Kapamilya star-vlogger Ivana Alawi is undaunted about possible charges stemming from a recent vlog in which she pranked a street vendor, allegedly violating safety protocols during the pandemic.
Alawi is known for releasing videos that bring fun and positive vibes to her YouTube subscribers, now, with more than 12 million followers.
Her recent vlog titled “Prank on Strangers on the Street” has gone viral after its release, with mostly positive reviews for the country’s popular vlogger.
In the video, Alawi disguised as a homeless person and solicited donations from strangers. The majority of the people she approached gave her a small sum, but one, in particular, stood out.
Despite her appearance and situation, Alawi was caught in tears during her encounter with the Kutsinta vendor Joselito Martinez, who treated her with kindness and generosity. He offered her food and money, and the Kapamilya actress reciprocated his kindness by giving him P20,000.
While Alawi has received praises from the netizens for the assistance she has given to the 58-year-old vendor, some have criticized her for her actions.
The 24-year-old vlogger reportedly received threats saying they would sue her for supposedly violating safety protocols.
Some have even called it as “Poverty Porn,” claiming that Alawi used the poverty of others to gain views.
Others also pointed out the Presidential Decree 1563, also known as the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978, signed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
“Presidential Decree No. 1563 or Anti-Mendicancy Law which prohibits begging or soliciting charitable donations by the poor and other religious organizations on the streets. Giving alms to beggars is also prohibited by law,” according to a Netizen.
However, Alawi boldly challenged her accusers to file a case against her and vowed to deal with the situation.
“Kung may nilabag akong batas, eh di kasuhan nalang nila ako. Haharapin ko ‘yun. Lalaban ako, ‘di ba?” she said while doing a Filipino breakfast mukbang with her family on her latest vlog.
She also made it clear that she didn’t do anything wrong and that her intentions were pure from the beginning.
“Kasi para sa akin, I didn’t do anything wrong. Ang intention ko was just to help out and to inspire people,” added Alawi.
Alawi believed that she did not hurt or step on someone else with her prank. She added she was happy and will do it again in the future.
“Wala akong tinapakan na tao, wala akong sinaktan na tao. Masaya ako sa video and I would do it again,” she said.
She realized that no matter how good you are, people will still say negative things about you.
“Hayaan na lang natin. Na-realize ko sa buhay, parang no matter what you do, kung may gagawin kang maganda, kung may gagawin kang hindi maganda, laging may masasabi sila,” Alawi said.
Meanwhile, she also shared that after the prank video, she met again with the vendor for lunch and offered him additional assistance, as she featured some clips of Martinez at the latter part of her vlog.
“Right after ko nilabas ‘yung vlog na street prank, nagkita kami after two days. Pina-swab ko siya, tapos nakapag-usap, nag-lunch, and I helped out in my own small ways,” Alawi shared.
The social media sensation not only bought the Martinez new home appliances but also gifted him a new motorcycle so he would no longer have to take the bus anymore.
“Hindi pa po tapos. Tay, motor niyo po ‘yan. Sa inyo na po ‘yan, Tay. Wag na po kayo magba-bus masyado. Sa inyo na po ‘yan, Tay,” the sexy actress said.
To which the old man broke down into tears before telling his wife, “May sasakyan na tayo.”
Currently, Ivana Alawi’s heartwarming street prank with Joselito Martinez has over 18 million views on YouTube.
