Nova Villa

Filipino actress

This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.
Find sources: "Nova Villa" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Acosta, the birth surname or paternal family name is Villanueva, and the marital name is Gallegos.

Nova Villa

Villa in 2023

Born|

Novelita Acosta Villanueva

(1946-04-16) April 16, 1946 (age 79)

Quezon City, Philippine Commonwealth

Occupations|

* Actress
* comedian

Years active| 1960–present
Spouse| Freddie Gallegos
Relatives| Tiya Pusit (half-sister)

Novelita Acosta Villanueva Gallegos (born April 16, 1946), better known by her stage name, Nova Villa, is a Filipino actress.[1] Known primarily as the "Goddess of Comedy",[2][3][4] she is regarded as one of the pillars in Philippine entertainment and is celebrated as one of the greatest Filipino comedians of all time.[5][6] 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).[7]

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.[8] 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,[9] Manuel de Leon Award for Exemplary Achievement at the 37th Luna Awards,[10] and the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy at the 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards.[11]

## Career

[edit]

Villa began working in the entertainment industry at the age of 17, when she was discovered by Fernando Poe Jr. while accompanying her neighbor, the comedienne Chichay, on an errand at Premiere Productions.[12] Apart from acting, Villa also worked as a broadcaster at Radio Veritas for 14 years.[13]

## Political views

[edit]

During the 1986 snap presidential election, Villa regularly campaigned for the reelection of president Ferdinand Marcos under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, alongside other film industry personalities.[14]

## Personal life

[edit]

Villa's half-sister is Myrna Villanueva, also an actress and comedian better known by her screen name Tiya Pusit.[15] Villa is a caregiver for her husband Freddie Gallegos who remains bedridden since his 2017 stroke.[16]

## Filmography

[edit]

### Film

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes  | 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 | Ason Madamba  |  |
1994  | Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling | Trixie  |  |
Si Ayala at Si Zobel | Lilit  |  |
1997  | Home Along da Riles 2 | Ason 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)  |
Desperadas 2 | Margot  |  |
2009  | OMG (Oh, My Girl!) | Sita  |  |
2012  | Every Breath U Take | Lola Pilar  |  |
The Reunion | Manang  |  |
Sosy Problems | Patria  |  | [17][18]
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  |  | [19]
2019  | S.O.N.S: Sons of Nanay Sabel | Queen Gracia of Ulteria  |  |
2022  | Labyu with an Accent | Lola Tare  |  |
2024  | Senior Moments |  |  | [20]
2025  | Everything About My Wife | Lola Yogi  |  |

### Television

[edit]

Year | Title | Role

|
|

1969–1972 | Super Laff-In | Herself
1974–1976 | Baltic & Co. | \-
1979–1987 | Chicks to Chicks[21] | Ines Capistrano[21]
1987–1991 | Chika Chika Chicks[21]
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[22] | Various Roles
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[23][24] | Salvacion "Lola Nene" Rivera[25]
2025 | Incognito | Sara
Sanggang Dikit FR | Isang

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Award-giving body  | Category  | Nominated Work  | Result  | Refs:

|
|
|
|
|

1987  | PMPC Star Award  | Best Comedy Actress  | Chika Chika Chiks | Won  |
1991  | PMPC Star Award  | Best Comedy Actress  | Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Won  |
1998  | PMPC Star Award  | Best Comedy Actress  | 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  | Pepito Manaloto | 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  | [26]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ 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)
2. ^ "Nova Villa on being the Goddess of Comedy". ABS-CBN Entertainment. January 1, 2024. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024.
3. ^ Chua, EJ (June 21, 2024). "Nova Villa's colorful career in comedy and drama". GMA Network. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024.
4. ^ "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.
5. ^ "Meet the younger selves of veteran stars in these throwback photos! | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ent.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
6. ^ "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.
7. ^ "Nova Villa, Happy Homebody!". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
8. ^ "Nova Villa honored with highest papal award". January 15, 2021. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
9. ^ "Pokwang does provocative dance number as tribute to Lifetime Achievement awardee Nova Villa". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
10. ^ "Mother Lily at Nova Villa, pinarangalan sa 37th Luna Awards". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
11. ^ 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.
12. ^ "Nova Villa recalls how she was discovered by the late Fernando Poe Jr". GMA News. November 26, 2024. Archived from the original on November 27, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
13. ^ "7 Ways to Remember Tia Pusit". GMA News. October 10, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
14. ^ 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."
15. ^ "Nova on Tia Pusit: In the end, what prevails is love". The Philippine Star. October 4, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
16. ^ Gonzalez, Rommel (November 16, 2024). "Nova Villa opens up about condition of bedridden husband". pep.ph. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
17. ^ 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.
18. ^ Check out at the cast of 'Sosy Problems' GMA Network. Retrieved 10-11-2012
19. ^ MISS GRANNY Trailer [In Cinemas AUGUST 22]. YouTube. Viva Ent. July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
20. ^ 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.
21. ^ a b c 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.
22. ^ "The Maricel Drama Special: Tatak ng Pagkasuklam feat. Nova Villa [FULL EPISODE]". Youtube. Jeepney TV. December 6, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
23. ^ 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. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
24. ^ Llemit, Kathleen (April 12, 2024). "Nova Villa on joining 'Can't Buy Me Love': 'Pwede pala ako mag-drama'". Philippine Star. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
25. ^ Bardinas, Mary Ann (March 24, 2024). "Nova Villa's adorable off-cam moments in "Can't Buy Me Love"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
26. ^ 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

[edit]

* Nova Villa at IMDb