The face that launched a thousand hits

Iya Villania is a busy girl. This 19 year-old beauty from Australia, touted as one of the Philippines’ most successful young stars today, has a schedule packed with various intense yet enjoyable activities. On MYX she is VJ Iya, accompanying viewers on extended screenings of the latest music videos.

On Wowowee!, she is GJ Iya, a game jock who hosts a hot noontime comedy and game show. Iya is also a regular on the teen-oriented sitcom Click, and has been featured in a number of successful projects, including ABS-CBN’s ASAP Fanatics and director Joel Lamangan’s Aishite Imasu 1941. She is also the newest endorser of Modess.

But Iya is really just your ordinary girl. She’s a big fan of fashion, describing her style as very "street, urban and laidback." She’s got a great sense of humor and has no trouble captivating any audience, whether it be millions of viewers or a small group of very close friends. Iya insists she’s not much of a party girl, opting to get some hard-earned rest and relaxation whenever she gets the chance.

"I prefer staying home. I’d much rather catch a movie, or hang out in a coffee shop with friends to talk. This might sound weird, but I don’t really like shopping because I’m an impulsive buyer. I just can’t help it!"

Iya speaks fondly of her work, recalling the days when she would stare at the TV and sigh, wishing she were the face speaking through the boob tube. "I auditioned for MYX but I didn’t get the job. I think it was because they said my accent was too strong. I left knowing I didn’t get it. So I went to high school and did a couple of VTRs, and I eventually got a job as a GJ on Wowowee!. Myx approached me later, though, and asked me to be a VJ."

Iya has always dreamt of becoming a VJ for a music channel, enthusiastically mentioning Donita Rose as her inspiration. "I just love her so much. I’m really trying to follow the way she went through her career. She’s so successful, so beautiful, and she’s got her own family, with a great husband and kids." And yes, the two women have much in common. Iya is taking things from where Donita left off, proving that women can do anything they put their minds to.

Iya has gone a long way from fronting for Filipino pop acts in Sydney to introducing their videos full time. She seems to radiate an aura of calm, somehow infusing people around her with her boundless energy and positive attitude. All this, in spite of the fact that she insists that she’s just some wacky girl with a great job.

It comes as no surprise why Modess chose Iya to become the new face of female empowerment. Iya doesn’t just adore Donita, it almost looks as if she’s absorbed many of her idol’s traits. Iya, like Donita, is spirited, confident, carefree, all at such a young age. What better way to pick up on tradition than by making Iya this generation’s Donita?

Iya is delighted to be chosen as Modess’ flag-bearer, gushing happily about how she’s always loved the brand as much as it loves her. "This is definitely a good product. I feel so much more comfortable, free to do what I want," she says.