Actress and content creator Ivana Alawi will be leaving Batang Quiapo due to previous commitments, clarifying that her decision is unrelated to any perceived attitude issues, as stated by her manager Perry Lansigan.
“From the very start, Ivana was only supposed to stay in the show for three months. Both parties agreed upon this,” Perry said.
The talent manager also explained that Ivana’s role, Bubbles, was extended due to the chemistry between her character and Coco Martin’s Tanggol, but her schedule eventually became too hectic to accommodate both Batang Quiapo and her other commitments.
“Ivana has prior commitments, such as shoots and vlogs, that her management has already scheduled. We’ve tried to adjust her schedule, but it’s just not possible anymore,” he added.
The manager also denied rumors that Ivana has already had her last taping for the show.
Rumors also suggested that actress Kim Domingo would be replacing Ivana as Coco’s leading lady. However, in his latest vlog, entertainment columnist Ogie Diaz shared that there is “something” between the two actresses.
“Parang may something-an itong si Kim Domingo at si Ivana Alawi noon pa. Ang narinig ko pa kung gaano katotoo ito at itanong na rin natin dito na itong si Bubbles o si Ivana Alawi ay nakipag-usap sa upper management para sabihing hindi niya gusto na makaeksena itong si Kim Domingo. Kaya raw nag-resort na patayin na lang ang karakter niya,” Ogie said.
Neither Ivana nor her management has commented on the issue yet.