Actress and social media superstar Ivana Alawi surprised everyone when she entered the Pinoy Big Brother house. It made me wonder why she joined a reality show when her digital content had already propelled her to unprecedented fame.
Before entering the PBB house, the social media star hosted a thanksgiving party with the entertainment press, answering all their questions with ease. She was straightforward but careful with her words.
“Something big is happening in my career that I can’t say anything about, but you’ll definitely know it this week,” she said in response to what’s next for her career this year.
During the Q&A, she shared that through vlogging and curated social media content, she aimed to inspire people. After the event, we asked her who or what inspired her.
“Apart from my family, the people who find inspiration in my content are the same ones who inspire me to keep creating,” she said.
However, Ivana made it clear that politics is not in her plans. “I don’t think I can handle politics, nor do I have the skills to hold a government position,” she said.
What does she think about celebrities running for office?
“If that’s what they want, let them be. But that doesn’t mean they’ll get my support,” she responded.
In 2019, Ivana launched her self-titled YouTube channel and quickly amassed a massive following, becoming the most-subscribed Filipino celebrity on the platform. Google recognized her influence, naming her the “Top YouTube Content Creator” in the Philippines for two consecutive years.
Beyond content creation, she has ventured into business and is set to launch her own skincare brand soon.
Despite being no stranger to online criticism, there are issues she chooses to address, including rumors of an affair with Albee Benitez after Ogie Diaz made claims on YouTube. Benitez later issued a public apology to clarify the situation. Ivana also denied false reports of having cancer, saying her mother was deeply worried until she confirmed it was fake news.
“Wala akong sinisirang pamilya,” was her firm response.
“To be honest, I don’t care about online bashers, but I respond when the issue affects my family. Generally, they don’t really matter,” she said.
“Wala naman akong pakialam sa bashers ever since,” she added.
When it comes to her content, the 28-year-old star emphasized her hands-on approach to content creation. “Wala akong team—ako lang talaga ang nag-iisip kung ano ang ilalagay sa content.”
Raised in Bahrain, Ivana inherited her father’s estate after his passing in 2018. Her youngest sibling, Mona Alawi, is a former child actress. In October 2024, Ivana was hospitalized due to polycystic ovary syndrome.
“Yes, I did have—and still have—struggles, but I’m okay now,” she said, adding that she takes care of her mental health. “You don’t have to be ashamed of having mental health issues. First and foremost, dapat alagaan mo ang sarili, and prioritizing your mental health is one way to take good care of yourself.”