Iza: Somebody To Love billing not an issue

MANILA, Philippines - Iza Calzado got an early birthday surprise party from Regal Entertainment, Inc., the producer of her latest film, Somebody To Love, which opens in theaters nationwide on Aug. 20.

The actress, who turns 32 tomorrow (Aug. 12), admitted that it was going to be her only birthday celebration this year as she’s been happily busy with movies and TV work. 

Iza also took the occasion to deny that she has any billing issue, particularly with Carla Abellana, in the Jose Javier Reyes-directed ensemble film that also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Jason Abalos, Isabelle Daza, among others.

“When this was offered to us, they (Regal) already made it clear that Carla is an exclusive contract star of Regal, therefore she deserves top-billing... And I really accepted it because first, it’s direk Joey. Second, natuwa ako sa character because I’ve not done anything like it, and to be fair, binigyan naman po ako ng magandang billing ng Regal. I have no complaints. If I had, I wouldn’t be here,” Iza told reporters in last Thursday’s event at Regal matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde’s new events venue, No. 38 Valencia, in Quezon City.

Iza added that her work is not defined by the order of names appearing in a movie but rather in “how your role will make a mark.”

In Somebody To Love, Iza plays the aggressive, motor-mouth of an actress named Marga Castro whose only concern is her popularity. Asked if she can relate to her character in any way, she said, “I’m not a saint, but I’m nothing like my character, otherwise my father would kill me if I’m like that (laughs). But I can relate to her sentiments of being in the business, how tough it is to be always relevant, for people to always want to have you on screen... I understand what drives her into wanting to be popular forever.”

As she’s turning another year older, wiser and visibly busier, Iza said, “I’m super happy with my public and personal life. Ayokong sabihin na wala na akong mahihiling pa because you can always ask for more... and we have a very generous God, or universe, whatever you believe in. I’m just so grateful.”

Settling down is not yet in her plans, although she said her beau (a British-Filipino IT entrepreneur) can be “the one.” “There’s a big possibility, God willing. Yes, we have talked about it (marriage), but nothing serious. Besides, we’re both not ready.”

Career-wise, Iza is obviously on a roll. Aside from Somebody To Love, she’s starring in the ABS-CBN primetime soap Hawak Kamay, part of the indie Barber’s Tales, slated to do another film titled Maria, Leonora, Teresa and promised by Mother Lily to do more movies for Regal.

What else is on her career wish list? Iza said she aspires for another acting award, edgier roles and “maybe I need to produce my own film,” adding, “I don’t want to say what’s lacking in my career. I just want to add more to what I can work on as an actress.”