Ivana Alawi is set to take on her first lead role in a primetime series via “A Family Affair.” And those who’ve followed her journey know for sure that this is a dream finally coming true.
In a recent vlog titled “Trip to Masbate,” the social media sweetheart shared what it’s like staying on the island for work. And at some point, the love displayed by the locals evoked memories of her humble beginnings.
“Na-shock kami. Ganito pala ‘pag nagbibida,”said Ivana while having breakfast with her glam team. It was their last day for that taping cycle. While enjoying her food, she gushed over the kind-hearted Masbateño people who returned her hairstylist’s lost phone. Ivana is amazed how the locals would drop by the location to see her, rain or shine, bringing huge tarpaulins, although she’s not able to entertain them all due to strict protocols. The latter part of the video captured the cheering crowd wanting to catch a glimpse of her.
The adoration reminded Ivana of the time she was cast as a bit player or ‘extra’ in teleseryes. Back then, her typical day on set required only 3 to 4 sequences with few dialogues, “Hindi na kami nagto-throw lines kasi ang iksi ng lines ko. Ngayon, naninibago na kami pero masaya.”
People didn’t even know her then, “Nung nagsa-start pa lang ako sa mga tapings, nasa isang tabi lang kami, nagtatago. Tapos, ‘Sino ‘yung Ivana?’ ‘Siya po,’ may gagan’un sa akin. Tapos ngayon, ang ganda, God is good. Nakakatuwa ‘yung mga tao dito, lahat nanonood ng vlog. So, thank you.”
Ivana is living the dream in Masbate, the location of her upcoming series “A Family Affair.” For her, the island is a sight to behold and she intends to bring her family there soon. She revealed her usual food on the set and how she spends free time without social media. She also showed their room accommodation, as well as the farm where they went horseback riding for some scenes, hinting at the story’s setting.
Joining Ivana in “A Family Affair” are leading men Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Jake Ejercito, and Jameson Blake.