Iza Calzado and her husband Ben Wintle having a baby girl.
Iza seemed to have made the subtle announcement on Monday, November 28, 2022, via a sentimental note on Instagram to her late mother, Mary Ann Ussher.
She uploaded a throwback photo of her mom, and recalled some of their beautiful memories.
And then she asked for her mom's guidance and support now that she's having "a little Mary Ann, a little Iza."
The Kapamilya actress wrote (published as is): "Dear Mama,
"To be honest, I don’t have a lot of clear memories of my childhood.
"Photos like these help keep memories alive. They help keep you alive in my heart. Wish we had more photos, more time together.
"21 years now since you left this world, yet it seems like you always make sure I turn out well.
"I know a lot of what’s happened in my life are dreams you had for yourself and for me. When I experience those moments, I truly feel your guiding light.
"As I prepare to become a mother, I ask for your continued guidance and support.
"This won’t be an easy ride but I know it will be an incredibly fulfilling one."
"Pretty soon, I will have my own child. A little Mary Ann, a little Iza.
"Your dreams and mine coming together for this beautiful blessing."
Toward the end of her post, Iza vowed to take many photos with her daughter to preserve their beautiful moments together like what her mom had done with her.
"I promise to take lots of photos with my baby so she gets to keep those memories with her when the time comes for me to be with you again.
"Pero matagal pa yun ha, Ma. Pakibulong kay God please.
"Malayo pa ang lalakbayin ko at alam ko kasama kita dahil ang nanay, pumanaw man sa mundo, hindi kailan man iiwan ang kanyang anak.
"Ikaw ang nagpatunay nito. I love you, Ma. [emoji]"
SEX REVEAL
At a recent press conference for Viu Philippines' new digital series K-Love, Iza said she won't be having a "gender reveal" party for their baby.
In her view, the Kapamilya actress said that "sex reveal" is the politically correct term because "gender is an expression, and we cannot reveal it."
For Iza, holding a "sex or gender reveal" party isn't practical and she'd rather focus on her baby's health than anything else.
She explained in an exclusive interview with Preview.ph, "We already found out sex accidentally, so that takes out the point of a reveal for us, the parents.
"I see how this surprise can make other parents excited, and I appreciate and see the value in that.
"I have been to some sex or gender reveal parties, and it’s filled with so much joy and love!
"In today’s PC [politically correct] world, I can only reveal the sex as gender is a social and cultural construct.
"I would choose to highlight a baby’s good health as that is my fervent wish and prayer for our child above anything else.
"From an economic standpoint, I think another party that we have to spend on does not make sense to me, personally, as all our efforts should and must focus on the baby’s birth and first few months and years."
But to be clear, Iza hastened to add, "By all means, throw a reveal if it will make your family and loved ones happy by coming together for that joyful moment.
"However, don’t be pressured to do one just because everyone else around you is doing it. Your journey to parenthood is uniquely yours. Celebrate it! Enjoy it!"
Iza first announced her pregnancy on her 40th birthday last August 12, 2022, two and a half years after she and Ben Wintle got married.
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