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Here at iGMA, we’ve seen Iza and Francine do different roles and play different characters. And it’s always nice to take a look back on what they have achieved.
Here at iGMA, we’ve seen Iza and Francine do different roles and play different characters. And it’s always nice to take a look back on what they have done, just as we’re seeing them in new projects. What have Iza and Francine done already? Let’s take a look! Text by Jason John S. Lim. With Interviews by the iGMA Web Team. Photos by Mitch S. Maurico. Femmes in Fantasy Iza Calzado and Francine Prieto first worked together in the magical world of Encantadia. While Iza (as Amihan) had been with the program from its inception, Francine came to the show as it entered its second book, as Avria, the reigning queen of Etheria. And though the show had given them both a cult following, the world of Encantadia was just the beginning of their journey deeper into the realm of fantasy. Francine was included in the cast of Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag, playing another queen, Kuran. “Reyna ako ng mga musang (at) isa ako sa mga kontrabida.” And though it was another queen role, Francine made sure that her portrayal was very different from how she played Avria of Etheria. She gave Kuran a more feline approach, the character being a mix of human and wildcat. And while Avria was regal in every way, Kuran’s deviousness stems from her ability to allure. And the woman behind both roles is ready to differentiate the two! “Kasi (si Avria) nagdi-disiplina kaya lang siya naging masama. Eto (si Kuran), talagang masama siya -- sobrang sama talaga!” As for Iza, after relinquishing her queenly duties and restoring peace in the world of Encantadia, she swam the depths of the waters as Amaya, the prophesized woman who would end of the world of Atlantika. And now she’s re-entering the world of fantasy as the wife of Joaquin Bordado, GMA-7’s newest telefantasya. But there’s a twist -- she’s not involved with the supernatural goings-on of the show! “I love it!” Iza revealed, but she also said that she’s never in the clear. They could decide later on to give her powers or have her suddenly be an action star. “I’m preparing myself for such surprises.” Owning Genres Outside of fantasy, the two girls are both moving in different genres. Francine became a hit with unintentional comedy with her role as the ditzy Jingle from Bahay Mo Ba ‘To? and as a mainstay of the long-running gag show, Bubble Gang. And during her live chat back in September, Francine divulged that she liked doing comedy best. “Mas kailangan kasi maghanda sa sexy roles.” While Francine made a name for herself in comedy, Iza was making herself known as the actress who would do anything -- provided that the project has a good story. Case in point, Mona: Singapore Escort. “It was guerilla style, c’mon.” Iza began, before sharing stories of how they shot the film -- all without any permits! Embracing the Scares Neither Iza nor Francine was new to the suspense genre when they began ESP. In fact, both had just come from successful movies with the theme of fear: Francine with Silip, and Iza with the star-studded Ouija. Silip was Francine’s re-entry to the world of movies and she called it a “sexy psycho-thriller.” Meanwhile, Ouija was GMA Film’s answer to the growing popularity of the Asian Horror genre. And it didn’t fail to deliver! Iza’s already had a string of successful horror movies, including a Shake, Rattle and Roll episode, the “semi-scary” Blackout with Joaquin Bordado co-star Robin Padilla, and the movie that brought Iza’s star to Hollywood, Sigaw (The Echo)! “For some reason, ito ‘yung inaalok sa akin,” Iza said before. But the actress was definitely not afraid of being type-casted. “Kasi, I know I can do other things naman.” Find out more about Iza and Francine’s past roles and the ones they’re playing now! Chat with them today and asks the questions you want to ask -- only on iGMA Live Chat! If you’re not yet registered, register now to join their chat! ESP airs every Thursday night after GMA Telebabad. Catch the show and then talk about it at the iGMA Forums ! You can also feel the fun through Fanatxt by texting IZA or FRANCINE to 4627! (Each Fanatxt message costs PhP2.50 for GLOBE, SMART, and TALK 'N TEXT, and PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers.)