Iza’s looks can be deceiving

Don’t be fooled by Iza Calzado’s meek face and classic beauty. Beneath it is a chameleon personality that can change according to her surroundings.

This is what Iza will prove when Impostora, GMA 7’s follow-up to the hit Bakekang, premieres Monday, June 4, and airs weeknights thereafter.

“This is something I have been looking forward to,” offers Iza. “I’ll be playing two characters. Lara, the strong-willed konduktora, and Sara with the disfigured face.”

Playing two different roles with contrasting and clashing personalities is just the icing on the cake. Because the real deal, says Iza, is working with the strict, meticulous direk Maryo J. delos Reyes. It’s a challenge she has to hurdle every shooting day.

“It’s a blessing to work with him,” says Iza. “What I’m afraid of is I may not deliver (what’s being asked of me). If I can’t deliver, that’s the time he will teach me. I need this (project) because ang artista ay hinuhulma. I think I have so much to learn.”

Iza adds direk Maryo’s eye for detail is something one should not be afraid of but instead should be appreciated. At the end of the day, people in front of or behind the camera will do everything to entertain televiewers and tell an engaging story. What matters is that the show delivers.

As Iza’s co-star Chanda Romero puts it, “Maryo is someone who will lead you through and will make you shine.”

So, Iza and the rest of the cast are in good hands.

The Kapuso star is also excited to work again with best friend Sunshine Dizon after Atlantika. The two also starred together on Kung Mawawala Ka, Encantadia and Etheria. Iza says Sunshine has been supportive of her as the Bakekang lead star has shared many acting tips with Iza back in her Te Amo days. Their friendship remains solid.

Iza considers Impostora a dream project where she can still have fun on the set while working with the best and most promising people the industry can offer.  

In the dramaserye, Sunshine will also portray dual roles: Nessa, the spoiled brat cousin of twins Lara (Iza) and Sara, and Sara, Lara’s sister.

Because of fame, fate and hate, the characters will take advantage of the others’ weaknesses. And the endless twists and turns begin. The real becomes the reel and the reel becomes the real.

Viewers must be warned that it is not some Face/Off-inspired soap opera. Impostora is an original masterpiece made for TV, though it uses cliches and carries komiks elements.  

Since the lead characters are there to outwit one another, are we expecting an acting showdown between Iza and Sunshine?

“Their roles are very demanding,” quips direk Maryo. And that is enough reason viewers should religiously watch it night after night.

With Iza’s performance on Impostora, do we see another acting trophy, a membership to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or a Hollywood career for the reluctant drama actress?

“I’m not thinking about it (an award),” says the Urian Best Supporting Actress and Golden Screen Awards Breakthrough Performance by an Actress winner for Sigaw (Echo) and Milan, respectively.

 “(For a possible career in Hollywood), I will cross the bridge when I get there. And, If God permits it, why shouldn’t I?”