Iza Calzado has always been a prime talent of GMA not only because she is a very competent actress and a very beautiful lady. More than that, Iza belongs to that rare breed of an artist whose heart is in the right place.

The things that Iza values in her life speak so much more than the material riches her career in showbiz gives her. The lady is passionate about giving something back for every beautiful blessing that comes her way. “I feel more fulfilled when I know I can share to others what was given to me by God. That’s why when we were thinking of a meaningful way to celebrate my birthday this year, we thought of this advocacy that we have been supporting, the Gawad Kalinga housing program,” she says.

Taking precious time off from her busy schedule to celebrate her birthday in an unforgettable way, Iza opted to share her talent, her commitment and her blessings to the beneficiaries of the Gawad Kalinga’s shelter program in GK Village in Sitio Pajo, Barangay Baesa in Quezon City.

Iza didn’t come alone though. Her friends happily shared with her the vision of the occasion with their presence in the worthwhile event as well. Mylene Dizon, Alfred Vargas, DJ Toni Toni, Isabel Oli, Rhian Ramos, Joey Mead and director Mark Reyes generously trooped to the area and participated in the activities lined up for the day.

GK is building a community-based pre-school in the area consistent with its “Sibol” program aimed at providing education, training and guidance to children aged 3-6 years. The vision is to see these children grow up and develop into fruitful citizens by having quality education and make them wholistically, academically, socio-culturally and spiritually equipped for the future.

Iza and her friends were there early, at 9 a.m. for the opening program. They toured the village and helped build the Sibol learning center, after which they held fun and games for the kids before partaking of a sumptuous lunch which Iza brought for them. Iza was especially touched by the presentation of the kids for her on her birthday.

She says, “I’ll never get tired of coming here. The beautiful feeling that they give me will never equal anything in the world. I thank God for giving me the chance to be of help.”

Premiere represents GMAAC at a Fair in South Korea

Premiere Show Biz, Inc., a fully-owned subsidiary of publicly-listed entertainment and gaming firm of Premiere Entertainment Philippines, Inc. (PEP), represents GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) in the 2009 Global Fair and Festival to be held in Incheon, South Korea ongoing until Oct. 25.

Premiere Show Biz will act as GMAAC’s exclusive agent and partner in South Korea during and after the Fair. Last month, PEP announced that it will be participating in the 80-day event through its subsidiary. The Fair is designed to bring together the world’s leading cities and companies to celebrate diverse cultures and share their visions of the future.

With the entry of GMAAC as a new partner, Premiere Show Biz will allocate a separate booth in the pavilion for the network giant. The booth will display GMA shows, artists, presentations and other GMAAC promotional materials. The two parties also agreed to explore future projects together.

Premiere Show Biz aims to introduce and promote Filipino entertainment in South Korea and bring in Filipino artists to perform in concerts and be part of various Korean TV Shows, and vice versa. It also seeks to sell or export Filipino movies and TV shows to South Korea. PEP’s participation in the Fair will be the first project of Premiere Show Biz, led by the subsidiary’s Chairman Mr. David Jung. “I am very pleased to welcome GMA as a new partner as we embark on this rare opportunity to market our businesses, promote Filipino entertainment and represent the Philippines all in one Global affair,” Mr. Jung said.

Ms. Ida Henares, Vice President of GMA’s Talent Development and Management Department and head of GMAAC, is delighted to work with Premiere Show Biz and promote GMA artists in South Korea, believing that the partnership will be beneficial to both parties. Ida said they are excited to be sending some of their talents to participate in the Fair in South Korea. Stef Prescott, one of the talents of GMAAC who was in attendance during the contract signing, is excited to be part of the project.