It was two in a row for Iza Calzado when she reprised her role in Yam Laranas’s Hollywood version of the blockbuster horror film Sigaw (The Echo) and landed as the leading lady of Asian Superstar Ken Chu in the picturesque romantic film Batanes of Ignite Media Inc. and GMA Films.

“ At the time Batanes was offered to me, I was waiting for…The Echo. It was Judy Ann Santos who referred my name to them (Batanes directors), because we were both doing Ouija (at that time). But when they handed me the script and I read it, I said to myself that I’d love to do this project. I like the material,” she confessed. “I said who knew that I’ll be doing both films.”

True enough, she went to Batanes to shoot the much-awaited heartwarming love story together with Joem Bascon as the Ivatan villager Rico and Ken Chu as the Taiwanese fishermen Kao. If you guys still remember, Ken Chu was part of the phenomenal hit TV series Meteor Garden, and the films Sky Love and Tokyo Trial.

Although she’s only the second choice to Judy Ann Santos for the role of the quirky urban-girl Pam in Batanes, the GMA Kapuso actress has proven that she can hold her own against ABS-CBN’s Queen of Teleserye. Iza’s breakthrough performance in Sigaw earned her an Urian Best Supporting Actress award in 2005 and her heartfelt portrayal in Moments of Love and Eternity elevated her status as a dramatic actress. Now, Iza’s adding Batanes to the roster of films that would showcase her acting prowess.

“ I’ve never dreamed of this role. But I’m very honored to be working with the best and the kindest people in the industry,” she said. “I feel the support and love in every project that I do.”

When asked about working with Asian Superstar Ken Chu, Iza heartily laughed and said, “Parehas kaming mahilig kumain.”

Tracing her roots from her humble beginning as a dubber, Iza started appearing on TV as a guest teen star in the GMA youth-oriented show Click. She was then teamed-up with Argentinean actor Segundo Cernadas in a noon-time drama Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man. After which, GMA’s Encantadia marked her as the popular character “Amihan,” a powerful Sang’gre (fairy) who ruled over her embattled kingdom. Her joining Atlantika also marked her status as a top fantaserye actress.

Some of her notable works are Milan (2004), Sabel (2004), Pinoy Blonde (2005), Blackout (2007), Ouija (2007), Mona: Singapore Escort (2007), her Metro Manila Film Festival entry Desperada which co-stars Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto and Marian Rivera, and Sigaw’s Hollywood remake, The Echo which is slated for early 2008.

Today, only the second talent to sign an exclusive contract, Iza partners with GMA Films in various movie projects for the next couple of years which includes a romantic comeback with screen partner Dingdong Dantes and a Palanca award-winning script entitled Kusina.

“ I make it a point to deliver whenever and whatever commitment is given to me. I always give it my best shot,” she stressed out. “So I am very thankful to GMA Films because I have found my home in them.”
– Jake P. De Luna