Iya Villania Biography: Net Worth, Age, Height  Parents, Siblings, Awards, Husband, Children, Films, Songs

Raelene Elaine Ebaler Villania-Arellano, commonly known as Iya Villania-Arellano, is a dynamic Filipino-Australian singer, actress, model, dancer, and television presenter, known for her vibrant presence as a VJ on MYX and as the Chika Minute anchor on 24 Oras.

Born in Sydney, Australia, she proudly embraces her Filipino roots and captivates audiences with her charm and versatility in Philippine entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Raelene Elaine Ebaler Villania-Arellano
• Stage Name: Iya Villania
• Born: June 29, 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
• Nationality: Filipino-Australian
• Occupation: Television Presenter, Actress, Singer, Model, VJ, Dancer
• Height: 5’4” (163 cm)
• Religion: Seventh-day Adventist
• Parents: Ray Villania, Elena Nada Ebaler
• Siblings: Rhoda Villania (older sister), Sheila Villania (older sister)
• Spouse: Drew Arellano (m. 2014)
• Children: Antonio Primo, Alonzo Leon, Alana Lauren, Astro Phoenix, Anya Love
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life

Iya Villania was born on June 29, 1986, in Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia, to Filipino parents Ray Villania and Elena Nada Ebaler. Her ethnicity is Asian (Filipino), and she was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

The youngest of three siblings, with older sisters Rhoda and Sheila, Iya grew up in Sydney, where her father’s love for karaoke sparked her interest in music.

She joined a missionary touring band, Iron & Clay, in Australia, performing at schools and churches to address issues like bullying, drunk driving, and self-esteem. At age 13, she fronted Filipino acts such as Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera in Australia.

Iya attended Colegio San Agustin in Makati, Metro Manila, and graduated from high school in March 2004. She later enrolled at De La Salle University–Manila, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology on December 16, 2008.

Career

Iya’s career began in 2003 with her debut on IBC’s interactive program Game Channel. Her charm led to roles on GMA Network’s Walang Hanggan and Click (2003–2004). In 2004, she joined ABS-CBN as a VJ for MYX, a role she held for a decade, and became a regular on the variety show ASAP.

She hosted Wowowee (2005–2006), U Can Dance (2006–2007), I Dare You (2011), and Umagang Kay Ganda (two-year stint), as well as Studio 23’s Us Girls (2006–2012).

Her film debut was in 2004’s A Beautiful Life with Gloria Romero, Dina Bonnevie, and Amy Austria, followed by Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita. She also appeared in TV dramas like La Vendetta (2007), Kristine (2010), and Apoy sa Dagat (2013).

After a 2013 break, Iya returned to GMA Network in 2014, joining Sunday All Stars (2013–2015) and becoming the Chika Minute anchor for 24 Oras in June 2015, replacing Pia Guanio.

Her Australian twang popularised the Filipino slang “haller” for “hello.” Iya continues to shine as a host, actress, and singer, releasing her album Finally! in 2008, cementing her status as a Filipino entertainment icon.

Awards & Nominations

• 2016: PMPC Star Awards for TV, Best Morning Show Host (Umagang Kay Ganda)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @iyavillania
• Facebook: Iya Villania

Personal Life

Iya Villania, 39 years old and 5’4” tall, lives in Manila. She married TV host Drew Arellano on January 31, 2014, in Nasugbu, Batangas, after dating since 2004.

They have five children: Antonio Primo (b. 2016), Alonzo Leon (b. 2018), Alana Lauren (b. 2020), Astro Phoenix (b. 2022), and Anya Love (b. 2025). Iya is an advocate for abstaining from sex before marriage, a stance she upheld until marrying Drew, who supported her decision, though she doesn’t condemn differing views.

In January 2022, Iya, Drew, and their three children tested positive for COVID-19 but recovered. A Seventh-day Adventist, Iya learned to play the piano at age eight and enjoys family-oriented hobbies.

Her endorsement work includes brands like Oreo PH, Bench, and Downy Philippines. Her warmth and Filipino pride shine through in her family life and advocacy, such as cord blood banking with Cordlife Philippines.

Net Worth

Iya Villania’s net Worth is estimated at $1 million to $5 million. She earns from her television career with GMA Network (24 Oras, Sunday All Stars), past work with ABS-CBN, film roles, her 2008 album Finally!, and endorsements with brands like Bench, Oreo PH, and Red Ribbon Bakeshop. Her social media influence also contributes, reflecting her success as a Filipino-Australian star.

Filmography

• A Beautiful Life (2004) – Supporting Role
• Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) – Supporting Role
• Shake, Rattle & Roll 11 (2009) – Lia
• La Vendetta (2007) – TV Series, Supporting Role
• Kristine (2010) – TV Series, Supporting Role
• Apoy sa Dagat (2013) – TV Series, Supporting Role
• Walang Hanggan (2003) – TV Series, Supporting Role
• Click (2003–2004) – Sydney Torres
• Game Channel (2003) – Host
• Wowowee (2005–2006) – Co-Host
• U Can Dance (2006–2007) – Host
• Us Girls (2006–2012) – Host
• I Dare You (2011) – Host
• Umagang Kay Ganda – Host (two-year stint)
• Sunday All Stars (2013–2015) – Host
• 24 Oras (2015–present) – Chika Minute Anchor