Iza shines anew

Her glam and beauty never fail to draw attention when Iza Calzado walks inside one of the function rooms of Annabel’s for her launch as the latest Sabella endorser.

Greeting everyone with pleasantries in her body hugging tube mini dress, Iza’s trim figure speaks well for the brand’s fashion and style. Sabella top honcho Ramon Sabella says her looks and shapely figure are enough reasons for her to represent the brand.

Some say the continued success of GMA 7’s Beauty Queen, where Iza plays the role of Maita, gives her various endorsement offers from other companies. Iza is visibly amazed and amused when most members of the press present even know the string of projects lined up for her and those that are still on the drawing board.

 “Honestly, this deal (with Sabella) was made even before Beauty Queen started airing. So I’m glad Sabella trusted me even before I got a really great show,” Iza says. “Syempre masaya ako because the show is doing well. There are companies that are calling and I’m honored, I’m overwhelmed because I’ve been praying for this and it took a really great concept to again put me out there. I’m grateful to GMA for giving me this opportunity and to Artist Center as well.”

On reports that she might also get to work in a movie with Thai actor Ananda Everingham of Shutter fame, Iza has only this to say, “There is just a possibility to work with him but I cannot really say when. I’m really hoping that it happens.”

If and when it pushes through, Iza could count Ananda on the list of foreign actors she has worked with. She was initially seen with Argentinean Segundo Cernadas in Te Amo. The Hollywood remake of Sigaw, titled The Echo, saw her acting with Jesse Bradford.

With GMA Artist Center head Ida Henares and Sabella top honcho Ramon Sabella

But Iza’s ultimate dream is working with Meryl Streep in a film.

“Yes, Meryl Streep. I would like to be her friend and be friends with Oprah (Winfrey), too. It’s my dream but I’m not doing anything about it. I have to do something about it.”

Iza believes that dreams can only be achieved when one works hard for it. Her becoming an actress is one proof of a dream-turned-real as she, herself, didn’t expect that she will be what she is today considering her “heavy” frame before.

“I thought I will be the next Nanette Inventor but at least I’ve proven to myself that all things are possible as long as you are focused and determined.”

Acting, she adds, is one of the greatest gifts given her as she gets to earn well while having fun at work. She’s also able to entertain, inspire a lot of people and interact with them.

Of course, there are times she longs for some privacy. A celebrity automatically loses that when she takes a chance at stardom. “Sometimes I just want to walk on the streets and eat in sidewalk carinderia.”

But Iza is not complaining. She is grateful and happy at how her career is picking up these days. Thus, she has learned to live with a busy sked and manage to squeeze some “me” time. Find out how as she gives an overview of her week:

“Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are Beauty Queen taping days. When call time is late, I get to work out for a few hours.

Tuesdays are for presscons and pictorials so after, I can either run, lift weights or I will get to see my boyfriend, watch a movie and have dinner. Thursdays and Fridays are for Sweet Life. Tapings usually start at 12 noon so I’ll definitely work out before coming in.

Since our location for Beauty Queen is in Batangas, I am awake by 5 a.m.”

5 to 6 a.m. — Take a bath, get dressed and prepare my things before leaving the house (in Ortigas area).

8:30 a.m. — On the set, have breakfast. I either eat Starbucks sandwich or omelet or granola soaked in almond milk or wheat bread with coco nectar for breakfast.

9 a.m. — Start of work.

12 or 1 p.m. — Lunch. There are days I just want to eat fruit salad. Then work again.

3 p.m. — Sometimes there are breaks so I either take a snack or sleep.

4 p.m. — Resume work.

7, 8 or 9 p.m. — Dinner time. After that I’ll eat some fruits pag may work pa.

Before 12 midnight — Time to go home.

1 a.m. — Hop on the bed and sleep after taking off my makeup and taking a bath.  — BOT GLORIOSO