New chapter for Iya Villania

CEBU, Philippines – Jumping ship, coming home, seeking growth – ‘tis the season for another merry-go-round of TV stars switching networks and suddenly paying homage to “where it all started” for them.

TV personality Iya Villania is the latest among actors to return to the fold, so to speak, following recent pronouncements of Maxene Magalona, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin to find their second wind at ABS-CBN.

The 28-year-old actress and TV host is back with GMA-7, where she began a showbiz career in 2003, most memorably in the teen series “Click.” She signed a contract last October 29 to appear exclusively in the Kapuso channel, and on top of her comeback projects will be her entry into the musical variety program “Sunday All Stars.”

“Hopefully, I’ll also get to work with GMA News TV,” says Iya, whose most recent regular hosting stint was in an ABS-CBN morning show.

Like her husband Drew Arellano – one of GMA-7’s reliable lifestyle program hosts – Iya expressed her preference to do lifestyle and sports-oriented shows. “I love sports, I really wouldn’t mind breaking a sweat. I don’t mind getting rough and dirty,” the doe-eyed Fil-Aussie declares.

But, multi-talented as she is, don’t count out singing, dancing and acting as the other creative fields she hopes to pursue with GMA-7.

Meeting a whole bunch of new faces is one other thing Iya is excited about. “It’s gonna be a huge change but I guess change is the only thing that’s permanent in this world and it’s always nice to ruffle up feathers. Of course, it’s always nice to make new friends and that is what I’m definitely looking forward to.”

Not one to burn bridges, Iya has had nothing but good memories about her time spent in GMA-7.

“Nakakatawa kasi just recently magkasama kami ni Tricia Roman, my co-star in ‘Click.’ And then of course, I used to get to see JC (de Vera), Denise (Laurel), and the other ‘Click’ barkada. I also appeared in ‘Bubble Gang,’ I did ‘Walang Hanggan’ with Oyo Boy Sotto. I also did ‘Gigsters.’ Actually, a lot of fun memories here. We have a whole new generation of artists now so there are new friends to make and faces I have to familiarize myself with.”

Among the Kapuso male stars, Iya says she’d “be very comfortable” working with Rafael Rosell, and would love to reunite with Dennis Trillo after working with him in the horror film “Pamahiin.” She adds, “I’m really game for anyone.”

Drew is happy and excited with her transfer, although, Iya says, “Wherever I would end up, Drew has faith in me and he has so much confidence in me na minsan kapag wala akong confidence sa sarili, sa kanya ko nakukuha.”

While it would be convenient if a show was crafted for both of them (as it would double as couples’ bonding time), Iya says she’d be grateful for whatever project will be thrown her way.

As to plans of having a baby, Iya says she and Drew are treating family planning as a serious project. If the heavens agree with their time-table, Iya hopes to have a bun in the oven in the years 2017, 2019, and 2021.

“Naka-plano na ‘yun pero of course, kung may accident, magiging happy accident. We’re married so there’s nothing wrong with that. Sana ‘yun din ang plano ni Lord, kasi baka magkaiba kami ng plano. Sometimes things don’t turn out the way you plan it. Sa ngayon, gusto pa namin ni Drew na mag-enjoy kasi living together is something new to us, it’s still something we’re trying to get used to. I want us to enjoy this and travelling first before we have kids.” —  VAB