Iya and Drew–preparing for baby Antonio

IYA Villania and Drew Arellano

One can never be fully ready for a baby, pointed out television host and actress Iya Villania. But at the very least, she is prepared to take on the responsibilities having one entails.

“I have gone to a breastfeeding seminar, and I plan to attend another one, this time on birthing. We will go over the different options I could take,” Iya, who is expected to give birth to a boy anytime between mid-August and early September, told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the second season of GMA 7’s lifestyle show, “San Miguel Purefoods: Home Foodie.”

“We have enjoyed ourselves and spent enough quality time the past two years,” she added.

Iya and her husband, Drew Arellano, have likewise been seeking the advice of friends who already have their own families. “We read a lot of books and mobile applications for different tips,” related Iya, who tied the knot with Drew in January 2014. “They’re all very helpful.”

Both Iya and Drew adore children, and they have never been more thrilled to have one of their own.

In fact, the two often fantasize that the baby—whom they will name Antonio—is already with them.

Looking forward

“I am looking forward to breastfeeding; to hearing his first words; to seeing him sleep with us on our bed,” she said. “I’m also excited to see what kind of father Drew would be.”

Drew, also a television host, and quite the adventure junkie, imagines bringing his kid to his travels. “Baby biyahero!” he said. “I see him just running around and me calling him over to snuggle him.”

In “Home Foodie” (weekdays at 7:30 a.m., starting June 13), hosts Iya and Drew aim to inspire home cooks to reinvent or recreate traditional favorites, with the help of chefs Llena Tan-Arceñas, Rene Ruz and RJ Garcia, who will be giving tips and teaching food preparation techniques.

But curiously, Iya said, she does not have strong craving for anything special or gourmet creations. But she does have random hankerings for fast food. “Sometimes, I will be in the mood for some french fries … Aside from that, nothing much really,” she said.

“I was expecting her to have morning sickness, serious cravings and mood swings, but there’s none. It is like she isn’t even pregnant,” Drew said. “Like she just happened to have a bump!”

“Sometimes, my mother would tease me … tell me to pretend that I want some peculiar, tough-to-find food,” Iya added, laughing. “Just to make things a teeny bit harder for Drew!”

After Iya gives birth, the couple will take a break from work for a couple of months. “We want to settle, adjust … and just focus on the baby,” Drew said.

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