Iza Calzado

MANILA, Philippines -- After her successful GMA-7 teleserye “Beauty Queen,” Iza Calzado is slated to be Cesar Montano’s new leading lady in the sitcom “Andres de Saya,” another much-awaited Kapuso Network project also starring Iwa Moto.

Needless to say, both Cesar and Iza are excited about their forthcoming team-up, their very first together. Iza is also one of the lead stars in Bong Revilla’s “Ang Panday,” an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Cesar, on the other hand, stars in “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig” with Sam Pinto. He co-produces the film, to be shot in China, with Viva Films.

Iza, the daughter of choreographer and TV director Lito Calzado and an Irish-Spanish-Filipino (which accounts for her exotic looks), has gone a long way since she entered showbiz in 2003, winning Best Actress at the 2010 Enpress Golden Screen Awards for her performance in the indie film “Dukot.” She also won Best Supporting Actress in the 2005 Gawad Urian Awards for the movie “Sigaw.” In addition to her undeniable acting prowess, Iza has also made it to the FHM Philippines Top 100 Sexiest Women in the World list five times since 2004.

The last time we met Iza up close was when she was launched as the role model and spokesperson for Flawless’ weight loss line, specifically its Shape & Sculpt. She now graces the newest Flawless billboard as the aesthetic clinic’s latest endorser, joining 2003 Cosmo hunk Edward Mendez. With her new physique and svelte figure, Iza proved that she is indeed the perfect choice Shape & Sculpt, and the additional anti-perspiration treatment, Sweatox. Ruby Coyiuto of Flawless welcomed Iza with open arms, saying, “Iza is truly flawless in and out, the best endorser to any product, and the epitome of what Flawless can do...”

Admitting that since she was young, she always had problems losing weight (“obese ako when I was young,” she confessed), Iza said Shape & Sculpt really did wonders to her body (now sexier!), in addition to working out and proper diet of course. Iza is not the type of celebrity who punishes herself by following a strict regimen. She forgives herself from occasional slip-up, but on the whole is aware of how much her body can take in order to maintain her sexy shape. And this forgiving yet practical attitude to weight loss is precisely what makes Iza the perfect endorser for Flawless’ Shape & Sculpt.

Style hits the Glorietta Mall

Ayala Malls presents its newest campaign for the summer – “Style Origin” featuring fashion and music. After inspiring many Filipinos with “Fashion Beats” in Greenbelt and TriNoma, this April 10 and 12, it is Glorietta’s turn to show individuals what they can be made of. At the Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Malls brings to you their unique concept of the first fashion show moving to the beats of live music. Catch Pupil band on April 10 at 5 p.m., while top fashion brands present the latest styles from Bayo, Big & Small, F&H, ForMe, HAB Maternity, Loalde, Memo, Orange Juice, Oxygen, Penshoppe, Plains & Prints, Regatta, Spin, The Black Show, The Ramp, The Row, and X.

Guest models include Jimbo Saret, coach for the Philippine Gymnastics and Swimming team, Anna Marie Periquet, chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific, Vice Gov. Marc Leviste, Rotary Club Makati West Pres. Eric Angeles, brother and sister tandem Brian and Karla Ocana-Asian and Philippine Dance Sport Champion, Marichu Carstensen, owner of Docs Candles and noted painter, Nadine Jacinto, radio personality, Mayor Arlene Arcillas, and Marylaine Viernes, the first ambassadress for human nature of Gawad Kalinga.

Joining in the celebration for fashion and style, on April 12 at 6 p.m., is The Ramp with endorser Andi Eigennman.

Poetry friendship  party held April 10

The “I Inspire the World” led by Dr. Penpen Takipsilim will hold a world poetry friendship party tomorrow, April 10, at Cloud 9, Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City. Invited are Filipino Language Chief Commissioner Joe Lad Santos, NCAA Ambassadors Boy Abunda and Dingdong Dantes who will deliver inspirational speeches. Also expected to attend are the contestants to the “I Inspire the World Poetry Contest,” poets from all over the world. German Moreno will hand the awards to the winners.

Love poems will be read by Roger Ordonez and Jobb Gosamo. Ferdinand Tongonan Clemente a.k.a. Makata Tawanan will emcee the program with Ceri Naz. Ka Abet Umali’s Band provides the music.

Doc Penpen will be delivering his philosophical poems which are contained in his Facebook account. This page has grown with many friends from all over the world. He has for co-navigator Ceri Naz who said the page has three missions: To inspire, to heal and to awaken.

Featured concepts include “Bidyotula” (which is at YouTube and Facebook); “Tularawan” at Facebook too); “Kumentulaan and Kwentulaan; Period Poems, Comma Poems, Abstract Poems, Incorporation of Visual Illusion and other Visual Phenomena; Puzzle Poems, Healing Poems, Circular Repetitive Effect Concept and others.