Iya ready to be a mom

MANILA, Philippines – Iya Villania and husband Drew Arellano are heading to New Zealand this month for a triathlon event to be participated in by Drew, revealed the 24 Oras segment host for Chika Minute during the recently-held Watsons’ Switcher Surprise at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

“It’s a competition (and at the same time), Valentine’s and anniversary trip. So, it is three in one,” said Iya, who married Drew two years ago. This sojourn from their showbiz daily grind — Iya is also seen weeknights in the GMA primetime soap Because of You, while Drew hosts AHA! and Biyahe ni Drew weekends — could be the perfect rendezvous for the young couple to start their family.

“I’m entertaining (the thought of having) three (children) but I don’t want to have a middle child. So having two is just fine with me,” shared Iya, who originally wanted to have five bundles of joy. It’s clear that the Arellanos are considering this year as “baby-making season” and Iya is embracing motherhood.

You can sense it from her Instagram posts last year after finishing first in a triathlon tilt that Drew also took part of: “It really is amazing what your body can do when the mind wills it. Lord, thank you for the ability to use it. Couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the season! 1st place, baby!!! Congratulations once again to all the finishers! (Especially) my love Drew Arellano for being the ‘first loser’ (2nd place). I love you and can’t wait to start baby-making season.”

That’s why Iya has been taking folic acid since last year. “Looking back, I think all those training for triathlons and me getting in the best shape of my life (were) a way of preparing, strengthening and conditioning my body for what’s to come and getting pregnant.”

Speaking of getting in shape, Iya, aside from the triathlon events she has graced before like the Olympic distance triathlons of Tri United 1 and 2 and Tri United 3, felt that she has become more health-conscious since becoming Mrs. Drew Arellano. The TV host-actress has a specific fitness regimen she follows every day.

“I exercise more now because it’s much easier for me,” Iya said. “I could just bike at home and run around the area, dati yung bike iiwan ko pa kay Drew, kailangan pa ng pass para sa village na malapit, kapag gym ihahatid ka pa.” Iya’s workout routine is complemented with a healthy diet.

“I like to keep in shape but it’s not just because I want to look good or for aesthetics,” she said. “I work out so that I could enjoy eating. Kasi when my mom comes over, she brings a lot of Pinoy comfort food like kaldereta.”

Aside from her TV work, Iya is also busy gracing events like the Switcher Surprise promo of Watsons, one of her endorsements. The campaign encourages shoppers to be more practical with their purchases like its ambassadors Iya, Christian Bautista, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel Filart and Lorna Tolentino. They have to look for quality products with great prices.

“What I like about Watsons is, I get good quality (items) without having to pay more,” said Iya, whose favorite Watsons products are its foot ease because she wears heels most of the time, tissues, wet wipes and hand soap. “It’s like buying branded. We (Drew and I) live a very low-maintenance lifestyle. Thankfully, we don’t have to do grocery budgeting yet. But once we have kids, siyempre iba na yun.” Iya added that she and Drew know how to “splurge every now and then naman.”

At the said Switcher Surprise event, Iya and Lorna surprised shoppers, who bought “marked” items, with gifts. Among the winners were Angie Mendoza and couple Jennifer Ariesgado and Andrew Wray, who won P50,000 and a Samsung LED TV, respectively.

Esther Blanco got the reward of a Hong Kong travel package, while Julie Mamhot was the recipient of the Boracay trip.

Lastly, Loralyn Campos and Jayce Dualan won a shopping money worth P20,000 and a Technomarine watch, respectively.

Iya, who knows the value of well-earned money, was delighted to see these lucky shoppers go home with these rewards for shopping smartly.