Iya ditches sweet image, named Tanduay's 2011 calendar girl

by Nikki delos Santos, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines- Saying that she’s more comfortable with her body now, television host and actress Iya Villania has decided to drop her sweet and wholesome image.

The 24-year-old Myx VJ on Friday was launched by Tanduay Distillers Inc. as its latest sultry calendar girl for 2011 at the Imperial Suites in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

"Para hindi na nila sabihing masyado akong dry, para may kaunting excitement,” Villania said of her new image.

"The timing was also good. The offer came at a good time when I really feel comfortable with my body and more mature also,” she added.

The Filipino Australian hottie assured that she will never compromise her personal beliefs despite the sudden shift in her image. “I still have my morals with me."

"Anything new that’s coming my way, why not, i-we-welcome ko lahat ang pagbabago as long as it's something I'm comfortable with," she said.

During the press launch, Villania divulged that she was previously offered to pose for men's magazines, but she knew that it wasn't the right time yet. Also, posing for FHM magazine is still a no-no for her.

Did her boyfriend, Drew Arellano, approve of her decision to change her image?

“Drew has never stopped me from doing anything that I want to do. Sa kanya lang, as long as I'm not being told to do anything I am not comfortable to do with, he's full support," Villania said.

Villania now belongs to the roster of Tanduay's sexiest endorsers, namely Ehra Madrigal (2008), Bangs Garcia (2009) and Nina Jose (2010).

Still a Kapamilya

Villania recently renewed her contract with the Kapamilya network, ending rumors that she was planning to transfer to a rival network.

"What happened, it's a bit of a complicated story, but I really have to be thankful to GMA for showing their interest on me. And it's because of that, I felt that I was still being valued by ABS," said Villania.

The mainstay of the musical variety show “ASAP XV” also laughed off rumors that ABS-CBN had offered her P15 million for her to stay.

"That's not my contract, obviously," she said.

Villania also divulged her future projects on ABS-CBN, including a morning show.

"There are different shows with different divisions. I will be doing a show with News and Current Affairs, also with drama, I have my lifestyle pa rin on Studio 23. Hybrid between entertainment and news," she said. -Report by Nikki delos Santos, abs-cbnNEWS.com. With Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News