Viewers have long admired Olsen Bonifacio’s (Kyle Echarri) bravery as one of the steadfast security guards in “Roja,” fighting in defense against the perpetrators. Yet beyond his courage, his heart overflows with love for his family, especially for his mother, Wendy (Janice de Belen). After being separated for a while, Olsen managed to look out for her during, and even after the siege---proving how much of an admirable son he truly is.
This love for family extends naturally to his friendships. Olsen is also a loyal companion to the victims, particularly Ice (Kai Montinola), who later joins him in helping save the hostages. Their growing connection revealed a softer side of Olsen---one we never really expected from him.
Taken together, these moments show how Olsen treats the people around him with both strength and tenderness. It’s this balance that makes him truly admirable, and why we look back on these moments of Olsen being the “green flag” we didn’t know we needed in “Roja.”
Olsen seeks help to treat his mother
As Wendy faces the danger of being shot by the armed men, Olsen goes to great lengths to save his mother. He bravely risks being caught by the attackers as he seeks help from the VIP guest, Doctor Jessie (Robert Seña), to aid her. With weapon in hand, Olsen shoots the goons and rescues Doc Jessie and his wife, Coney (Sandy Andolong), bringing them to Wendy.
While helping the two escape, Olsen encounters more goons who, this time, are targeting Ice, another VIP guest. Olsen courageously shoots them and saves Ice, later bringing her to the safe house. Doc Jessie and Ice immediately rush to Wendy. Throughout it all, Olsen stays by his mother’s side, worried about her condition and doing his best to reassure her that he will never leave her.
Olsen thanks Ice for her help
Wendy’s condition improves thanks to the assistance of Doc Jessie and Ice. After successfully aiding Wendy, Olsen expresses his gratitude to Ice, who is also a nursing student. Olsen speaks with her, unaware at first of her chosen career path. This leads Ice to open up about her studies, and how she plans to spend more time with her mother after the siege.
Olsen is about to respond when Wendy interrupts, urging him to listen to Ice. As Wendy laughs along with Olsen, Lolo Ben (Levi Ignacio) approaches Ice and asks if she knows how to handle firearms. Ice admits she does not, and Lolo Ben encourages Olsen to teach her. Olsen immediately agrees, while Ice worries about the friends she was separated from during the siege. This moment marks the beginning of their friendship.
Olsen promises Wendy a better life after the siege
Halfway through the siege, Olsen finds a bank check worth one million pesos made out to Wendy, previously given by Greta (Lorna Tolentino) as compensation after Wendy went to jail to save her from fraud charges. Olsen talks to Lolo Ben about it, baffled by what he has just discovered. Wendy walks in and quickly grabs the check from Olsen, who asks her what it is all about. Wendy tells him to just let things go, but Olsen insists, wanting to help his mother especially after her time in jail.
Olsen reminds Wendy how hard he has worked, even finishing his academics to eventually support their family. A flashback shows Olsen growing up, visiting Wendy in jail whenever he achieved something in school. This further reminds Wendy of how much Olsen dreams of helping her so she no longer has to work for their family. Olsen promises Wendy that when the siege is over and they survive, he will work twice as hard for their family so they can have a better life.
Olsen takes care of Ice during their mission
As Emil’s (Joel Torre) wrath worsens, the other guests and staff have no choice but to defend themselves, even taking up weapons against the goons. One of them is Ice, who decides to join Olsen in helping the other victims escape the attackers’ watchful eyes. Olsen and Ice make their way to the banquet hall through the ventilation duct, with Olsen assisting and looking out for Ice along the way.
Later, Olsen asks Ice if she can keep going with him, knowing the risks and possible danger ahead. Ice assures him that she can help, and Olsen nods in acknowledgment, even giving her a reassuring head pat. Together, they continue and observe the victims from above, eventually helping them escape through the duct.
Olsen expresses his gratitude towards Ice's bravery
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After briefly parting ways due to an explosion at the banquet hall, Olsen and Ice cross paths once more after being saved by the authorities and brought to their safe house. Olsen immediately rushes to hug Wendy upon arriving, and later, he talks to Ice, catching up on what just happened.
As Ice approaches Olsen, she shares how worried she was about him and the other victims, nervous that they might not see each other again. She then tells Olsen how impressed she was with him, to which Olsen reiterates that he was even more impressed by Ice’s bravery, as she was able to help bring the victims to safety. Olsen expresses his gratitude to Ice, assuring her that they will survive the siege.
Olsen’s tough persona on the outside is the complete opposite of who he truly is, revealing a man full of love for his family and willing to put his life on the line for the other victims. In “Roja,” a character like him is truly someone we love to see more of on our screens.
Catch more of Kyle Echarri as Olsen Bonifacio in “Roja,” weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.