Iza Calzado: Class act

Ask me which local artist could make it internationally and, hands down, Iza Calzado would be on the top of my list. Whether it’s her classic features or that piercing gaze, it’s hard not to be drawn to this Filipina beauty. But it’s more than just her physical attributes that are enticing, it’s also her persona. This woman is unstoppable. Having gone through phases of insecurity growing up and after conquering her personal battle with the bulge, Iza is in the best shape of her life.

She shunned the easy route of going under the knife that other stars have seriously considered. Instead, she laced up her running shoes and went for it the healthy way. She created a lifestyle filled with physical exercise — from Pilates, running, even pole dancing — and it shows that all her hard work has paid off. Her determination and mindset can certainly inspire.

Even Hollywood couldn’t resist. After filming the international movie The Echo alongside actor Jessie Bradford, many questioned why Iza didn’t pursue the American dream with one shapely foot already wedged in the door. With a newfound stint as a talk show host with Lucy Torres-Gomez on QTV, and her return to primetime via a beauty queen-themed program, are there too many things at risk?

Iza Calzado answers all our queries this week on “The Dialogue.”

YOUNG STAR: Since you’re portraying a beauty queen in your next onscreen assignment, let me ask you this: what’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and what did you do to fix it?

IZA CALZADO: I can put together a long list of mistakes that I’ve made in the past. Sometimes you learn from it and sometimes you don’t. But maybe the biggest one would have to be not giving my mom the same amount of attention she was asking for, or as much as I could’ve given. I lost her when I was 19 and I can’t do anything about that anymore. So the best lesson I got from this is to love the people that love you and just be there for them.

Were you ever asked to join a beauty pageant?

I think it was one of my mom’s dreams for me to join and she would always refer back to your sister (Ruffa Gutierrez) and say that I

No regrets: “I can put together a long list of mistakes that I’ve made in the past. Sometimes you learn from it and sometimes you don’t.”

have to win Miss World. Yan, tumaba tuloy ako! (Laughs) But I never had the body for it and I just had to accept it.

You’re looking your best. Care to share your fitness regimen?

I’ve been running a lot since last year, I work out with a trainer, I take dance classes whenever I can and I took up pole dancing for a couple of months. I’m constantly working out. In terms of my diet, I stay away from carbs and, on those days when I cheat or have a piece of chocolate, I just make sure I work out more to burn it. 

What advice would you give someone who’s insecure about his or her physical appearance?

Everyone goes through it. I wake up every day and have to deal with so many things. I don’t have the perfect body and I have my clothes to thank for creating that illusion. You have to accept it or else you might give in to the temptation of diet pills, surgery, or even as far as drugs, just to lose weight. It takes a lot of love from the people around you, love from yourself and also maturity. Don’t magnify your imperfections; instead, focus on your strengths.

If you could sit front row at any concert, whose would it be?

U2. Will you buy me a ticket? (Laughs)

If we were to raid your fridge right now, what would we find?

A lot of chocolate, baby! (Laughs) Also some fruits, almond milk, and granola.

The country has been making global headlines as of late. If you were president, what would be first on your agenda?

If I were to have an iron fist, I would overhaul the nation. It’s the mindset that we have to change. I read an article in the (online) Huffington Post and I agree with it. Mahilig tayo sa “bahala na” or “pwede na yan.” I will address the need to strive for excellence and everything will follow.

What is your biggest achievement?

In terms of career, the Hollywood film that I did. But in terms of life, my major achievement would have to be myself — the mental and the physical aspect. I used to have no ambition and no drive. Now it’s totally different.

Having done an international film, how would you compare our local productions to the ones done stateside?

The most obvious comparison is that they have more money. (Laughs) They also have more time to film, and everyone knows exactly what they’re doing. Even props men have a copy of the script and will argue with the director just to get their point across. And it’s all very professional. Walang personalan.

Are there plans for you to pursue the American dream and maybe concentrate on a Hollywood career?

Maybe I was scared, that’s why I didn’t pursue it right after doing The Echo. Before, I thought it was doable because I was

Shaped up: Playing a beauty queen in a new show, Iza Calzado works with a regimen that includes intensive workouts yet allows for the occasional chocolate.

dating someone from L.A. so at that time it made more sense if I could live abroad for a couple of months and maybe pursue it part-time. But now, what will I do there? I don’t have an agent and there are too many things at risk. Lately, though, I always think about what I will do next, and it’s still in the back of my mind and I’m still considering it for the future.

What’s the sweetest thing a guy has done for you?

A guy once wrote a song for me, but unfortunately I wasn’t into him. I realized that even the sweetest gesture means nothing if it doesn’t come from the right one.

What should men never say?

“You’re fat.” There are ways to word things. Instead he can say “Hey, work out with me.” (Laughs)

What should women never do?

A woman should never let a man treat her as though she’s not his equal.

What cause are you passionate about?

I’m with Gawad Kalinga but I would like to do more, that’s why I’m constantly looking for time to give back. I admire people who give their lives to volunteer and help out the less fortunate.

If you could collaborate with one artist whom would you like to work with?

I’ve never worked with Jericho Rosales and he’s a good actor. Not necessarily as a love team, but just to share that energy onscreen.