Goodbye, Bubbles. Thank you so much, Ivana Alawi.
The entire nation is mourning the loss of Ivana's beloved character, Bubbles, from “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” The emotional journey didn’t end with last night’s episode where we saw Bubbles’ body in a coffin; a behind-the-scenes tribute video has been uploaded on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, as if to deepen our sense of melancholy. This video provides a touching look at Ivana's final day on set and features heartfelt messages from her co-stars.
Social media personality, Diwata, playing Frida, shared that he felt nervous acting alongside the cast because he wasn’t accustomed to acting. Despite his apprehension, everyone made him feel at ease, especially Ivana.
Kim Rodriguez, speaking from her character Jelly's perspective, explains that Jelly is heartbroken over the loss of her best friend, Bubbles. For Jelly, a best friend is the one person to confide in with problems, aside from family, making this loss particularly poignant.
Ivana truly grew close to Erlinda Villalobos, who plays her grandmother, Lola Betchay, in the story. Erlinda asked Ivana not to forget her, expressing her sadness because she had grown fond of her on-screen ‘apo.’ Jean Saburit, who portrays Lourdes, revealed that they were all in tears throughout the scene, as the cast's performances were deeply moving.
Ivana didn't just shine in the dramatic and romantic scenes with Coco Martin; she also stood out in the action and fight scenes, which was a new and exciting experience for her. She will forever cherish her character, Bubbles, who taught her the importance of being brave yet forgiving, rather than seeking revenge.
The mood grew somber and nostalgic as she reflected on viewers’ sadness over her character's demise in the story. As others felt down, she too was heartbroken about her departure. She shared, “’Yung death scene ko, ‘yung nabaril, totoo ‘yung hagulhol ko kasi naisip ko lahat ng pinagdaanan ni Bubbles since day one na nakakulong at pumapatay tapos ngayon ako na ‘yung napatay.” She added with a smile, “Mami-miss ko rin ‘to.”
Of course, Coco's farewell message to Ivana, his partner in the story, was also heartfelt. “Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong, suporta, at pagmamahal na binigay mo sa lahat ng bumubuo ng ‘Batang Quiapo,’” he told her. “Sobra ka naming mami-miss lalong-lalo na ng mga crew at staff kasi sobra-sobrang kabaitan ang pinakita mo sa amin.” He continued, “Naging isang malaking parte ka ng ‘Batang Quiapo.’ Hinding-hindi ka namin makakalimutan. I love you.”
On her last day on set, Ivana was moved to tears while also smiling as she cherished her final moments portraying Bubbles. The team threw a special farewell for her, and in the video, she is seen holding a bouquet and telling the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” team, “Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat.”
She continued, “Salamat dahil unang araw pa lang, grabe n’yo ako tinututukan. At mami-miss ko kayong lahat.” She also expressed special thanks to Coco for his trust and for the lessons she learned from him, saying, “It’s an honor na makatrabaho ka.”
Ivana hopes that even though she is no longer part of the story, everyone will continue to support "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo."