Iza Calzado Biography

Many may step back and gaze in awe at her beauty and grace, yet her affable smile can disarm and make anyone feel at ease.

While Iza considers herself an old soul, there’s no doubt that she has a youthful spirit.

Maria Isadora Ussher Calzado, popularly known as Iza Calzado is a Filipina actress who gained big attention in show business in May 2002. Her biggest breaks in Philippine showbiz include teaming-up with Argentine actor Segundo Cernadas in GMA Network’s Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man and taking the role as Amihan in Encantadia. Although, she considers playing the role of Mary Grace in Star Cinema’s Milan as the turning point of her career.

I. BIO

A. Basic Info

Name: Maria Isadora U. Calzado
Nickname: Iza
Birthday: August 12, 1982
Birthplace: Quezon City
Showbiz Anniversary: May 2002

The classic Latina/Filipina Beauty is the daughter of choreographer and TV director Lito Calzado, and the late Irish-Spanish-Filipina, Mary Ann Ussher. Iza’s brother, Dash, is a member of Legit Misfitz, a Pinoy rap group.

In the late 1990s, she finished her high school in Miriam College and after which finished her undergraduate education in the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Fine Arts.

B. Favorites

Hobbies: Dancing
Sports: Swimming
Actors/Actresses
Local: Cesar Montano, Cherry Pie Picache, Eddie Garcia, Hilda Koronel, Judy Ann Santos, Rita Gomez, Mylene Dizon
Foreign: Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp
Movie: Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, 50 First Dates
TV Show: Atlantika, At Your Service, Sex and the City
Singers: Beyonce
Song: Stay Together, Kissing
Music: Everything as long as it is good
Book: 4 Agreements
Author: Sidney Sheldon

C. Acting Career

Iza ventured first as a commercial model, appearing in a Pantene advertisement. Her first acting stint was via the television show Kung Mawawala Ka wherein she plays the bitter antagonist Phoebe. In the following years she appeared in several movies and television shows including Milan, Sabel, Te Amo: Maging Sino Ka Man, and Sigaw. In 2005, she was cast in the most expensive television show in Philippine history, Encantadia wherein she plays one of the five main characters, Amihan. She reprised the role in Etheria, which began airing in December 12, 2005 and ended in February 18, 2006. She’s also in the second sequel of Encantadia, Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas which began in February 20, 2006 and is expected to finish April 28, 2006. She also received praises from her recent movie with GMA Films, “Moments Of Love”, as a woman living in the 1950′s and as Milagros in Regal Film’s hit movie “Eternity”. Iza is included in GMA Network’s latest telefantasya “Atlantika” as Dingdong Dantes’ leading lady. She also has upcoming movies such as “Blockout” with Philippine Cinema’s bad boy, Robin Padilla, “Shake, Rattle & Roll 8″ and “Mona: Singapore Escort” which was shot in Singapore.

D. Personal

Adjectives that best describe you: An old soul but a kid at heart

Fashion: It depends on my mood

Fashion icon: Sienna Miller

Most treasured item: Mobile phone

Pet Peeves: Hypocrites and back biters

Fears: Being alone

Unforgettable childhood memory: Tokyo Disneyland with Mom & Dad

Goals: To be a respected actress, to be a Hollywood actress and to be a good mom and wife

Role Model: Christ

II. Q & A

Why did you enter showbusiness?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life so I felt that maybe I should try my luck here after doing the Pantene ad. We also needed the money.

What do you consider as the turning point in your career?
Playing Mary Grace in Milan

If you weren’t in showbiz, what kind of career would you have?
Something in Advertising

What is your biggest frustration/regret?
Not giving my mom enough attention and quality time; not taking my studies seriously

What do most people don’t know about you?
A lot, I like to keep it that way

What are you most proud of?
Losing almost 100 lbs… my faith.

What do you value most?
Relationships

What do you want to achieve?
I want to be respected in my craft; I want to be a source of inspiration.

What is your advice to aspiring artists? Never give up and always be HUMBLE.