Iya Villania: The girl from Down Under is up & about

The current toast of the media circuit, Iya Villania’s sensual beauty looms all over the metropolis – from gigantic billboards strewn all over the major thoroughfares to the glitzy covers of fashion and showbiz magazines.

What is it about this spunky, Fil-Australian teen sensation that captured our hearts and minds? Is it her doll-like features – her long, lustrous jet-black hair and those big, bright eyes that glow with the exuberance of youth? Is it her infectious laughter, or her wacky, cooky demeanor that makes her irresistible not just to boys, but to showbiz fans of all ages?

Like Jerry Maguire, she had us at hello. Who would have thought that Iya’s distinct Aussie accent would spark a catchword that spread like wildfire? "Hellerrr!," she utters during her TV sorties.

The perky lass grew up in Sydney, Australia where she dabbled in modeling and singing while completing her term in one of the city’s prestigious universities. The juggling act proved to be a breeze, as the articulate teener dazzled everyone with her wit, flair and charm. Blessed with the perfect mix of beauty and brains, Iya was destined for stardom – and she knew it.

One big break led to another, and pretty soon, Manila got its first taste of the lass from Down Under. Even before uttering a word, she already caught the eye of advertising bigwigs eager for a fresh new face. Her riveting gaze and svelte physique were all it took for jaws to drop and ask: "Who’s that girl?!"

On-cam or off, Iya never fails to mesmerize everyone with her uncanny fashion sense. A true-blue fashionista, she has garnered accolades from leading fashion magazines and institutions, and has been chosen as the image model of HerBench, Fix Salon, Technomarine, CloseUp, Palmolive, Epson, Sun Cellular, Silka, ACSAT, Modess, Rustan’s Essenses, Morelatto Jewelry and Rose Online.

Her legions of fans had already taken notice of her gift of gab as early as four years ago when she hosted the first reality-based interactive game show on TV, Game Channel.

With her bubbly demeanor and natural charm, Iya kept all gamers glued to their TV sets – getting her fair share of teen- crazed fan mail in the process.

Her next big break came when she was asked to co-host ABS-CBN’s noontime game show, Wowowee! Iya is also one of the co-hosts and performers in the station’s A.S.A.P., and has also been recently tapped to anchor Studio 23’s Us Girls, a female-oriented lifestyle show. As if that weren’t enough, Iya is also resident VJ of MYX Music Channel, where she dishes the latest tidbits and goings-on in the music biz.

The fledgling actress recently figured in her first starring role on the silver screen via Regal Films’ Pamahiin, where she co-starred with Dennis Trillo and Marian Rivera. Late last year, she played the mythical Diwata ng Kalikasan in Imus Productions’ Exodus, the all-star fantasy-epic topbilled by Bong Revilla.

Her other film credits include Aishite Imasu (1941), directed by Joel Lamangan, and Beautiful Life, megged by Gil Portes.

Although she has yet to make her debut in the recording world, Iya had already affirmed her ability as a singer via last year’s smash stage hit, Footloose the Musical, where she co-starred with Jay-R. She was a clear standout with her fancy footwork and powerful voice, drawing positive reviews from critics.

Leading a life of glitz and glam can easily numb one’s senses to life’s realities, but Iya has kept her feet grounded. "All this," she muses, "can be gone in one poof. You may be hot today, but tomorrow you can be forgotten. That’s why despite my showbiz commitments, I’ve made sure that I never neglect my studies."

Iya is currently finishing her degree in AB Psychology at De La Salle University, and is also taking short courses in Computer Science at ACSAT.

School work takes up most of her daily morning schedule, after which she heads to ABS-CBN studios for Wowowee!

It’s her level-headed perspective, coupled with her untarnished image, that has earned her the rightful title as one of the role models for today’s young generation.

Iya is being managed by ALV Talent Circuit.