Iza Calzado Instagram – In a conversation with Tatler, Iza Calzado (@missizacalzado) reflects on her 24-year career in three seasons. Her GMA 7 years were the “inertia” phase—young, moulded by mentors, swept up in the whirlwind fame of brand ads and soap operas like ‘Encantadia’. The move to ABS-CBN was a season of growth, establishing autonomy and finding her footing, culminating in her iconic role as Darna in 2022. Now, she embraces her most important role yet at the “Deia Network,” as mother to Deia, guided by meaning, purpose and service. She looks back at her mentors with gratitude: “I don’t think I’d be this person if not for people like you,” she says. Yet she has learned that the “Superwoman” trope is a myth. “All these new roles and responsibilities as leader and mother can be overwhelming,” she admits. “It really takes a village… my husband, angels at home, friends and family, management, social media team, my co-founder at She Talks Asia and the AKTOR leadership team enable me to do so much more than I thought possible.” Leaning back, she smiles: “I’m learning and growing so much. It’s challenging but truly a fulfilling season in my life. What a gift!” Then, with her signature energy, she laughs, “Sa totoo lang, gusto ko lang sumayaw [Truth be told, I just want to dance]!”
Motherhood has also reshaped how Iza views the world. “As a woman and a mother, my heart aches seeing the state of our nation,” she says. “We must use our voice to inspire change, big or small, and collectively heal from trauma to move forward with hope.” Her vision is for her child and future generations: “I envision a nation where kindness is strength, courage is contagious, and equality is the norm. I’m committed to raising a child who is not just a survivor but a changemaker—strong, independent, compassionate and bold. Let’s empower the next generation to build a brighter future, where love and justice outweigh fear and injustice.”
Read the full cover story in Tatler’s March 2026 issue, available on Shopee, Lazada, Zinio, Magzter, Pressreader, or at newsstands.
#TatlerPhilippines #WomensMonth #ArtIssue | Posted on 03/Mar/2026 13:30:34
