Iza Calzado — Amihan of GMA 7 Encantadia

With the end of Encantadia last Friday 09 December 2005, another chapter begins. Akin to what happened with George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, the prequel of Encantadia begins tonight with Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia. The beloved characters that the viewers have known will still appear, but in a different time mode.

With Encantadia’s end, I can’t help but reminisce about the past as well, even though I know perfectly well that they’re still part of the cast. One of my favorites on the Encantadia set is Iza Calzado, whose real character is akin to that of a true royal, for her gracious behavior with everyone is like a breath of fresh air.

Engaged in Conversation My first close encounter with Iza was when I ended up seating beside her in the makeshift eating area, together with the other lead and support actors, while shooting in Batangas.

Not wanting to seem too forward, I quietly went about my business, listening to the flowing conversation but not venturing to join in either. Iza was the one who engaged me in conversation about food and diets, and was totally unafraid to admit that she was big before.

A Focused and Apologetic Actor Observing her work, I appreciated the fact that she was very prepared for her scenes. And knowing she might stumble over certain Tagalog words, Iza would repeat them under her breath before the take. Furthermore, she would apologize when an additional take had to be done if it was her fault, a small but important detail that the crew, I’m sure, always appreciated silently.

Didn’t Mind the Headpiece As an actor, I was trained to constantly check my costume and makeup, and this would rear its head during the taping when I would see askew costumes or need to be retouched faces, but I usually held my tongue because it’s not really my place to say anything.

However, one time, when I was very near Iza before a take, I finally couldn’t help myself and said, “I hope you don’t mind, but can I just tell you that your headpiece is off center and that’s happened before already and I caught it on TV?”

Instead of ignoring what I said, which she could have, Iza was appreciative of my comment and asked for feedback as she hurriedly fixed the gleaming jewel on her forehead.

Talked to the Children I asked permission from the production head for my friend to bring her children during one taping, but I warned them that they have to be very quiet, otherwise, they would be asked to step out of the studio. The children took my warning to heart and were very well behaved.

As the children sat down to watch the taping, which was very exciting because it was a battle scene between Danaya and some soldiers, in between takes, Iza, who happened to be beside them at the time, took the trouble of asking the children questions to make them feel more comfortable. I’m certain that experience would be remembered by my friend’s kids as one of the highlights of their visit.

Pic and Fan Appreciation I was able to take an amusing picture of Iza and Sunshine Dizon fixing Imaw’s hair, but it looked like they were picking lice from his scalp, and wanting to share that funny moment, I made copies for both of them. Iza reportedly (since I wasn’t in the taping) came rushing out of their dressing room to thank me.

When I dropped by another time, I gave her a trio of fans, just cheap ones from Divisoria, mind you, but she got the joke immediately. The reason behind the gift was, since I usually ended up being near her during the Imaw takes, I offered her a fan to cool herself one time, and that began our practice of my giving her a fan in between the shots and then her handing it back to me when they were about to roll.

And, even though I decided to leave the Encantadia set to pursue other aspects of my career, my best wishes will always be with the former queen of Encantadia—Iza Calzado otherwise known as the gentle but daring Amihan.

For more info, please visit Iza Calzado’s website.

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