontations with veteran actress Lorna Tolentino, who portrays Greta. She recalled preparing for the intense moment when <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/24/roja-greta-nahuli-sa-akto-ang-pagtataksil-nina-magnus-at-ayen-episode-1-2203" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greta caught Magnus and Ayen during their affair</a>.Yassi said it took a lot of preparation, even noting how respectful Raymond Bagatsing was. “Maraming marami siyang blocking. Sabi ko sa kanya [Lorna Tolentino] ‘Sige na todo mo na ‘yan Mama, para ma-feel talaga natin.’ Sabi niya ‘Sigurado ka?’ Sabi ko, ‘yes.’” She joked that she looks at it as an honor to be slapped by Lorna. As March is also recognized as Women’s Month, the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>” actresses doted on how their roles as women in the middle of a siege empowered them during filming. Lou shared that she had so much fun portraying Gwen, as she was the only female among the villains. She admitted that Gwen allowed her to discover a new kind of toughness, hoping viewers felt the same watching her character. Meanwhile, Kai quipped, “I believe that strength doesn’t just come in fighting or looking maangas, kasi my character, Ice, she may not look like a strong person, but Ice is indeed the strongest person in her group.” For her, Ice embodies integrity and quiet resilience. Yassi agreed, saying, “There were so many strong women in the show. Ang dami daming moments na hindi lang nag-shine on the men. Mas lalo nating nilalakasan ang boses ng babae.”   The topic shifted about their favorite scenes while shooting. Kai recalled the emotional moment involving the Del Rosario family, where Minnie (Nikki Valdez), despite being ill, sacrifices herself and Mike (Cris Villanueva) insists she should survive. “This scene alone has so much impact on me, ano pa kaya sa ibang tao,” she reflected. Lou went along with it, mentioning that Nikki herself built a strong connection with Zia Grace, as Maddie, to strengthen the motherly love between their characters. Lastly, Yassi had her fondest taping memories with Joel Torre, who plays Emil, Ayen’s father. She highlighted their <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/3/10/roja-emil-labis-ang-pighati-nang-makumpirma-ang-sinapit-ni-ayen-episode-77-2159" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">finale episodes together</a>, saying they are definitely worth watching out for. “Dito ako sobrang napabilib talaga sa kanya.”   Finally, to keep expectations high, the trio described “Roja&#x27;s” concluding week in one word. Yassi called it shocking, Kai said it was justified, and Lou recounted it as unpredictable, sending fans into curiosity. From the candid talks about “Roja,” Lou, Yassi, and Kai join into a fun game called the “Battle Pose Challenge.” In this segment, they were given scenarios and, holding props, had to strike a pose with an audience member. They were given 10 seconds to act it out, and at the end of every round, a winner was chosen based on the loudest cheers and applause. For the first prompt, hanging laundry when suddenly someone shoots at you from afar, all three ladies went all in. Yassi&#x27;s tandem went as victim and shooter, Kai and her buddy anticipated the shot, and Lou and her companion portrayed the aftermath, with Lou getting emotional as her teammate was struck. Kai won the point due to the loud screams from the crowd.  Next was being stuck in an elevator, and when the doors open, enemies are waiting outside. Teams of Kai and Yassi pretended to be villains and victims, while Lou&#x27;s pair played the role of goons. This time, Yassi and her partner clinched a score. For the last round, walking in a pageant and someone throws a knife at you, and the crown on your head must not fall, Yassi posed like a true pageant star, Kai&#x27;s duo enacted as best friends, and Team Lou portrayed victim and villain. They all gained points for their creativity.  A bonus round was then given, where the Kapamilya actresses had to pose like real beauty queens. Their face cards were truly on point, earning cheers from the audience.Wrapping up their Kapamilya Chat appearance, the female cast members thanked the fans in the studio and the loyal viewers and invited everyone to watch the concluding week of “Roja.”Don&#x27;t miss the finale episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>,” tonight March 13 (Friday) on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iWant</a>.

Kai Montinola, Yassi Pressman, and Lou Yanong share nostalgic moments, heartfelt reflections, and what fans can look forward to in the final week of “Roja.”

Kai Montinola, Yassi Pressman, and Lou Yanong share nostalgic moments, heartfelt reflections, and what fans can look forward to in the final week of “Roja.”