At the Star Magic Ball last Saturday, September 3, host/VJ Iya Villania was clad as a '20s flapper girl, styled by John Paul Dizon. Her white classic gown with a black ribbon to highlight her slim waist was a creation of Joey Samson. Iya was a stunner, as always.
At the red carpet she was with a few men—Showtime host Vhong Navarro, and judges Ryan Bang and Jhong Hilario, even actor Jason Abalos.
Her boyfriend Drew Arellano was nowhere on the red carpet during her moment. According to Iya, Drew came in late because he was at a previous commitment.
"Humabol na lang siya," says Iya and then exclaims giddily, "Yee!"
"So, at least hindi ako lonely. Humabol siya [kasi] galing siya sa isang event."
Some girlfriends would be unnerved by a late, or worse, an absent boyfriend. But seven years of being together sets Iya and Drew apart for the maturity they have developed.
While teased about entering the star-studded event with other men, Iya's retort was proof of her confidence in their relationship.
"Malandi ako! Chos!" she joked. "Marami akong friends. I'm just blessed with friends at saka yung mga ka-date ko, mga ka-close din ni Drew kaya hindi na ako nahiya makiakbay sa kanila."
Iya was present last night, September 5, at the launch of MSE (Marikina Shoe Exchange) at the Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood, Quezon City.
She was named ambassador of the direct selling business alongside Billy Crawford, John Prats, Kris Lawrence and Carla Abellana.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the opportunity to get an update on Iya's relationship with Drew at the launching. Are there others who pursue her despite her known off-limits status in showbiz?
Iya quips, "Wala. Hindi ako maganda! Hindi mahaba yung hair ko!"
Suddenly turning serious: "There are a lot of people that I find good friends in, pero I guess they all respect me and my relationship with Drew to a point that they wouldn't try anything offensive."
The entertainment media have been persistent in asking when she and Drew would settle down. She usually answers calmly that she and her boyfriend don't pressure each other.
"The great thing with Drew is that he knows that I'm quite young still and I still have a lot to discover and experience so he doesn't tie me down, he doesn't restrict me.
