Coco Martin is known for surprising viewers with new characters to add spice to his teleseryes' storyline, and usually, these characters are portrayed by the industry’s biggest and brightest stars. Much to the delight of many fans, he tapped Ivana Alawi to play the role of Bubbles as the series opened its second chapter.

Coco and Ivana’s chemistry explodes in action-packed and even comedy-laden scenes, shown in this Kapamilya Toplist video from “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

Bubbles’ debut appearance was made intriguing by playing with the cinematography and camera angles. She was asked to look after Tanggol, who was tortured in jail upon the request of an influential person. And from the dark entrance of the room, she walked toward him until viewers could fully see her face.

She was tasked by jail chief officer Dolores (Jacklyn Jose) to treat Tanggol’s wounds and make sure he remains alive. It turned out that she is the granddaughter of an inmate named Celso (Soliman Cruz), who would become an ally of Tanggol’s group.

Bubbles rightfully owns the title as ‘reyna ng selda.’ She’s intimidating and dependable, not to mention, the fantasy of every male prisoner. In one scene, she turned heads while going to the male prison cell to bring special breakfast for Tanggol, but her ‘angas’ was gone in an instant the moment they locked eyes. It was clear that the two would find a profound connection.

Their extraordinary bond was forged during seasons of threats and challenges such as when Tanggol’s group became the target of Bong (Vandolph Quizon)’s gang. She was there to help them navigate their dangerous world by telling them the unspoken rules in jail, such as whom they should be wary of. Despite her denial, saying that she’s only following Dolores’ order to help the newcomers, she obviously treats them with special attention.
Besides nail-biting action, Tanggol and Bubbles also bring us good vibes and kilig through their rom-com-like scenes. Her friends cracked us up when they got to meet Tanggol, who was then beginning to become the new ‘crush ng selda.’ Becky (Donna Cariaga) and Ibyang (Lotlot Bustamante) are quick to confess their feelings in a super comical way, like saying that Bubbles is insecure with their beauty and asking Tanggol to omit the formality in the way he talks to them. Elsa (Ate Gay) was smitten by the ‘Batang Quiapo’ too, so he asked Bubbles to help him make a move. Our hearts fluttered with that cute moment of Bubbles telling Tanggol, “Sabay tayo tatanda dito,” when they talked about their lifetime imprisonment.

Cuenco) in a thrilling shootout scene. Bubbles, although equipped with equally incredible skill and fighting spirit, put her faith in Tanggol. True enough, he showed off his intense action prowess and stunning, death-defying stunts. Although Bubbles thought for a moment that Tanggol had escaped, the latter proved himself to be a dependable friend and awesome partner in dangerous missions.

Watch out for more enthralling scenes of Coco and Ivana in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5, and A2Z.