Filipino actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi. IVANA ALAWI
Filipino actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi has found herself at the centre of an online debate after her latest giveaway campaign, which offered 100 iPhones, was criticised by some netizens over its connection to an online gambling platform.
The controversy began after Alawi announced on July 15 that she would give away 100 iPhone 17 units to her followers, documenting her visit to a mall where she purchased the devices worth a reported P4.28 million (Dh254,720).
“I am happy because 100 people will be able to receive and use these,” Alawi said in Filipino. The giveaway quickly gained massive attention online, attracting millions of reactions, comments and shares. Many followers praised the actress-vlogger for giving back to her audience.
However, criticism followed after viewers noticed that one of the giveaway requirements involved following the Facebook page of an online gambling platform that Alawi promotes. “They really wanted more people to get an iPhone, so they helped. All you have to do is follow their page, because that is where we will get random followers who will go home with an iPhone 17,” she said in Filipino.
Some netizens questioned whether such a promotion could encourage more people to engage with gambling-related content.
One Facebook user wrote: “Sorry po, Ma’am Ivana Alawi. That P4 million worth of 100 iPhones is nothing compared to the lives that could be affected by promoting online casinos.” The commenter added that millions of Filipinos could be exposed to the promotion and potentially encouraged to try gambling.
Another critic said: “I never thought I would unfollow Ivana Alawi. She was one of the very few Filipino vloggers I truly admired. I followed her because I saw her kindness, her generosity and how many lives she touched through her charity. That’s why this hurt. Seeing the 100 iPhone giveaway used to promote online gambling was heartbreaking.”
Another Facebook user warned that even simply following a gambling-related page could increase exposure to similar content: “If it’s free, you are the product. There is no such thing as free.. When you click follow, the algorithm tags that. Soon you will be shown videos, images, ideas [that it is] okay [to gamble]. This will then shape your new reality.”
Other commenters also expressed disappointment, saying the giveaway’s popularity could unintentionally bring more attention to gambling platforms. “More than a million have interacted with the giveaway of Ivana Alawi. But it is sad that one of the mechanics is to i-follow the online gambling page that she is endorsing,” read one post in Filipino. “It would not be surprising if one or more participants in that giveaway become addicted to gambling,” the post added.
Despite the criticism, many fans continued supporting Alawi and praised her generosity. The giveaway video also generated viral reactions and memes, including from Filipino communities abroad. As of writing, Alawi has not issued a public response regarding the backlash. CAM/Expat Media
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