More than having a beautiful face, Ivana Alawi has a golden heart many Filipinos can attest to, proving it’s always better to give than to receive.
As Ivana Alawi already shared the secret to building your own online empire, our cover star now explains the reason why it’s a must for each person who has the influence to take interest in wider social issues such as poverty, rather than just always being focused on those that impact your profit from influencer marketing. “I always encourage people who have extra to help those in need,” she tells MEGA. “Life is beautiful and worth sharing.”
That’s why at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Ivana was one of the celebrities who were, in their own ways, extending their help to the people greatly affected by the health crisis. In an episode of the morning show Magandang Buhay, she revealed that it started when she was watching the news.
“[Noong] nakikita ko na ang daming nagugutom, nalungkot ako. Sabi ko hindi naman ito pwede—enjoy lang ako rito, tapos nakikita ko ang ibang tao na naghihirap.” So, even if she was only at home, she thought of ways how she can help others, which she ended up starting a donation drive.
“Akala ng lahat ng tao na hindi kami dumaan sa hirap, na hindi kami dumaan sa times na wala kaming makain. Kasi (ang totoo), dumaan din ako roon,” she adds. “I’m thankful kasi nadaanan ko ‘yon. Alam ko isa siyang stepping stone. ‘Yun ang nagpu-push sa akin [at] ayaw kong maranasan ng ibang tao.”
A Woman Of Her Word
Many were surprised upon hearing the unprecedented demise of YouTube star Lloyd Cadena, another internet personality who’s famed for producing comedic vlogs, but more importantly, for his altruistic nature. Much like any other person who saw the post on Lloyd’s Facebook page, Ivana was taken aback, thinking it might just be a prank. But as much as we wanted it all to just be a prank, the news was indeed real.
When Ivana watched the last vlog of Lloyd, she was surprised when he challenged her for a duel: first one to finish washing an entire bus wins—a witty allusion to the vlog that catapulted her career in 2019. After hearing it, she immediately told herself she has to do it. “It was my way of honoring his challenge to me and a tribute to a great person,” she explains.
And contrary to the usual line always being said by vloggers, Ivana said this is the only time she’s not going to ask anyone to like and subscribe to her channel. Her only wish is for everyone to not skip the ads in the video, because all profits made from that buswash challenge will go directly to Lloyd’s family.
“Alam kong napakabuting tao [ni Lloyd] dahil ang dami niyan natulungan. Kahit hindi siya mayaman at kahit may utang pa siya sa bahay niya, mas inuna niya mamigay ng tablets para sa mga bata—sobrang buting tao niya,” she honestly shares.
So, upon looking at how Ivana Alawi and Lloyd Cadena’s successful YouTube careers, it’s not only about their fun and comedic videos that they publish are loved by many. Because more than that, it’s truly because of their genuine compassion and empathy towards others that sets them apart and #StayBrilliant.
It is up to people who have the power of influence to mightily use it for the better. “Gulong ang buhay, while you are being blessed, you have to share it,” she claims. After all, if there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught her is “nothing is permanent. Appreciate every little thing and never take anything for granted. Life changes so easily; make the most out of it. Help those in need and spend time with your loved ones.”
Photography BJ PASCUAL
Creative Direction JEB FRONDA
Art Direction JANN PASCUA
Styling ADRIANNE CONCEPCION
Makeup MICKEY SEE
Hair RENZ PANGILINAN
Shoot coordination PATRICIA RAMOS
Shot on location at MARRIOT HOTEL MANILA
Special thanks to PAOLO LUCIANO
All jewelry by LVNA BY DRAKE DUSTIN
