Is Ivana Alawi no longer portraying the lead character in ABS-CBN’s upcoming teleserye, Ang Lihim ni Ligaya?
First announced in January 2020 when ABS-CBN launched a trailer for its upcoming programs, the project is supposed to be Ivana’s first title role in a series.
A story conference held in February 2020 also announced Kit Thompson as Ivana’s leading man.
Agot Isidro, Janice de Belen, Michael de Mesa, Christian Vazquez, Michelle Vito, Mica Javier, and newcomers Argel Saycon and Raven Molina are also also joining the cast.
Ang Lihim ni Ligaya was originally scheduled to air on ABS-CBN’s pre-prime-time block in April 2020.
However, the program had to be postponed along with the network's other upcoming TV shows because of the enhanced community quarantine.
Even then, an online show called PaLIGAYAhin Mo Ako, a temporary entertainment show led by the cast of Ang Lihim ni Ligaya aired on ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel featuring Ivana, Kit, Argel, and Raven.
At present, cameras have started rolling for some of ABS-CBN’s current and upcoming shows, including Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Cara Y Cruz, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
On Ivana’s YouTube Q&A Mukbang vlog on uploaded last September 8, Ivana was asked about the status of her soap.
“May chance pa bang matuloy ang teleserye mo?”
Ivana answered, “Actually, guys, sa ngayon, hindi talaga ako lumalabas.
“Takot na takot ako lumabas kasi takot ako sa COVID.”
Her main concern is her younger sister, Mona Alawi, formerly known as GMA child actress Mona Louise Rey.
Mona is a diabetic and, therefore, immune challenged.
Ivana said, “Hindi ko iri-risk na magtrabaho ako, mag-taping ako, mag-shooting, ‘tapos may mangyari kay Mona. Iyon talaga, at saka si Mama.
“May mga shootings and may mga tapings na gusto nang magsimula, pero ako na mismo nagsasabi na hindi pa, kasi takot talaga ako sa COVID.
“And iyong main issue is ayokong mahawa si Mama, si Mona, 'tsaka si Kuya [Hash Alawi], mga tao dito sa bahay.
“Kasi I will go to work and I will come home and there is everyone.”
Ivana said she is happy to be spending time with her family at home, and focuses on shooting more content for her YouTube channel.
Ivana, however, did not say anything about the status of the soap, whether it has been postponed or shelved. Has she backed out of the show?
WILL IVANA BE REPLACED BY ERICH IN ANG LIHIM NI LIGAYA?
According to Jun Lalin’s column in Abante Tonite, Agot and Janice are set to play the main characters in an upcoming series, and Erich Gonzales is tapped to play the lead role.
The report, however, did not mention the title or any information about the project.
But some netizens were quick to connect that the project could be Ang Lihim ni Ligaya, since Agot and Janice are also part of the program.
Netizens also asked Ivana if her series will still be pushing through.
A netizen, who uses the handle @majasuperstar, mentioned that Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal had sent flowers to Erich.
Dreamscape Entertainment is the producer of Ang Lihim ni Ligaya.
In the past, there had been reports about Deo allegedly having “tampo” with Erich after the actress backed out of the afternoon series Love Thy Woman.
Ang Lihim ni Ligaya was not also mentioned when ABS-CBN TV Production head Lauren Dyogi announced the upcoming shows of the network in his vlog.
ABS-CBN and Dreamscape have yet to announce the real status of the series.
Ano ba ang latest sa showbiz? Find out kung anong level ang showbiz IQ mo by subscribing to PEP.ph Viber Chatbot here. Join our community para laging updated!