What Piolo & Iza want but can’t have yet

MANILA, Philippines - The ABS-CBN primetime drama, Hawak-Kamay, is coming to a close tomorrow, Nov. 21, with an ending expected to draw curiosity because  of the show’s unpredictability. Based on the trailer of its last few episodes, something tragic has happened to Papay Gin, portrayed by Piolo Pascual, after a scuffle with contravida Bernard Palanca. There’s also this hospital scene where Piolo lays unconscious in a bed so it’s not clear yet whether his character is going to survive or not.

Even the cast members are tight-lipped on how the show will end. Five-year-old, Yesha Camille (as Mimay), can only blurt out, “Secret!” But all of them are willing to share the kind of bonding they have on the set, how Iza Calzado often displays her caring side, how Zaijian Jaranilla teases Andrea Brillantes and Xyriel Manabat and makes Yesha cry. They also reveal that behind Piolo’s serious demeanor is a kulit nature.

“Nangingiliti po si Kuya Piolo ng sobra na minsan di na ko makahinga,” Zaijian amusingly tells while Andrea describes Piolo as generous, saying, “lagi din po s’ya nag-papahanda ng pagkain sa set.”

Interestingly, Zaijian, Xyriel and Andrea believe that Piolo and Iza, who play their parents in the soap, can definitely be good at raising a family since both of them are able to deal with kids very well.

“Nung maysakit po ako may pinainom po sa akin si Ate Iza tapos po umayos na yung pakiramdam ko… mapait po at parang lasang lupa,” says Zaijian, which according to Iza was an herbal drink.

And while Piolo and Iza welcome the thought of one day raising their respective families, they can’t do that just yet.

“I’m ready; ‘yung oras (ko) ang hindi,” begins Piolo. “At my age, I really want to settle down. I really want to be with someone and I really want to have a family of my own but how? I am married to ABS (laughs). So saka na lang. As they say, strike while the iron is hot. It’s just too tough to handle things at the same time like work and family but when the time really comes then why not. For now, I enjoy whatever it is I have now.”

Iza, on the other hand, says, “This is a soap opera where my character’s story revolves around her being a mother and a wife. Am I ready for that in real life? Well, judging from the way I held the baby in one scene, e hindi pa.

“I am very much focused on my work. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not going to have a family because I do want to have a family, especially, you know sometimes, when you are around kids, it warms your heart. It makes you want to have a family but since my boyfriend (Ben Wintle) is also not yet at that point in his life that he’s very ready baka mahilaw ‘pag minadali.”

Asked about her ideal time to settle down, Iza is giving herself two more years. “It’s not that long anymore. I know I’m not getting any younger but I’d like to say that I’m still young (laughs).”

Besides, the Kapamilya actress still has lots of things to tick off in her bucket list and one of them is taking a short course in acting abroad. She feels that there are many things regarding her work that require further development. However, pushing through with her plans still depends on her workload. She is clueless about the next projects that will be given to her by the Kapamilya network.

“I still don’t know what’s in store for me by next year so my plan is not yet final. Parang may factor pa ko that I’m gonna do it (study) in L.A., New York, London or Sydney. There are  four places that I’m considering so I still don’t know what’s the best place for me. I haven’t researched thoroughly about it because I didn’t expect that I’d be super busy this year. I barely even have time for myself; I haven’t even taken a full vacation. Work has become my top priority.”

According to her, it is a big plus for her to learn more about acting, especially now that she is eager to accomplish things before settling down. “I want to do theater. I still want to do many things and explore so many facets of my artistry. And I think I’ll never be satisfied; I want to continue learning and growing.”

What part in acting does she want to improve on?

“To continue to be in the scene and live in that moment and also imbibing the character — ‘yung kung paano gumawa ng isang karakter na buong-buo at kakaiba.”

Her contract with ABS-CBN will expire in January, a reason why she can’t make a final decision yet about studying abroad. “I need to find out what’s going to happen.”

For the meantime, stay tuned to Hawak-Kamay and find out how Iza’s portrayal of Bianca will fare until the end.