Actress Ivana Alawi is all over the internet supported by legion of fans across social media sites, thus people wonder why it’s only now that she is getting her first lead role in a television series.
The 25-year-old star admits her excitement over her soap opera project, A Family Affair, produced by Star Creatives Television. Though the airing date is still yet to be announced, Ivana is thrilled especially when she saw the special video ABS-CBN has recently released which features her along with Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, Jameson Blake, and Jake Ejercito.
“In the story, I play the character of Cherry Red while the four breathe life into the Estrella brothers. How I’ll get involved with each of them is one thing the viewers should watch out for,” she avers.
The sexy star reveals that she felt nervous working with her leading men, particularly Sam and Gerald.
“Well, for one, they started ahead of me in the ‘biz. Before our taping officially commenced, I really had butterflies in my stomach, so to speak. Imagine, I would share the frame with them, especially Gerald and Sam whose projects I used to watch when I wasn’t still an actress. I was also excited to work with Jameson and Jake.”
Ivana is pleased with the treatment she got from the whole cast considering that it’s her first huge TV role.
“I had real fun working with all of them. All of them are very supportive. I didn’t feel awkward with them because they are so welcoming, warm, and friendly,” she says.
“I really enjoyed the experience! It was my first time visiting Masbate and it was great. I had a great time there from the breathtaking view to our horse riding adventure. I love the company of everybody from my co-stars to the production team. We were all like buddies. It’s a beautiful project over-all,” ends Ivana.
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The local entertainment industry lost another of its icons with the recent demise of Gloria Sevilla who is known as Queen of Visayan Movies. Reports confirm that she died in her sleep in her abode in Oakland, California on April 16. She was 90 years old.
One of Gloria’s major accomplishments was winning the FAMAS Best Actress trophy in 1969 for the Visayan movie Badlis sa Kinabuhi. She has done a lot of films in her entire career. After a hiatus, she came back to doing potboilers once again in 2019 with Ang Pagbabalik, an entry to the annual Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
In one of her last interviews, the legendary actress said that her dream is for Visayan movies to be given importance.
“They’re an essential part of the Philippine film industry. There are lots of good actors and actresses from the Visayas whose talent can never be underestimated,” she noted.
With her late husband Mat Ranillo, Jr. who was tagged as King of Visayan Movies, Gloria had six offspring namely, Suzette, Mat III, Dandin, Juni, Jojo, and Lilybeth. The first three also ventured into acting.
In line with their mother’s passing away, the Ranillo children released their heartwarming message to all who extended their sympathy in this time of sorrow.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Gloria Sevilla, the Queen of Visayan Movies, in Oakland, California at 11:00 AM, April 16, 2022. She died peacefully in her sleep,” the statement read.