It was the decision of ABS-CBN that Aiza Seguerra take a leave of absence from “ASAP 20” while she is still doing the TV series “Princess in the Palace,” which replaces “The Ryzza Mae Show” every morning.
Aiza understands the decision of the Kapamilya bosses, but as a sign of respect, she won’t appear in “Sunday Pinasaya” which has the same timeslot as “ASAP 20.” But she can definitely appear in “Eat Bulaga” where she started her career as a child star after joining Little Miss Philippines many years ago.
“I have to go on an indefinite leave for now. Once ‘Princess in the Palace’ is over, I can go back to ‘ASAP 20,’” said Aiza during the press launch of the TV series featuring Ryzza Mae Dizon in the title role.
The singer-actress thought there would be no issue since “Princess in the Palace” and “ASAP 20” are completely different shows. “Kumbaga, being in this business long enough, di na ako magpapaka-plastic. That’s how it is. We all know we have the network wars. Especially, I think with AlDub, medyo fierce ngayon. So yeah, I think they are just protecting themselves. And what they told me, they don’t want to set a precedent na gawin din ito ng ibang artista,” she said.
Aiza was part of “Be Careful with My Heart,” the hit morning drama of ABS-CBN. The staff of “Be Careful” is also the one handling “Ningning,” the new show that is in direct competition with “Princess in the Palace.” Aiza sent an email to the production head to express her thoughts regarding the competition. To be fair, Aiza is a freelancer and has no contract with ABS-CBN. Besides, she owes TAPE, Inc. (the producers of “Princess in the Palace”) a debt of gratitude because she started her career with them.
“Wala rin akong kontrata sa TAPE, but they are family to me,” said Aiza, who is playing the aide-de-camp of President Leona (portrayed by Eula Valdez). They respected me as an artist and accepted me for what I am. Kaya maski ang role ko rito sa ‘Princess in the Palace,’ walang kaugnayan sa gender ko.”
This is probably the first time an aide-de-camp of the president is a lesbian. And we don’t have a problem with that.
Aiza doesn’t have a regular show at the Kapamilya network and since TAPE offered her to be a part of Ryzza Mae’s teleserye, she accepted it.
“Princess in the Palace” starts airing on September 21. Also in the cast are Boots Anson-Rodrigo, Ciara Sotto, Marc Abaya, Neil Perez, Ces Quesada, Dante Rivero, Miggy Jimenez, Lianne Valentin, Vince de Jesus and Rocky Salumbides. This is directed by Mike Tuviera.
***
Iza Calzado is playing one of the lead roles in “Etiquette for Mistresses,” directed by Chito Roño for Star Cinema. She shares stellar billing with Kris Aquino, Claudine Barretto, Kim Chiu and Cheena Crab in this movie based on the best-selling book authored by Julie Yap-Daza.
“It was very difficult to play my role because she is strong and not pabebe,” Iza says when asked to describe her part in the film. “Pag bumabait ang mata ko masyado, napapagalitan ako ni Direk (Chito). He says he wants to see in me the strength of the character. Sometimes it is difficult for me because I have done so many martyr characters so parang may auto pilot ako. I had to unlearn that.”
“It is also difficult because I have a court scene so may mga lines na mahirap sabihin so I had to consult my lawyer friends. Basta ang character ko, siya ang pinaka-logical thinker sa lahat and I am not like that in real life. I am more emotional,” she added.
Asked on her thoughts about being a mistress, Iza said, “I don’t think kakayanin ko kasi I am very possessive pero hindi ko rin masasabi na never kasi mahaba pa rin naman ang tatakbuhin ng buhay ko at mahirap magsalita nang tapos pero I refuse to think that way kasi hindi ko siya kakayanin. Personally, that’s how I feel, without judging the mistresses.”
Would Iza be in favor if a divorce law will be passed in the Philippines?
“Siguro I will answer it from the point of view of a child whose parents’ marriage was annulled. They were married for 22 years and how I wish that they ended it earlier. If only we had divorce in this country, I think it would have been easier for them. Tulad ng sinabi ni Ate Kris, in the end, it’s the child who suffers. And you know, I had to go through that as a child. Mas maganda siguro kung may law na lang para mas madali ang maging desisyon ng magulang na i-end na ang relationship nila,” she said.
***
Maria Sofia Love is the featured guest in “Bubble Gang” tonight, the longest running gag show on Philippine TV. Among the segments you ought to watch out for include shoe shop gags, Ikaw at ang Ina, Tatalino, Lala Ytera, 20 Years (a news reporter interviews a beggar who had been roaming the streets for 20 years), and Computer Addict, a sketch about a kid who is a computer addict and how it affects him.