Ivana Alawi recently opened up about her dual career as a content creator and an actress. While vlogging remains her top priority, she also finds joy in portraying different characters.

Currently, Ivana stars as Bubbles in the popular TV series, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

“It’s such a dream come true,” Ivana expressed in an interview with ABS-CBN News, referring to her role in Batang Quiapo. “Nagagawa ko 'yung iba't ibang acting like sa action scenes, sa drama. Ang ganda niya.”

She then elaborated on the contrast between her vlogging and acting schedules, noting, “Kasi sa content, I’m myself, I do it at my own time. Itong taping naman, MWF, tapos pagpasok mo dapat andoon ka na agad sa character mo.”

Ivana also praised her co-star and director Coco Martin. “Si Coco sobrang bait in everything, in action scenes, drama scenes. Kapag hindi ko nagagawa, kakausapin niya ako na ganito ang mas magandang delivery. Very hands-on si Coco, the directors, and the whole staff ng Batang Quiapo.”

Ivana discussed her vlogging process. She emphasized the authenticity of her content, saying, “Wala kaming script. Usually kapag may content or may pinost ako, I always make sure na authentic 'yung pino-post ko. Ang importante sa akin ay walang script. Just be yourself. Tuluy-tuloy naman siya kung anong maisip ko.”

Ivana’s YouTube channel, which boasts of 17.9 million subscribers, serves as an outlet for her to express herself and show her everyday life unfiltered. Her advice for aspiring content creators is straightforward: “Be yourself. Believe in yourself. When it's your time to shine, you will shine. Kunwari nag-start ka na and it's not working, don't give up kasi darating din 'yung time mo.”

Ivana also reflected on dealing with online bashers. Previously, she would read and react to negative comments, but her manager advised her to ignore them. “Hindi mo naman talaga maple-please lahat ng tao. That's something that you should always keep in mind na may mga taong magugustuhan ito, may mga taong hindi.”

— By Samantha Prats