Barbie Imperial in “Batang Quiapo.” Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment addressed the rumors surrounding Barbie Imperial’s stint in “Batang Quiapo,” stressing that the actress is still a part of the TV series and is in communication with the production team.
Rumors of Imperial’s supposed abrupt exit from the show apparently arose after netizens noticed that she was in Italy instead of filming for the Coco Martin-led series.
Imperial was in Italy with her rumored boyfriend, actor Richard Gutierrez, who was filming his upcoming action drama “Incognito” in the said country.
“There is no truth to the rumors that Barbie Imperial is no longer part of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.’ Barbie, Coco Martin, and the production team openly communicate with each other, and she remains committed to the series,” Dreamscape Entertainment said in a statement released on Thursday, Oct. 3.
“Viewers can look forward to her exciting scenes as Tisay in the coming episodes,” it added, referring to the actress’ character.
Imperial also shared the production company’s statement through her Instagram Stories, adding red exclamation mark emoji.
Image: Instagram/@msbarbieimperial
In “Batang Quiapo,” Tisay is a singer and a gambler who met Martin’s Tanggol at a casino. Imperial first appeared in the TV series in August, but further details on her character have yet to be revealed to the viewers as of this writing.