Iza Calzado takes pride in witnessing an increase in homegrown talents making waves in the international entertainment scene.
Among these talents are Dolly de Leon, nominated for the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA); Liza Soberano, praised for her role in Lisa Frankenstein; Ruby Ruiz, recognized for her performance in the Prime Video drama series Expats.
During the Cosmopolitan Philippines Women of Influence 2024 recognition dinner, Iza shared with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) how these ladies have given her hope to see more opportunities provided to Filipino talents.
She said, "Iba na talaga yung level ngayon. This is really the dream, and to see Dolly De Leon thriving in Hollywood, and then Liza is already... also there, and doing all these amazing things, Tita Ruby Ruiz.
"I mean, that means it's possible for all of us, and it's really a testament to how truly gifted Filipino artists are, because we are.
"We just need to be given that opportunity."
In addition to the aforementioned trio, KC Concepcion appeared in a Hollywood film called Asian Persuasion, Inigo Pascual portrayed a lead character in the musical series Monarch, and Lovi Poe has secured a role in a forthcoming film helmed by Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. director Garry A. Brown.
Iza herself is among the Filipino actresses who have ventured into Hollywood.
In 2008, she reprised her character in the 2004 horror film Sigaw on its American remake titled The Echo.
PEP.ph interviewed Iza at the Cosmo event held on March 21, 2024, at the Origine restaurant in Brittany Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
IZA CALZADO: WOMAN OF INFLUENCE 2024
Meanwhile, Iza expressed her gratitude to the Cosmopolitan Philippines team for naming her one of the Women of Influence 2024 in recognition of her advocacy on mental health and women empowerment through her non-profit organization, She Talks Asia.
Among this year's awardees were Carla Abellana, Dr. Aivee Teo, Kaladkaren, Agatha Wong, Angely Dub, Pola del Monte, and Janina Vela.
Additionally, Iza not only headlines the list, but also graces the digital magazine's March 2024 cover.
Reflecting on her inclusion in this year's batch of awardees, Iza shared with PEP.ph, "I am so grateful. I feel so honored to be part the list of... Women of Influence list for 2024 of Cosmopolitan Philippines.
"And, of course, thrilled that I get to be on the cover of Cosmo again.
"My first cover was twenty years ago, and so, today, I’m just really, you know, it’s great that twenty years later, mama still gets to be on the cover of Cosmo."
As implied by the award's name, what does influence mean to Iza?
Iza answered, "Influence for me is the ability to have an effect, an impact in another person or situation, outcome, or process.
"It’s just really that impact that you create.
"It can be as simple as having an impact or just changing someone’s perspective for the day, or something bigger.
"Their opinion or belief on something, and it can be a family of friend, it can be your community.
"It can go even bigger than that. It doesn’t mater how big that is, they call it your ‘sphere of influence’. No matter how small or big, there is an impact in influence there."
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