Iza Calzado and Bong Revilla begin taping for Panday

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. will be paired with a new leading lady for the upcoming movie titled Carlo J. Caparas' Panday.

This will mark the first time that Iza Calzado will work with Bong in the action-adventure film Panday, which is co-produced by Imus Productions and GMA Films. Directors Mac Alejandre and Direk Rico Gutierrez will helm this movie.

Iza informed PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that their first taping day took place last Saturday, April 25.

"I'll do my first shoot for Panday in Tanay, Rizal," says Iza. "It's the first time for him to see me. Ang ganda nga kasi yung nilatag nila for the first day, e, napakalight pa."

In an interview with 24 Oras aired last April 28, the action star described the training that he has been undergoing in preparation for the physical challenges of the film.

"Three months, four months ago, I was 210 pounds, ngayon 190 pounds," revealed Bong. "I'm still trimming down because of Panday. Pinapalabas ko na ang aking abs.

"I jog for eight kilometers. I go to the gym every other day. I lift weights and may personal trainer ako. Ang diet ko ngayon, no carbs [carbohydrates]."

This action-adventure film is targeted for the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

Aside from Bong and Iza, Panday will also star Benjie Paras, Geoff Eigenmann, Paulo Avelino, Stef Prescott, John "Sweet" Lapus, Carlo Morales, Gladys Guevarra, and Phillip Salvador as Lizardo.


LEADING LADY OF RICHARD GOMEZ. Aside from being the leading lady of Bong Revilla in Panday, Iza is also cast as the wife of Richard Gomez in the upcoming indie film Bente.

Directed by Mel Chionglo, Bente tells the parallel stories of a radio commentator and a student-activist who are both being hunted down by their would-be assassin (played by Richard Gomez).

Iza is also included in the Joel Lamangan film Fuschia where she plays the granddaughter of Gloria Romero.

(Click HERE to read more about the Sine Direk film series.)

How do you feel about being part of two films in Sine Direk?

"Siyempre masayang masaya ako tulad ni Tita Gloria Romero na bida ng dalawang films [Fuschia and Kamoteng Kahoy]. Ako, masayang-masaya na makasama sa isa, dalawang pelikula. I am so thankful sa mga directors for choosing me to be part of their films. Such an honor really kasi these are respected directors.

"I've worked with Direk Joel several times. Direk Mel, this would be a first. Dati meron sanang pelikula pero hindi natuloy. Then finally, it's going to happen, I am going to have a chance to work with him. It's a privilege."