Nova Villa
| Nova Villa | |
|---|---|
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Villa in 2023
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| Born | Novelita Acosta Villanueva April 16, 1946 Quezon City, Philippine Commonwealth |
| Occupations | Actress comedian |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Agent(s) | ABS-CBN (1987–2010) TV5 (2008–2011) GMA Network (2011-present) |
| Spouse | Freddie Gallegos |
| Relatives | Tiya Pusit (half-sister) |
Novelita Acosta Villanueva Gallegos (born April 16, 1946), known professionally as Nova Villa, is a Filipino actress and comedian.[1] Known primarily as the "Goddess of Comedy",[2] she is regarded as one of the pillars in Philippine entertainment and is celebrated as one of the greatest Filipino comedians of all time.[3][4] She has since appeared in over 150 films and has been prominent in situational comedies such as Chicks to Chicks (1971–1991), Home Along Da Riles (1992–2003) and Pepito Manaloto (2010–present).[5]
Among her many accolades includes the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal" bestowed by Pope Francis, the highest papal award the Vatican can give a layperson.[6] She is the third actress with the most wins (4) at the PMPC Star Awards for TV in the "Best Comedy Actress" category. She was also honored with the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award,[7] Manuel de Leon Award for Exemplary Achievement at the 37th Luna Awards,[8] and the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy at the 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards.[9]
Career
Film career
In 2024, Villanueva shared on Lutong Bahay that she began her showbiz career after being discovered by the late Fernando Poe Jr.. According to Villa, she was 17 years old when her neighbor, comedian Chichay of Sampaguita Pictures, brought her to Premiere Productions in the 1960s. While waiting in the canteen, she noticed Poe arriving in a white Cadillac and was immediately captivated by him. Poe's production manager, Ben Esteva, later approached Villanueva and asked if she wanted to become an actress. After she accepted, she was instructed to report for a film shoot the next day. Fellow actress Dang Cruz revealed that Villanueva eventually became Poe's leading lady in one of his projects. In a 2023 interview, Villanueva described Poe as her favorite leading man. In May, she received the Iconic Movie Actress of Philippine Cinema award at the FAMAS Awards. Villanueva has also appeared in several GMA Network's programs, including Pepito Manaloto (2012–present), Inday Will Always Love You (2018), and Mulawin vs. Ravena (2017).[10]
Radio broadcasting
Apart from acting, Villanueva also worked as a broadcaster at Radio Veritas for 14 years.[11] She served as co-host of the station's radio program Breakfast with Tabuneknek alongside Orly Punzalan beginning in 1978. Villanueva stated in February 1986 that she decided against receiving any salary for her radio work at Radio Veritas, with her belief that people in the entertainment industry should alot "a little of our time to help nurture good values among Filipinos."
Political views
During the 1986 snap presidential election, Villanueva regularly campaigned for the reelection of president Ferdinand Marcos under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, alongside other film industry personalities.[12] However, soon after the election, she shared to WE Forum that she changed her mind on Marcos, stating that "I've been campaigning for the KBL and I've been joining them in rallies but I thought that God must help me decide. And I am glad He gave me enlightenment."[13]
Personal life
Villanueva's half-sister is Myrna Villanueva, also an actress and comedian better known by her screen name Tiya Pusit.[14] Villanueva is a caregiver for her husband Freddie Gallegos who remains bedridden since his 2017 stroke.[15]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Manananggal vs Mangkukulam | — | |
| 1964 | Ang Mahiwagang Pag-Ibig ni Lola Cinderella | — | |
| Daniel Barrion | — | ||
| Baril Na Ginto | — | ||
| Maskarados | — | ||
| Sa Daigdig ng Fantasia | — | ||
| 1965 | Alyas Batman at Robin | — | |
| Captain Philippines at Boy Pinoy | — | ||
| Scarface at Al Capone: Espiya sa Ginto | — | ||
| Pilipinas Kong Mahal | — | ||
| 1966 | Alyas Phantom | — | |
| Swanie | — | ||
| Sa Bawat Lansagan | — | ||
| 1967 | Ex-Convict | — | |
| 1968 | Manila, Open City | young Girl | |
| Artista ang Aking Asawa | — | ||
| Alipin ng Busabos | — | ||
| 1969 | 9 Teeners | — | |
| Batang Palengke | — | ||
| Young Girl | — | ||
| Banda 24 | — | ||
| Stop, Look, Listen | — | ||
| Agent 7: Our Man Duling | — | ||
| Mga Alabastro | — | ||
| Zatoduling (The Cross-Eyed Swordsman) | — | ||
| 1971 | Laff Story | — | |
| 1972 | Boy Galawgaw | — | |
| Diamonds Are for Eva | — | ||
| Laug Bag | — | ||
| 1973 | May Isang Brilyante | — | |
| Inday ng Buhay Ko | — | ||
| Ito ang Tunay Na Lalaki | — | ||
| 1974 | Enkantadang Payong | — | |
| Carnival Song | — | ||
| 1975 | Loose Connections | — | |
| Batu-Bato sa Langit (Ang Tamaa'y Huwag Magagalit) | Noviciada Carcomonia | ||
| 1976 | Boss, Basta Ikaw (Wa' Na 'Kong Sey) | — | |
| Wanted... Ded or Alayb (Agad-agad) | — | ||
| 1977 | Masikip Maluwang Paraisong Parisukat | — | |
| 1978 | Dyesebel | Bengenge | |
| 1979 | Pinay, American Style | — | |
| 1980 | Iniibig Ko'y... Nakatali | — | |
| 1981 | P.S. I Love You | Vicky | |
| Rocky Tu-log | — | ||
| Mister Kwekong (Driver ng Punerarya) | — | ||
| 1982 | Si Ako at... Tres Muskiteros! | Ines | |
| Forgive and Forget | Irene | ||
| Annie Sabungera | — | ||
| 1983 | Buhay-Misis | — | |
| 1985 | Magchumikap Ka! | — | |
| Tender Age | — | ||
| Ano Ka, Hilo? | — | ||
| S.W.A.K.: Samahang Walang Atrasan sa Kalaban | — | ||
| 1986 | Rocky Four-ma | — | |
| Captain Barbell | Aling Tinay | ||
| Payaso | — | ||
| 1987 | Ako si Kiko, Ako si Kikay | Susana | |
| 1988 | Leroy Leroy Sinta | — | |
| Taray at Teroy | Cora | ||
| Super Inday and the Golden Bibe | Inda | ||
| Love Letters | — | ||
| I Love You 3x a Day | Saucy Matukoy | ||
| Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba? | Luming | ||
| 1989 | Mars Ravelo's Bondying: The Little Big Boy | Luding | |
| Pulis, Pulis sa Ilalim ng Tulay | Wendy | ||
| Gawa Na ang Bala para sa Akin | Lita | ||
| Hotdog | Kristine | ||
| 1990 | Twist: Ako si Ikaw, Ikaw si Ako | Daniela | |
| Tora Tora, Bang Bang Bang | Luningning | ||
| Michael and Madonna | Cindy | ||
| Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo | Akang | ||
| Samson & Goliath | Madam Loli | ||
| 1991 | Pido Dida 2 (Kasal Na) | Akang | |
| Eh, Kasi Bisaya | — | ||
| Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: The Movie | Alfonso's wife | ||
| 1992 | Si Lucio at si Miguel: Hihintayin Kayo sa Langit | Meldie | |
| Eh, Kasi Bata | Meldie | ||
| 1993 | Pido Dida 3: May Kambal Na | Akang | |
| Home Along da Riles: Da Movie | Azon Madamba | ||
| 1994 | Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling | Trixie | |
| Si Ayala at Si Zobel | Lilit | ||
| 1997 | Home Along da Riles 2 | Azon Madamba | |
| Wanted: Perfect Murder! | Mrs. Reyes | ||
| Kokey | Mrs. Querubin | ||
| 1999 | Basta Ikaw... Nanginginig Pa! | Ason Madamba | |
| 2004 | So... Happy Together | Inday | |
| 2005 | Happily Ever After | — | |
| Dreamboy | Mai | ||
| Hari ng Sablay: Isang Tama, Sampung Mali | Lola Gracia | ||
| 2006 | Close to You | Lola Dading | |
| 2007 | Desperadas | Margot | |
| 2008 | Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia | Lola Nita (voice role) | |
| Desperadas 2 | Margot | ||
| 2009 | Oh, My Girl! A Laugh Story... | Sita | |
| 2012 | Every Breath U Take | Lola Pilar | |
| The Reunion | Manang | ||
| Sosy Problems | Patria | [16] [17] | |
| 2013 | Raketeros | — | |
| Kung Fu Divas | San-ing's mother | ||
| 2014 | 1st Ko si 3rd | Cory | |
| 2015 | All You Need Is Pag-ibig | Loisa | |
| 2016 | This Time | Ophelia | |
| 2018 | Miss Granny | Feliza "Fely" Malabaño / Miss Granny | [18] |
| 2019 | S.O.N.S: Sons of Nanay Sabel | Queen Gracia of Ulteria | |
| 2022 | Labyu with an Accent | Lola Tare | |
| 2024 | Senior Moments | — | [19] |
| 2025 | Everything About My Wife | Lola Yogi | |
| 2026 | Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion | Azon Madamba |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969–1972 | Super Laff-In | Herself | |
| 1974–1976 | Baltic & Co. | — | |
| 1979–1987 | Chicks to Chicks[20] | Ines Capistrano[20] | |
| 1987–1991 | Chika Chika Chicks | [20] | |
| 1987–1992 | Palibhasa Lalake | Celestina "Tinay" Segundo | |
| 1989–1995 | Eat Bulaga! | Co-host | |
| 1991–1997 | Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Tita Delos Santos | |
| 1992 | Mana-Mana | — | |
| The Maricel Drama Special | Various Roles | [21] | |
| 1992–2003 | Home Along Da Riles | Azon Madamba | |
| 1997–2001 | Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis | Goring Magtanggol | |
| 2001–2003 | Eto Na Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Tita Delos Santos | |
| 2003–2005 | Home Along Da Airport | Azon Madamba | |
| 2004 | Mangarap Ka | Zoila Catacutan | |
| 2006–2007 | Super Inggo | Lola Juaning | |
| 2007 | That's My Doc | Octavella "Tita Oc" Flores | |
| Your Song: Never Knew Love Like This Before | Janet | ||
| Kokey | Sor Aida Sanchez | ||
| Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis | Lola Juaning | ||
| 2008–2010 | Everybody Hapi | Various | |
| 2009 | Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Tiagong Akyat | Martha | |
| 2010 | Kokey @ Ako | Sor Aida Sanchez | |
| Hapi-er Together | Nympha Cayugyog | ||
| 2010–2011 | My Driver Sweet Lover | Aling White | |
| 2011 | Luv Crazy | Various | |
| Nita Negrita | Nana Ima | ||
| Futbolilits | Lola Ester Cortes | ||
| Sugod Mga Kapatid | Mommy Gabby | ||
| 2012 | My Beloved | Lola Inggay Castor | |
| Tweets for My Sweet | Domina delos Santos | ||
| 2012–2013 | Aso ni San Roque | Ofelia Sandoval | |
| 2012 | Magpakailanman: The Ryzza Mae Dizon Story | Lola Ester | |
| 2012–present | Pepito Manaloto | Mimosa "Mimi" Kho | |
| 2013 | Binoy Henyo | Lola Chato | |
| Magpakailanman: Ang Nag-iisang Kontrabida ng Buhay Ko: The Rez and Candy Cortez Story | Mommy | ||
| Wagas: The Amy Silvosa and Orly Escovido Love Story | Amy | ||
| Magpakailanman: Kislap ng Parol | Erlinda | ||
| 2014 | Vampire ang Daddy Ko | Meme | |
| Kambal Sirena | Ligaya Natividad | ||
| 2015 | Once Upon a Kiss | Adela Rodrigo | |
| Yagit | Adelaida | ||
| Marimar | Lola Cruz Perez | ||
| Magpakailanman: SaveTheMaid | Manang Hermy | ||
| 2016 | Dear Uge | Esther | |
| Sa Piling ni Nanay | Doña Matilda Mercado | ||
| 2017 | Destined to be Yours | Purissima "Nana Puring" Melendez | |
| Mulawin vs. Ravena | Consuelo "Elo" Manalastas | ||
| 2018 | Inday Will Always Love You | Loleng Magtibay | |
| 2019 | Love You Two | Gloria | |
| 2021 | Owe My Love | Epifania "Mema Eps" delos Santos-Guipit | |
| 2022 | False Positive | Mamerta "Mema" Ramirez | |
| 2023 | AraBella | Lola Madonna | |
| It's Showtime | Herself (guest) | ||
| 2023–2024 | Can't Buy Me Love | Salvacion "Lola Nene" Rivera | [22] [23] [24] |
| 2025 | Incognito | Sara | |
| 2025–2026 | Sanggang-Dikit FR | Isang | |
| 2025 | Tropang G.O.A.T. | Lola Uray |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award-giving body | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | PMPC Star Award | Best Comedy Actress | Chika Chika Chiks | Won | |
| 1991 | PMPC Star Award | Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Won | ||
| 1998 | PMPC Star Award | Home Along Da Riles | Won | ||
| 2012 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy | Won | ||
| 2013 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program | Tweets for My Sweet | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program | Pepito Manaloto | Won | |
| 28th Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actress | Nominated | |||
| 28th Star Awards for Television | Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award | Won | |||
| 2015 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Actress | Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktres 1st Ko Si 3rd |
Nominated | |
| 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Supporting Actress | All You Need Is Pag-ibig | Nominated | [25] |
References
- Back to citation Mendoza, Ruel J. (July 2, 2011). "Veteran comedienne Nova Villa surprised that she can also do straight drama". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 1, 2012. (in Tagalog)
- Back to citation "Nova Villa on being the Goddess of Comedy". ABS-CBN Entertainment. January 1, 2024. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024; Chua, EJ (June 21, 2024). "Nova Villa's colorful career in comedy and drama". GMA Network. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024; "TiktoClock: LIVE! Nova Villa, magpapatawa sa 'TiktoClock!' (July 18, 2023)". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "Meet the younger selves of veteran stars in these throwback photos! | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ent.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "The greatest comedians of all time(Third of a series)". www.philstar.com. August 19, 2006. Archived from the original on August 2, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- Back to citation "Nova Villa, Happy Homebody!". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "Nova Villa honored with highest papal award". January 15, 2021. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "Pokwang does provocative dance number as tribute to Lifetime Achievement awardee Nova Villa". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "Mother Lily at Nova Villa, pinarangalan sa 37th Luna Awards". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation Calderon, Ricky L. "Gloria Romero, Mel Tiangco, Nova Villa, Eddie Garcia get special lifetime achievement citations in Golden Screen TV Awards". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- Back to citation "Nova Villa recalls how she was discovered by the late Fernando Poe Jr". GMA Network. November 26, 2024. Archived from the original on November 27, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- Back to citation "7 Ways to Remember Tia Pusit". GMA News. October 10, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- Back to citation Nigado, J.C. (January 14, 1986). "Stars for the campaign". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. 6. “As it is now, the only stars who're frequently seen in most KBL campaign activities are the lesser ones: Nova Villa, JC and Mags Bonnin, Herbert Bautista and the like.”
- Back to citation Hubilla, Girlie (February 18–24, 1986). "A different Nova Villa". WE Forum. Vol. 7, no. 89. p. 7. “What amazes her [Nova Villa] is the active participation of the youth in today's politics. 'Noong panahon namin, nagpipiko pa kami. We never cared about political issues. Maybe it's because life has not been as harsh as it is now.”
- Back to citation "Nova on Tia Pusit: In the end, what prevails is love". The Philippine Star. October 4, 2014. Archived from the original on December 1, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- Back to citation Gonzalez, Rommel (November 16, 2024). "Nova Villa opens up about condition of bedridden husband". pep.ph. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- Back to citation GMA New Media, Inc. "'It' girls rock the silver screen via GMA Films' Metro Manila Film Festival entry Sosy Problems" Archived August 29, 2018, at the Wayback Machine. gmanetwork.com.
- Back to citation Check out at the cast of 'Sosy Problems' Deprecated link archived January 24, 2013, at archive.today GMA Network. Retrieved 10-11-2012
- Back to citation MISS GRANNY Trailer [In Cinemas AUGUST 22]. YouTube. Viva Ent. July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
- Back to citation Amoyo, Aster (October 14, 2024). "Tessie, Noel at Nova, may senior moments". Pang-Masa (in Filipino). Philstar Global Corp. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- Back to citation occurrence 20.0 Back to citation occurrence 20.1 Back to citation occurrence 20.2 Rodriguez, Isa (December 18, 2015). "Blast From The Past: Do You Remember These Old Filipino TV Shows?". When in Manila. Archived from the original on April 22, 2019. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
- Back to citation "The Maricel Drama Special: Tatak ng Pagkasuklam feat. Nova Villa [FULL EPISODE]". Youtube. Jeepney TV. December 6, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- Back to citation Pagulong, Charmie Joy (October 9, 2023). "Nova Villa has 'GMA's blessing' to star in ABS-CBN's Can't Buy Me Love". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- Back to citation Llemit, Kathleen (April 12, 2024). "Nova Villa on joining 'Can't Buy Me Love': 'Pwede pala ako mag-drama'". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- Back to citation Bardinas, Mary Ann (March 24, 2024). "Nova Villa's adorable off-cam moments in "Can't Buy Me Love"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 28, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
- Back to citation Smith, Chuck. "Winners: 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival awards night". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
External links
- Nova Villa at IMDb