Iza Calzado ready to shine

My idol and King of Talk Boy Abunda after his show won Best Talk Show at the Asian Television Awards in Singapore last year said, "Great things come to those who wait," and it’s so true. Anne Curtis should also be chanting the same motto now after her very successful concert at the Araneta Coliseum last Saturday. For a non-singer like Anne to have packed the Bigdome to the brim was a total wow! Add to that was the fact that it was an event well-attended by people from all walks of life---- from the elite circle of Anne to her masa fans. Only a fool will not agree that Anne has totally arrived and definitely made her mark and will be here to stay.

But we all know already that everything Anne has achieved now did not happen overnight. She waited for 14 years--working and learning a lot. We saw her evolve on our TV and movie screens, at first giving us lousy acting, until she won Best Actress for the period movie "Baler" a few years ago. Anne is an inspiration and a realization. She is living proof that dreams do come true for people who have patience and work hard for what they want to achieve or want to be. Congratulations Anne! 'You are already!'

* * *

Iza Calzado was formally (and finally) introduced as a kapamilya star on ASAP 2012 last Sunday. Who would have thought that day will come? Even Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez initially refused to believe rumors on Iza’s impending transfer until she saw her on ASAP. It turned out, Iza waited for that day to come after 10 years of working for GMA-7. She revealed that has been her wish to perform on ASAP stage, and her bestfriend Karylle who used to be a Kapuso star too, knew it. Later on The Buzz, she said she used to watch that showbiz-oriented show with her mom because they are "closet tsismosas." I applaud her when, during that same interview, she declared that knowing ABS-CBN is the home of talented actresses she does not need to rob somebody of her place because she will just do her best and compete with herself. I applauded even more when she said even when others would pull you or block your chances you will really succeed if it is really for you. Yes, she believes in the cliché "if it’s for you, it’s for you."

She confirmed she will hosting Pinoy Biggest Loser Season 2. She is definitely a good choice because she was chubby before in her growing up years even up to her first few years in showbiz. It was only recently when she blossomed to be more beautiful when the running bug hit her and invested so much discipline and determination to achieving the body she now has. Definitely she will be a great inspiration to the upcoming contestants of the show.

It has also been reported that she will be part of a Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd project. What I’m praying though is for Iza to be part of The Buzz as regular co-host. She will definitely shine even more since she is an actress of world-class caliber!

* *

Two weeks ago, we unexpectedly stepped onto the powdery white sand beach of beautiful Sumilon, thanks to college classmate and friend Alma Mondigo who works for Bluewater Resorts, in-charge of promoting Bluewater Sumilon and Bluewater Panglao. They say it is in unplanned actions that you sometimes enjoy a beautiful experience and it’s so true in our case.

The powdery white sand beach of Bluewater Sumilon can match what Bora is very famous for. Food was very good and it was the first time I tried a lemon grass drink. We learned that there are huge whale sharks near the island, four of them named after the property owners that reportedly show up between six and eight in the morning.

They are presently promoting "glam camping." It’s a tent with all the luxurious amenities of a room. One can also go kayaking, snorkeling or simply chill out in the infinity pool. The entire island is a wifi zone and it’s very fast. We stayed there for only two hours because we had to hear mass in the mainland but we had amazing experience in Bluewater Sumilon. Thanks for the experience.