Iza Calzado: World-class actor now Obra’s featured star

Author: Isah V. Red
Column: Life & Entertainment

GMA brings to life stories featuring Iza Calzado by four of its resident directors.

The actor will portray a variety of characters in Sanib, Boksingera, Beauty Queer, and Stella .45. The four weekly drama anthologies will be directed by Toppel Lee, Mark Reyes, Dominic Zapata, and Rico Gutierrez.

Tomorrow night, Toppel Lee’s Sanib will be the featured episode. This is the story of a woman possessed by a spirit with a sinister past.

Iza, who is not a stranger to scary movies, starred in Sigaw by Yam Laranas. She is also in the Hollywood remake by the same director. Echo (that’s how the movie is titled) has yet to find a major distributor, otherwise it is already in the can and has been screened in several film festivals specializing in the horror genre.

Iza also essays the role of a female boxer whose heart will be torn between the man she loves and her father who has a dream for her. This is the program’s take on the Academy Award-winning Clint Eastwood oeuvre Million Dollar Baby. Mark Reyes calls it Boksingera.

Dominic Zapata (no relation to the Mexican revolutionary, though) directs Iza in Beauty Queer, as a consistent “thank you girl” in beauty pageants. Determined to win and show her family she can also make it, she joins a gay beauty contest.

Lastly, Iza will portray the role of a hired assassin who wants to change her life but her profession keeps haunting her in the episode Stella .45 by Rico Gutierrez. “This is similar to Wanted,” Iza said. “Yes, I am excited about doing action on TV, because it gives me a different high.”

Obra Presents Iza Calzado premieres tomorrow after the top-rating GMA Telebabad.

Entertaining Laguna

Natural and man-made attractions draw local and foreign tourists to the province of Laguna with its world-class golf courses, theme parks, resorts, and historical sites.

Among Laguna’s prime attractions are: Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Pagsanjan Falls, the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, Lake Caliraya in Cavinti, Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Sampaloc Lake in San Pablo, Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Splash Island in Biñan, and Laguna Hot Springs in Calamba.

The tourism industry contributes significantly to Laguna’s economy with emphasis on ecotourism and cultural heritage. “Laguna Business and Investment Expo 2008” starts today until the 9th at SM City Sta. Rosa. It is all about the creativity and ingenuity of the people of Laguna, with its various income-generating opportunities.

One of the highlights of this event is the “Tourism, Culture and Arts Day” on Nov. 7 that showcases the performing arts of Laguna featuring the Tanglaw Theater Artists, Karangahan Dance Troupe, the Enchanted Kingdom Jungle and Tribe Dancers, with guests of honor Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano and Boots Anson Roa.

The Karangahan Dance Troupe is the pride of Laguna. It was the first group to perform at the Peruvian Presidents Palace and has been chosen as one of the best groups in the 37th Billingham International Folklore Festival in United Kingdom. The Karangahan Dance Troupe was also awarded the best group in the 11th edition of the International Folk Festival in Trujillo and Chiclayo in Peru. It received the Prix du Public at the 56th Folkloriades et Fetes dele Vigne in Dijon, France.

The success of the Karangahan Dance Troupe is a testimony to the wealth of talents of the province of Laguna.

Yes, Rico can

BBC World News anchor Rico Hizon bagged the BPInoy and Yes the Filipino Can! awards last month for his outstanding achievements as an overseas Filipino professional and community leader.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands through the BPInoy Awards recognized Rico together with New York-based fashion designer Josie Natori for bringing honor and recognition to our country worldwide.

Previous awardees include the world-renowned musical theater artist Lea Salonga, US-based technology entrepreneur Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, internationally known fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, and famous heart surgeon Dr. George Garcia of Asian Hospital & Medical Center.

And for advocating important Filipino values and principles, Rico was presented with the first-ever Yes the Filipino Can! Award, spearheaded by Namfrel icon Jose Ma. “JoeCon” Concepcion Jr. and RFM president and chief executive Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III. The award honors Filipinos who have greatly contributed to improving lives and empowering their countrymen.

Hailed as one of 2006’s The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for International Journalism and Community Service, Hizon is the first Filipino broadcast journalist to work for two highly respected global broadcasting networks BBC World News and CNBC Asia. He is also a very active community leader, as chairman of the Philippine Cultural Society and a board member of the Philippine Bayanihan Society of Singapore.

The Singapore-based Hizon is currently the main anchor for BBC World News’ daily business and finance program Asia Business Report and World Business Report.

Jetstar to Cambodia

Jetstar Asia brings Cambodia closer to the Philippines via daily flights from Singapore to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The two-time SkyTrax awardee for Best Low-cost Airline flies to Singapore every day, departing Manila from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. One-way fare for Manila-Singapore currently sells from $30, exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

From Singapore, Jetstar Asia flies non-stop to Phnom Penh four days a week and via Siem Reap on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with stopover charge of Singapore $20 plus taxes.

A departure tax of $6 (American dollar) is charged at Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap.

One-way fare from Singapore to Phnom Penh currently sells from $64, and to Siem Reap, $69, exclusive of taxes and surcharges. (Fares are subject to change without prior notice.) For more information, visit www.jetstar.com or call 810-4744.

Star Magic’s October birthday celebrants

Noemi Oineza, the younger sister of Jane Oineza, another Star Magic child star, turned nine years old on Oct. 7. Nash Aguas turned 11 on Oct. 10 the same day as Rodjun Cruz, former U Can Dance 2 champion.

Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Saicy Aguila, now based in Bacolod City, celebrated her 25th on Oct. 12 with her family and close friends.

Maxim’s June cover girl RR Enriquez turned 22 years old last Oct. 19.

We have known last year’s PMPC new male actor Matt Evans as the wacky Fil-Am inside the Bahay ni Kuya. His career soared high after the reality search. This Asap’s Dynamite Dance Crew member remains humble despite the major changes in his life. Currently starring in lisa Pa Lamang as the brother of Gabby Concepcion, he turned 20 on Oct. 22. Niña Dolino is now 26 years after celebrating her birthday on Oct. 26.

Star Circle 16 member Pica Lozano turned 19 years on Oct. 21 and celebrated the day with family and friends.

Source: Manila Standard Today

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