Earlier this month, Iza Calzado made headlines by sharing a series of stunning nude maternity photos taken by celebrity photographer BJ Pascual.
Iza shared the throwback photos just in time for International Women's Month, with the intention of celebrating womanhood and shining a light on the inherent strength and beauty found in the journey of motherhood.
Read: Iza Calzado looks back on nude maternity shoot as reminder of a woman's divine power
Despite the widespread celebration of Iza's Women's Month tribute, her post also attracted criticism.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Iza clarified that she wasn't completely nude in the photos.
"Meron akong damit nun, I mean, meron akong clothes in the area, covers," she told PEP.ph.
The interview took place during Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence 2024 recognition dinner on March 21, 2024, at Origine restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Did she read the comments?
Iza said, "Hindi ko na binasa after a while. Wala, because I didn't post it for their reactions, for the reaction of other people.
"And I feel that whoever needed to hear, you know, to read what I had to say, got the message."
IZA CALZADO ON CRITICISM
Besides, her intention wasn't driven by seeking validation or attention.
She simply wanted to share a beautiful reminder about the joys of motherhood, especially for those who can relate.
"I knew it was met with criticism as well. But, you know, you take the good with the bad.
"A lot of people loved it and completely understood the message and saw it as, you know, done with taste.
"And some did not agree with it. And that's how it is.
"You can't expect people to always agree with you.
"Again, whoever needed to see that photo and read those words, and whoever needed it at that specific time, needed to believe in themselves more and understood the message, they are my audience.
"So, and ultimately, I am my audience, you know."
Looking ahead, Iza anticipated her daughter Deia's possible reaction to the post when she gets older and sees it.
"Deia will be my audience one day. Actually, I thought about that.
"Is this something that when my child sees one day, will she say, 'Mama, bakit mo ginawa iyan?'
"No. To me, I'm of age. I was pregnant with her. I wasn't 18, you know, I wasn't provocative in the way I portrayed myself.
"I was celebrating the beautiful gift of life that was inside me and the body that was carrying that life inside me."
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