Iza Calzado expressed her heartfelt gratitude after receiving an overwhelming wave of positive feedback for her highly anticipated comeback on ASAP.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the 43-year-old actress-mom returned to the ASAP stage after a decade, delivering a show-stopping performance with G-Force as they grooved to BINI’s hit track "Shagidi."
On social media, fans showered Iza with praise, with many noting that "Dugong Calzado" truly runs through her veins—a touching tribute to her late father, Lito Calzado, the former dance director of the ABS-CBN Dance Company.
"You know, I’m so happy that so many people remember my father," Iza shared in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Monday, January 12, 2026, as she reacted to the heartfelt comments.
The interview took place during the grand opening of the newly renovated Belo Clinic in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Iza continued, “Kinikilig ako doon pag nakikita kong mine-mention ninyo yung pangalan ng tatay ko. Salamat sa inyong lahat.”
She also extended her appreciation to the ASAP team and G-Force for welcoming her back to the show.
Iza added, "Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa ASAP team, you know, sa ABS-CBN sa pagkakataon... sa G-Force. And sa lahat ng mga naka-appreciate, salamat!"
Iza told PEP that she had only three days to prepare for her dance number.
While she has always loved dancing, she admitted it was a challenge since it had been a long time since her last dance sessions.
"Actually, I didn't really have enough preparation time for that. I haven't been dancing as much especially in the past year.
"Especially in 2025, I only attended a few dance classes, and 2024 also a few. Tapos biglang ASAP stage. I only had three days to prepare."
More than anything, Iza is simply grateful to start 2026 with such an incredible opportunity.
She said, "Yun siguro yung ano, e, yung when a door opens... and siguro to be able to have the wisdom to recognize that that's the right door to step into.
"So, thank you Lord, for opening that door for me this 2026. And thank you talaga sa lahat ng naka-appreciate."
IZA CALZADO'S TRIBUTE TO HER FATHER
After her ASAP performance, Iza marked the milestone on Instagram Reels by sharing a clip of her number.
In her post, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to G-Force, the ASAP team, and fans for making the experience truly unforgettable.
Iza published as is: "An incredible way to start the year! Back on the ASAP stage after almost a decade and it feels SO good to dance onstage again! [emoji]
"What an honor to do it with @gforce_official @teachergeorcelle @gforce_sherwin @gforce_mykag @gforce_gelai @gforce_jorge @gforce_ram07 all of whom I shared the stage with before and the new generation of dancers and students for such a special segment of theirs called THE FLIP [emoji]
"I’ll be sharing more about this experience over the next couple of days. Really a special one kaya pagbigyan niyo na ako at minsan lang ito. Dancing to @bini_ph’s Shagidi! Literally a breathtaking performance! [emoji]
"Salamat mga Kapamilya, @asapofficial for the opportunity to honor my roots and celebrate life in the most special way — dancing with a joyful and grateful heart! Salamat, Panginoon, sa biyayang ito! [emoji]
"2026 let’s gooooo!!!"
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Iza shared another Instagram Reel featuring behind-the-scenes clips from her ASAP comeback.
In the video, she narrated how the performance was a tribute to her father and expressed her hope that one day her daughter, Deia, will see her dancing on stage and that it will serve as an inspiration should Deia choose to pursue dancing herself.
Iza elaborated: "Whenever I dance, I remember my dad. I honor my father and I feel connected with my father.
"It's my first love. Dancing is my first love. I want Deia to feel that. Maaalala niya ako sa tuwing sumasayaw siya.
"And I am so grateful that Deia got to experience this with me."
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