Actress and social media personality Ivana Alawi is the latest cover girl of local fashion magazine Preview.
The 23-year-old Ivana is seen doing the laundry, while wearing nothing but a white see-through top and some underwear, in the image taken by BJ Pascual that was unveiled this Friday, October 8, for the cover story of this month's issue of the magazine.
Speaking with Preview, Ivana opened up about her struggles in show business. According to the Filipina-Moroccan actress, she almost gave up on her dreams of becoming a star after years of failing to make a mark in the industry.
“Ako talaga I stopped na. Nag-study na talaga ako. Pero yung nanay ko parang sabi niya ‘One more time, one more time.’ Pinipilit niya tapos sinend niya yung photo ko sa maraming [talent agents],” she explained.
Ivana was eventually discovered by her current manager Perry Lansigan, who coincidentally at that time, was on the search for the newest sexy star to build up.
“At that moment I said that I was confident. I wanted to be myself and ayokong magpa-sweet kasi hindi naman talaga ako yung super pa-sweet. Sabi ko ‘If I go back and if I give it one more shot then I want to do it the way I feel like doing it.’ Parang who I really am. Sabi ko ‘I’m not going to be young and sexy forever.’ So ayun, I said I have to give it a shot,” she said.
She also talked about being the target of criticism on social media for her sexy image.
“I don’t really respond to bashers. I don’t read the bad comments. I don’t give it any time or energy kasi it’s not worth it,” she told Preview. “Why do I have to listen to other people when I know myself, and I’m happy, and I’m not hurting anyone, and I’m not doing anything wrong?”
As to how she handles indecent proposals, Ivana said: “Talagang binabasag ko. I’ve been getting so many, as in direct talaga. Yung iba nagpapanggap na work, yung iba [sinasabi na] ‘I’ll give you a house and lot’…sabi ko ‘I can buy my own house.’’
You can check out the full feature here.