Nova Villa recalls how she was discovered by the late Fernando Poe Jr.

Nova Villa shared in the Tuesday episode of Mikee Quintos' "Lutong Bahay" how she got her start in showbiz, saying that she was discovered by the late legendary Fernando Poe Jr.

The award-winning veteran actress and Goddess of Philippine Comedy was visited by Mikee Quintos and  Dang Cruz for the show's latest episode, where they cooked Nova's fried tokwa with kangkong recipe. Nova and Dang starred together in a series in the 90's alongside the late King of Comedy Dolphy.

Mikee asked Nova how she started in showbiz, which turned into a trip down memory lane for the seasoned actress.

According to Nova, her neighbor, a comedian named Chichay from Sampaguita Pictures, took her to Premiere Productions around the 1960s when she was just 17 years old. Chichay had to go there for an errand, so she asked Nova to wait for her.

While waiting for Chichay in the canteen, she saw a white Cadillac arrive, which was being driven by FPJ.

"Sabi ko, 'Sino kaya yun, sino kaya nag-d-drive, sinong artista?' panay titig ko, ang gwapo. Nagtitigan kami," she said, adding that she got surprised when she realized it was FPJ driving.

Moments later, a man approached her from her seat and asked her who she was with. The man turned out to be Ben Esteva, the production manager of FPJ.

"Sabi ni Mr. Esteva, 'Iha gusto mo mag artista?' Ay dream ko 'yun, ambition ko 'yun. Nahiya pa 'ko. 'Opo,' sabi ko. 'O sige, bukas mag-sh-shooting ka na, 7 a.m.,'" she said.

Dang added that Nova did not just get any other role, but the leading lady role for one of FPJ's projects.

In August 2023, Nova shared on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" that FPJ was her "favorite leading man."

In May, she received the Iconic Movie Actress of Philippine Cinema honor at the FAMAS Awards alongside Snooky Serna, Marissa Delgado, Pilar Pilapil, Divine Valencia, and Barbara Perez.

Nova has starred in various Kapuso shows, such as "Pepito Manaloto," "Inday Will Always Love You," and "Mulawin vs. Ravena."

Catch "Lutong Bahay" on weekdays at 5:45 p.m. on GTV.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News