Nova Villa

Novelita Acosta Villanueva Gallegos (born April 16, 1946), known professionally as Nova Villa, is a Filipino actress and comedian. Known primarily as the "Goddess of Comedy", she is regarded as one of the pillars in Philippine entertainment and is celebrated as one of the greatest Filipino comedians of all time. 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).

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

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).

Radio broadcasting Apart from acting, Villanueva also worked as a broadcaster at Radio Veritas for 14 years. 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. 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."

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

Filmography Film Year Title Role 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 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 2019 S.O.N.S: Sons of Nanay Sabel Queen Gracia of Ulteria 2022 Labyu with an Accent Lola Tare 2024 Senior Moments — 2025 Everything About My Wife Lola Yogi 2026 Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion Azon Madamba

Television Year Title Role 1969–1972 Super Laff-In Herself 1974–1976 Baltic & Co. — 1979–1987 Chicks to Chicks 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 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 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 1987 PMPC Star Award Best Comedy Actress Chika Chika Chiks 1991 PMPC Star Award Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata 1998 PMPC Star Award Home Along Da Riles 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy 2013 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program Tweets for My Sweet 2014 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program Pepito Manaloto 28th Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actress 28th Star Awards for Television Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 Gawad Urian Awards Best Actress Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktres1st Ko Si 3rd 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress All You Need Is Pag-ibig