Ivana Alawi blames stern face for ‘attitude’ rumors in ‘Batang Quiapo’ set

Ivana Alawi shares behind-the-scenes moments of her time in “Batang Quiapo.” Images: Instagram/@ivanaalawi

Following her official exit from “Batang Quiapo,” Ivana Alawi addressed for the first time the rumors that one of the reasons she left the show was because she had an “attitude problem,” saying that it was her deadpan face that stirred people’s assumptions.

“Attitude problem? Hindi ko alam. Alam mo kasi isa sa mga problem ‘yung face ko,” she said during an On Cue interview, proceeding to show her stern-looking countenance. “Ito ‘yung normal kapag hindi ako naka-smile. I was born with an ‘attitude’ face, siguro.”

While not one to pretend when she doesn’t like someone, Alawi said she hasn’t had any issues with any of the staff.

“No. I love them all. Sobrang bait nila sakin,” she said of the “Batang Quiapo” staff.

Alawi further explained that her contract with “Batang Quiapo” was only originally for three months until it was extended into a year. But right now, she has other responsibilities to attend to and need to set aside the series.

“Nagpaalam ako ng maayos. ‘Di na talaga kaya. Even though it was hard for me to ask them to kill my character,” she said. “Walang nangyari na tinanggal ako or something like that—that’s not true.”

The actress-vlogger also clarified that there were no truths to the rumors that she would leave the set early any time she pleases.

“Nung sinasabi na umaalis ako na hindi pa tapos ‘yung taping, I’ve never done that. Unang una alam ko na malaki ang cause ng production, so kahit lumampas ako ng oras, walang problema,” she remarked. 

“Everyone is working; hindi lang ako. So bakit magdedepende ako sa sarili ko na, ‘Ayoko na, tapos na ako,’ I respect everyone. Everyone is working hard, so I should also work hard,” continued Alawi.

Earlier this month, Star Magic released a statement on Alawi‘s departure from “Batang Quiapo,” debunking rumors that she was removed from the series due to her “attitude problem.”