Fans of the hit primetime teleserye “Batang Quiapo” were left confused and disappointed after noticing the sudden disappearance of actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi from the show. Speculations swirled across social media, with some suggesting creative differences, while others hinted at personal issues. Now, insiders have come forward to finally explain the real reason behind her unexpected exit.

According to reliable sources from within the production team, Ivana’s removal from the show was a creative decision made by the directors and writers after multiple story revisions. “The direction of the show changed,” said one production insider. “As the story evolved, some characters had to be written out to make room for stronger plotlines.”

Ivana played the role of Bubbles, a street-smart woman who was initially expected to become one of the lead characters in the series. Her chemistry with lead actor Coco Martin had drawn praise from fans, and many expected her character to grow more central to the show’s main arc.

However, it turns out that the producers decided to focus more on the action-drama aspects of the series and introduce new characters that better aligned with the show’s future direction. “There was no issue with Ivana’s performance,” another source clarified. “She was professional, always prepared, and well-loved by the team.”

Behind the scenes, Ivana was reportedly aware of the possibility that her character could be written off due to the show’s dynamic script. “She handled it with grace,” a crew member shared. “There were no fights, no drama. She understood that the nature of TV is always changing.”

Ivana Alawi clears air on 'attitude problem' after Batang Quiapo exit |  ABS-CBN Entertainment

Another factor that may have influenced the decision was Ivana’s increasing number of commitments outside acting. Apart from being an actress, Ivana is one of the Philippines’ most-followed content creators, with millions of subscribers on YouTube and a growing list of endorsements.

“She was juggling a lot,” said a source close to the actress. “Between taping, business, and online content, it became harder to align her schedule with the demands of a daily primetime series.”

Despite the surprise exit, there appears to be no bad blood between Ivana and the Batang Quiapo team. In fact, Coco Martin himself expressed admiration for her during a recent interview. “Ivana is very talented and hardworking. We enjoyed working with her,” Coco said. “And who knows? Maybe she’ll return in a future episode.”

Fans took to social media to express their mixed emotions. While many understood the changes in the storyline, others couldn’t hide their disappointment. “I was looking forward to her character’s journey,” one fan tweeted. “She added a fun dynamic to the show.”

Ivana has yet to release an official statement about the exit, but her recent social media posts suggest that she is focused on new projects. In one post, she wrote, “When one door closes, another opens. Grateful for everything and excited for what’s next.”

Industry observers believe Ivana’s departure from the show could be a sign of her transitioning to bigger solo projects or even movie roles. “She’s a bankable star,” one talent manager commented. “She’ll be just fine.”

Meanwhile, “Batang Quiapo” continues to gain strong ratings and introduce new characters into its ever-evolving storyline. While Ivana’s fans may be saddened by her departure, it seems the actress is ready to take on new challenges, both in and out of the entertainment world.

As for her supporters, they remain hopeful that this isn’t the last they’ll see of Ivana in action. And with her undeniable star power, it’s likely just a matter of time before she returns to the screen—stronger than ever.