Hollywood Beckons for Iza

Our very own Iza Calzado is off to Hollywood! After successfully conquering the local scene as Amihan of Encantadia and as Lara of Impostora, this star is ready to rise to a whole new level. There is no other path to take except upwards if you are as lovely and as talented as this young actress. Is she ready for Hollywood? Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. The Echo In the scary flick, Sigaw, Iza is the spirit seeking for justice with the help of Richard Gutierrez. In the Hollywood version of the same film, The Echo, she retains her original role. This is a feat unparalleled by her peers in the industry. She did not even have to audition for the role! Director Yam Laranas himself told Iza the good news. The director of the original flick also got to keep his director's seat for the Hollywood rendition. Indeed there are many reasons for the entire cast and crew of Sigaw to celebrate. With this once in a lifetime opportunity, how does Iza feel? "Eto pini-pimples!" She says with a laugh. "Hindi naman. Dahil sa kakakain naman eh! Wala, masaya lang ako." Even now, the young actress can not get over the fact that she is off to see the bright lights of Hollywood. "Ewan ko, hindi (ko) pa nakikikita. Tapos noong nakita ko iyong offer letter alam mo iyong..." For lack of a better word, Iza shouts, to express her overwhelming happiness and disbelief in the recent turn of events that her life has encountered. Big Break She recognizes that, "So far, it's the biggest break", of her career. So, the next question is whether she will make it her mission to move up to the big leagues overseas. She certainly has all the ingredients to make it. "We'll see. Hopefully, I will come at the right place at the right time. It's all about timing din doon eh, connections. Hopefully iyon nga, I get to meet people that will like my work or like me as a person." Whatever the results of her foray over in the States, no one deny that she is already a big star right here at home. Her local fans need not worry because Iza has not yet been claimed totally by Hollywood because she is set to film a movie for Regal Films right after she finishes filming The Echo in Toronto, Canada. She has this to say for her fans who are all praying for her success. "Thank you sa mga nagdasal para makuha ko ito. I hear kasi also na there are people based in the States na talaga daw online sinasabi that they've been rooting for me. Wow! Thank you kasi they that much faith in me. Sana ipagpatuloy niyo pa po 'yung pagdarasal sa akin. I don't need anything else. I just need your prayers. Thank you so much and I will not let you down!" So you see, no need to worry if our Iza is ready for Hollywood. The better question is if Hollywood is ready for Iza? To read more about Iza, here are other feature stories! Excerpts of the Live Chat with Impostora' s Iza Calzado A scary Moment Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado reunite in Impostora May kwento sa iyo si Iza! Text IZA to 4627! Each Fanatxt message costs PhP2.50 for GLOBE, SMART, and TALK 'N TEXT, PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers.