IYA VILLANIA says that she is very unlikely to switch networks (XIAN)

Iya Villania is still laughing over the rumor that she was leaving ASAP XV and ABS-CBN to move to a program on a rival network. During the press launch of her Silka whitening products endorsement, she explained that she is still under contract with the Kapamilya network. “I still have a contract with ABS-CBN [until October] so that’s very unlikely to happen.”

When Rachelle Ann Go and Mark Bautista left ASAP XV to move to another show, it was rumored that Iya would also be switching networks. She explained though, “Dahil ‘yun anghot chismis that time, when Rachelle Ann and then Mark switched to the rival program. I guess they were just trying to look for people who are likely to switch. Maybe also people are thinking na, ‘She’s not doing much shows!’ But it’s not happening.”

The 23-year-old Fil-Australian beauty is a regular performer and host on ASAP XV, a co-host of Us Girls on Studio 23, and a VJ on the MYX music channel. Iya said that she doesn’t feel the need to jump networks because she is happy to be a Kapamilya. “I’m happy. Of course more opportunities would be awesome. But I’m lucky to be where I am right now and that’s something that I have come to realize. There are so many artists out there who would wish to have a regular show like ASAP, Us Girls, MYX. I’m very thankful to have these shows.”

Iya last acting project was last year’s teleserye Only You as kontrabida to Angel Locsin. She said there are still no clear plans for her in terms of acting, but she would very much welcome any offer. “As long as the opportunity is there, why not?” she said. But if asked, she would love to do more singing and dancing like what she does every week on ASAP XV. “Sana more of performing. I’d love to tour.” Iya currently has an album out entitled Finally.

She was recently chosen to fill in for Billy Crawford, who flew to Hong Kong for a commitment, as co-host to Luis Manzano during the results night of the Pilipinas Got Talent finale. Iya admitted that she was surprised to have been chosen to sub for Billy for a job she considers her biggest hosting opportunity so far. “’Di ko nga alam kung paano nangyari ‘yun. Siguro dahil kapatid ko siya [sa manager]. Siguro dahil busy rin ang kanyang girlfriend na si Nikki Gil sa rehearsal ng Legally Blonde. I was very surprised but very thankful at the same time for the opportunity. It was the biggest hosting job I have done dito sa ABS-CBN. I was a bit shocked nga, ‘Are you sure na ako?!’ I just really had to make the most out of it. Inaral ko talaga ‘yung mgaTagalog words, ha ha ha! Of course Tagalog is not my first language pero inaral ko nang maigi ‘yungscript para hindi ako mag-mumble.”

Iya also filled in for Anne Curtis last week as co-host of another hit talent program Showtime. Although she said she had a great time filling in for Anne, she dispelled speculations that she is out to be a permanent replacement. “Of course not! I would love to join but not to replace anyone. Love ko ‘yan si Anne so I would never take away anything from her that she really loves. I really did enjoy filling in for her sa Showtime.Nakaka inggit ‘yung samahan nila. Very natural ‘yung batuhan nila. It’s not like they’re there lang to work. They’re barkada rin. Ang ganda ng chemistry nila. Ang sarap nila kasama.”