‘I was Piolo’s date; it was like the king asked me’

IZA Calzado Richard Reyes

Iza Calzado is convinced that her late father, choreographer-TV director Lito Calzado, had something to do with the steady rise of her career as an ABS-CBN talent.

“Daddy is no longer here to see how I’m getting all these opportunities—it’s a bittersweet feeling,” she told reporters during the media gathering for her new film, Wenn V. Deramas’ “Maria Leonora Teresa.”

“I miss him so much but I feel his presence,” Iza said. “I know that he’s happy for me. I want to keep working, to make him and my mom (Antonia) proud.” Iza lost both parents and her stepmother, Myrna, to cancer.

In “Maria Leonora Teresa,” Iza plays Faith, who loses her daughter in an accident. “Unlike my character in the movie,” she said, “I didn’t experience depression. I  got my dad’s positive outlook—that helps me a lot.”

You’ve never been a parent. How do you relate to the role?

I help take care of my 11-year-old stepbrother—doon ako humuhugot.

What do you expect from directors?

I expect them to guide my portrayals because they see the bigger picture; more than anyone, they know the story that they want to tell.

What was it like, working with Direk Wenn?

I always enjoy working and catching up with him. He directed my first soap opera in ABS-CBN. He is fun to be with.

What would you like to achieve as an actress?

I’d like to be remembered as someone who gave a lot to her craft, to the industry…as an excellent actress.

How does it feel, knowing your role was first offered to Judy Ann Santos?

I asked for Ate Juday’s blessing through my manager, Noel Ferer, who is also the manager of her husband, Ryan Agoncillo. I don’t mind being second choice. Nothing will happen to my career if I let my ego get in the way of important decisions.

Why did you go to Star Magic Ball with Piolo Pascual instead of your boyfriend Ben Wintle?

I normally go to show biz functions alone. I merely asked Piolo if we could share a table. He said, “Why don’t we just go together?” It was like the king asked me! I was suddenly Piolo’s date!

How did Ben take that?

He’s very secure about our relationship.

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