What keeps Iza Calzado going?

At 26 years old, the versatile and multi-talented Iza Calzado is regarded as one of the most successful young women in showbiz especially with her international stints that brought her added stardom.

After last year’s Hollywood stint with “The Echo,” wherein she was cast alongside American heartthrob Jesse Bradford, Iza has been named semi-finalist in the International Emmy Awards happening this November in New York City. This was for her performance as Sophia, the wife of Robin Padilla in the former GMA7 show, “Joaquin Bordado.” 

“I remember walking in the mall when I suddenly got an international call, with regards to my inclusion in the International Emmys,” started Iza during a recent interview after a fashion show for the clothing brand she endorses, Pink Soda, at Metro Gaisano stores. 

“Kaya lang may another round pa before I will be included talaga among the finalists. But for me, I felt excited, at the same time, I think it’s already an honor for me. I never expected this to happen,” she added.

Iza also recalled the experiences she went through during her Hollywood stint. “The Echo” is a remake of the Filipino horror film “Sigaw” and Iza was the only original cast member who was tapped to reprise her role in the US version. 

“It was a great experience. I got to experience the difference between working in your home country and abroad. It was an eye-opener for me and it broadened my horizons,” enthused Iza. 

“It gave me something to think about and another opportunity to look at life in a different perspective,” she said.

Iza said she made an extra-conscious effort to be in her best behavior during the shoot since she was the foreigner. True enough, she received good feedback for her work ethic. “I felt empowered during the shoot since the foreigners really appreciated the acting antics of Filipinos. It was so flattering,” said Iza. “They really treated me nicely. And I didn’t even treat them differently.”

The entire experience proved to be a humbling experience for Iza. “I just couldn’t believe what God has given me. Tanong ko nga, ‘Lord what does this mean?’ I was humbled by His goodness and power,” Iza said.

Despite her busy schedule, Iza makes the time and effort for charitable works since she is also affiliated with the Gawad Kalinga and DSWD. She really makes an effort to be part of the different programs lined up by the two entities.

“Children are my advocacy. I wanted to create balance that is not only about me. There is a call to action to help Gawad Kalinga. I want to build houses for them,” shared Iza.

Another interesting point during the interview with Iza at Metro Gaisano’s Metro Café was how svelte she has become. 

It will be remembered that Iza was not as sexy as she is now. Asked about her transformation secrets, she said, “I work out a lot. I also have this pescovegetarian diet, wherein I’ve been only eating fish, vegetables, dairy and fruits for almost four and a half years now,” she shared.

Also included in her diet is what she terms as “water therapy.”

“Water is great for everybody. It’s an amazing gift from God. I haven’t drunk soda or softdrinks for 10 years already,” Iza added.

Iza stressed, however, that how she looks right now is the result of hard work. It has always been a struggle for her to trim down, but with dedication, she was able to work it out.

Iza is now busy shooting “Desperadas 2,” a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry this year, and will star in the weekly drama series “Obra” for the entire month of November. She will also star in the comedy film “Scaregiver” and “One True Love” with Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. She can be seen currently over GMA 7’s primetime series “La Lola.”

“With how my career is going now, I don’t think I don’t have any reasons to be thankful. For the support of my fans, I’m very thankful to them.

“I am happier now. I always choose to see the positive side of things, I try to be more optimistic, and I try to bounce back (for every difficulty) by sharing what I have. I always hope for the best because God has a plan for all of us,” ended Iza.