Though more known for her glamorous and sensual public image, Ivana Alawi has steadily been building a reputation as something far more elusive: a performer capable of shape-shifting across roles, tones, and identities.

She has long been experimenting with character-driven content through her vlog, slipping in and out of personas that allow her to stretch beyond her established screen presence. Now, she takes that instinct to TV in "Love Is Never Gone," where transformation is not just an exercise, but the very language of her character.

She plays Yana, a woman who exists in a constant state of reinvention. Part dreamer, part deceiver, and entirely unpredictable.

“Ito ang pinakagustuhan kong aspect ng show,” Ivana says. “Na I get to explore different characters as Yana. Kasi si Yana is parang chameleon. Kaya niya mag-iba-iba ng anyo.”

For Ivana, the role demanded more than surface-level shifts in appearance. Each version of Yana required intention, discipline, and immersion.

“May isang beses na talagang nag-aral ako ng French para makuha ko yung tamang accent,” she recalls. “Ilang araw ko talaga ginawa ‘yun. Siyempre ayoko mapagalitan ng director namin.”

That commitment did not go unnoticed on set.

Show director Manny Palo mantains, "Ivana is a revelation here. Hindi lang basta costume change, pati sa kilos, pananalita.. she made sure she covered all the bases in every transformation."  

Veteran actress Dina Bonnevie, who joins the ensemble cast, also found herself surprised by Ivana’s range.

“I signed up for this show wanting to work with Joshua Garcia,” Dina shares, “pero si Ivana, I knew her simply as a vlogger. Nagulat ako sa kakayanan niya. She knows her strengths and puts it to good use here. I like that she’s very malambing, lovable, generous.”

"Love Is Never Gone" also fulfills Ivana's long-held desire to step into more physical, high-energy storytelling.

“Gusto ko talaga yung mga action e,” she says. “Kaya nung sinabi sa akin na may action scenes dito, tuwang-tuwa ako. Isa yun sa mga ni-look forward ko going in.”

Then again, it’s not as if the production shied away from Ivana’s undeniable appeal either, with several scenes clearly designed to highlight her physicality, something her male fans will no doubt appreciate.

Still, the show doesn’t rely on that alone.

Even in its more sensual, emotionally heightened moments, Ivana leans fully into the role, generating undeniable, slow-burn chemistry with Joshua. Their scenes crackle with tension. Playful, teasing, and at times so natural it edges into improvisation.

Recalling a particular kissing scene, Ivana laughed as she turned to Joshua: “Grabe kang sumipsip! Yung lipstick ko, nawawala…”

Joshua, smiled sheepishly, going on to praise his leading lady. “Bilib ako kay Ivana rito,” he said. “Napakalaki ng transformations niya, tsaka ang galing niya sa action.”

Asked to rate her as a kissing scene partner, he flashed a grin: “Nine. There’s room for improvement.”

Ivana didn’t miss a beat. “Ay! O, sige, sige, sige! ‘Di ba, Direk (Manny Palo), may isa pa? Okay, kasi hindi ko nabuksan ‘yung bibig ko e!”

Beyond the banter, the series itself unfolds as a sweeping mix of romance, suspense, and reinvention.

Joshua plays Teo, a hardworking mechanic who leaves the Philippines to work abroad in search of stability. His life takes a dark turn after a fateful encounter with Yana, whose own actions are driven by survival and desperation. What begins as a chance meeting spirals into betrayal, wrongful imprisonment, and a years-long unraveling of truth.

The series also features a strong ensemble cast, including Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Michael De Mesa, Epy Quizon, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, JC Alcantara, Rans Rifol, Kiko Matos, Argel Saycon, Heart Ramos, Alex Medina, Benj Manalo, Carlo San Juan, and special appearances from Ara Mina and Irma Adlawan.

Produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, "Love Is Never Gone," streams exclusively on Prime Video starting May 8.