Iza Calzado officially signed an exclusive three-year contract with ABS-CBN yesterday, January 24, 2012 (Tuesday).

Present during the contract signing were Iza’s manager Noel Ferrer and ABS-CBN executives Charo Santos-Concio, Linggit Tan, Cory Vidanez and Laurenti M. Dyogi.

Iza said her decision to transfer to the Kapamilya network is just a career move.

“It’s just a business and at some point we will make a certain decision and hopefully without burning bridges,” she said.

Iza’s upcoming projects on ABS-CBN include a hosting stint for the second season of “Pinoy Biggest Loser” formerly hosted by Megastar Sharon Cuneta who is now with TV5, two teleseryes a year, and a movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo under Star Cinema.

Her welcome party as the newest Kapamilya will be held this Sunday on ASAP 2012.

Photo Credit: GMA-7′s “Beauty Queen”

Iza Calzado Decides to Become a Kapamilya, Inks 3-Year Contract with ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on January 25, 2012.

The new comedy program is the TV adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas‘ graphic novel in the 70s. It can be remembered that the said novel was adapted into film in the 80s under the same title, starring Vic Vargas and Gloria Diaz.

The TV adaptation will star Cesar Montano and Iza Calzado. Other cast-members are Gloria Romero, Caridad Sanchez, Elmo Magalona, Julie Anne San Jose, Chariz Solomon, Iwa Moto, Pekto and Jillian Ward.

“Andres de Saya” is set to premiere this Saturday night, May 28, on GMA-7.

Watch the trailer here:

Cesar Montano and Iza Calzado Topbill GMA-7′s ‘Andres de Saya’ originally appeared on Starmometer on May 26, 2011.

The past and the future come together in one issue as Metro toasts its history as a lifestyle/fashion magazine, and looks to the future by listing talents you should be looking out for in “The Next Wave.” To celebrate its anniversary, seven top photographers paid homage to Metro’s most famous covers throughout the years, while the industry’s most vaunted makeup artists recreated iconic beauty looks throughout the decades. Finally, read essays by Jim Paredes, Lourd de Veyra, Teng Roma, Reggie Aspiras, Carlo Tadiar and Freida Dario to see how much has changed in their respective fields in the past 22 years.

Metro’s 22nd Anniversary with Iza Calzado on the Cover Now Out originally appeared on Starmometer on May 12, 2011.

Iza feels very excited on her latest project on primetime and feels honoured that Regine Velasquez personally chose her for the role. She is definitely looking forward to be working again with Dingdong Dantes and the rest of the cast members and production team and most especially the various production numbers and showdowns with the drag queens.

“I have no second thoughts accepting the role when it was offered to me. This is actually my first time to dabble in comedy and I welcome the opportunity to be working with Direk Andoy Ranay for the first time,” shares Iza.

This week, viewers get to see Iza in her drag make-up, big wigs and multicoloured stilettos as Tonette who gets involved in a complicated love triangle between Kenneth (Dingdong) and Chito (Mark Anthony Fernandez).

Her predicament piles up even more when Mandy (Ehra Madrigal) discovers her secret affair with Kenneth. This startles everyone, most especially Nikki (Luanne Dy) who still has special feelings for Kenneth.

How will Kenneth handle the controversy on his reported romance with Tonette? Will this revelation completely strain his relationship with Nikki?

I ♥ You Pare airs weeknights after Dwarfina on GMA Telebabad.

Iza Calzado Replaces Regine Velasquez in ‘I Heart You Pare’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 13, 2011.

Women’s Health describes Iza Calzado on their April 2011 issue in 3 words: Charming, Confident and in Control. This is also the second year anniversary of the magazine in the Philippines.

Other features inside the latest issue of Women’s Health include “59 Easy Ways to Go Green”, “25 Beauty Must-Haves”, “Ignite Your Sex Drive Tonight!”, “Discover Your Best Style”, “Look Good Naked” and more!

Women’s Health Philippines Second Year Anniversary issue is now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold!

Iza Calzado – Women’s Health April 2011 originally appeared on Starmometer on March 28, 2011.

The 28-year-old award-winning actress can also be seen on QTV’s “The Sweet Life” as co-host of Lucy Torres-Gomez. She also stars in the upcoming indie film “HIV” opposite Jake Cuenca.

Features inside UNO’s Holiday issue also include “Best of the Best: Events, Films, Music, Food, Tech and More,” “Greatest Hits: 27 Years of NU 107,” “The Feast,” “The 58: One Year After Ampatuan,” “Surviving Zombies,” and more!

Iza Calzado – UNO Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 Cover originally appeared on Starmometer on December 17, 2010.

Photo Credits:

Karylle – Bench
Yeng Constantino – Star Magic Catalogue
Claudine Barretto – GMA-7
Nikki Gil – Facebook Page of Nikki Gil
Iza Calzado – GMA-7

Previously:

36. Kaye Abad
37. Angel Aquino
38. Sam Pinto
39. Kris Aquino
40. Bianca King
41. Charlene Gonzales
42. Alesandra de Rossi
43. Judy Ann Santos
44. Regine Velasquez
45. Rachelle Ann Go
46. Bangs Garcia
47. Precious Lara Quigaman
48. Yen Santos
49. Kyla
50. Jackie Rice
51. Georgina Wilson
52. Dawn Zulueta
53. Jewel Mische
54. Sarah Lahbati
55. Alex Gonzaga
56. Jodie Sta. Maria
57. Bianca Manalo
58. Gretchen Barretto
59. Maxene Magalona
60. Katrina Halili
61. Isabel Oli
62. Carmina Villaroel
63. Solenn Heusaff
64. Ehra Madrigal
65. Catherine Remperas
66. Nina Kodaka
67. Aicelle Santos
68. Glaiza de Castro
69. Lucy Torres Gomez
70. Jennica Garcia
71. Lea Salonga
72. Valerie Concepcion
73. Nadine Samonte
74. Sheena Halili
75. Angelika dela Cruz
76. Agot Isidro
77. Iwa Moto
78. Diva Monteliba
79. Jessy Mendiola
80. Dimples Romana
81. Donita Rose
82. Bela Padilla
83. Camille Prats
84. Andi Manzano
85. Megan Young
86. Arci Munoz
87. Ruffa Gutierrez
88. Regine Angeles
89. Diana Zubiri
90. Jean Garcia
91. Rica Peralejo
92. Nina Jose
93. Queenie Padilla
94. Vicky Morales
95. Princess Velasco
96. Jonalyn Viray
97. Karla Paula Henry
98. Stef Prescott
99. Wendy Valdez
100. Sandra Seifert

The Top 20 Final Poll is ongoing. To vote, click here. 1 day to go!

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 – Nos. 31 to 35 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 23, 2010.

Meet the cast of Beauty Queen:

Iza Calzado – Maita San Miguel
Katrina Halili as Dorcas Rivas
Maggie Wilson as Isabel Rivas
Marvin Agustin as Donald Cervantes
TJ Trinidad as Marc
Bubbles Paraiso as Stefanie Luna
Bembol Rocco as Anya
Carmi Martin as Leavida Rivas
Elizabeth Oropesa as Amparo San Miguel
Gloria Diaz as Madam Yuri
German Moreno as Kapitan Ading
Victor Aliwalas as Greg Almario
Juan Rodrigo as Mr. Rivas
Marky Lopez as Clifford Almar
Tomas Gonzales as Zuleyka Mamaril
Lou Sison as Yeda Marie

Beauty Queen, under the helm of multi-awarded director, Joel Lamangan and originally written by RJ Nuevas, has the song “She” as its theme song as performed by the Platinum Prince of Soul Jay-R.

‘Beauty Queen’ Premieres Tonight originally appeared on Starmometer on October 18, 2010.

In the last few months of its yearlong 60th anniversary celebration, GMA Network innovates once more as it brings to light the glamour, the drama, the intrigues, and the controversial secrets surrounding the world of beauty pageants in its newest original primetime series dubbed as BEAUTY QUEEN.

Chosen to play the coveted lead role of a poor but pure-hearted palengke queen-turned-beauty queen named Maita is none other than multi-award winning drama actress Iza Calzado, who has agreed to don a two-piece swimwear, confidently revealing her well-toned and curvaceous body.

But more than just showing off her elegance and beauty, the highly talented actress is raring now more than ever to showcase her wide-range in drama, where Iza truly excels and shines at her brightest.

Also pining for the bedazzled crown in Beauty Queen are two equally gorgeous and capable actresses: today’s generation’s premier kontra bida Katrina Halili, who plays the insecure and timid Dorcas, and 2007 Bb. Pilipinas-World Maggie Wilson, who takes on the role of the competitive and ambitious Rebecca.

Competing for the hearts of the three lovely ladies, meanwhile, are award-winning actor and the 1st Filipino artist to participate as a jury member in the Brussels Film Festival Marvin Agustin as the hugely successful Donald, Kapuso hunk Luis Alandy as the passionate Dante, and finally, sough-after primetime leading man TJ Trinidad as the womanizing Marc.

Completing the powerhouse cast are seasoned actors and actresses Elizabeth Oropesa, Bembol Rocco, Carmi Martin, Juan Rodrigo and 1969 Ms. Universe herself Gloria Diaz. Also in a very special role is the master showman, Mr. German Moreno. The program also stars Marky Lopez, Bubbles Paraiso, Victor Aliwalas, Ricci Chan, Tomas Gonzales, and introducing Lou Sison.

The story of Beauty Queen begins with Maita (Iza Calzado), a struggling beauty-queen aspirant, who dreams of competing in the prestigious Bb. Isla Pilipinas beauty pageant. She rushes from one beauty competition to another in hopes of making her mother, Amparo (Elizabeth Oropesa), a former beauty queen who was dethroned after becoming pregnant, proud of her.

Maita shares the same dream with her childhood best friend Rebecca (Maggie Wilson), the daughter of Leavida (Carmi Martin), another former beauty titlist who happens to be the fiercest rival of Amaparo during their glory days.

Despite being aware of their mothers’ complicated pasts, not to mention their differing social backgrounds, Maita and Rebecca remain supportive of each other’s goals, allowing each one to shine and be known in their own place and time.

As they reach their adolescent years, Rebecca will finally make it as a candidate in the Bb. Isla Pilipinas, while Maita, on the other hand, will be hired as a staff in the Bb. Isla Pilipinas Foundation (BIPF), an organization spearheaded by the prominent and powerful Madam Yuri Sandoval (Gloria Diaz).

Here, Maita meets Marc (TJ Trinidad), Madam Yuri’s ill-tempered son, who surprisingly softens up to the beautiful beauty queen aspirant. The two of them eventually fall in love, but had to keep their relationship a secret most especially from Marc’s denouncing mother.

Meanwhile, as the night of the competition draws hear, Rebecca confesses to Maita that she is having an affair with a married man, certain than her secret will remain safe with her most trusted friend.

At the day of their press conference, however, Rebecca was confronted by the wife in front of everyone present. Rebecca gets disqualified from the beauty pageant, and blames this entirely to Maita.

Immediately after the scandal, Leavida shifts her focus to Dorcas (Katrina Halili) and trains her, with the help of the revenge-seeking Rebecca, to be the family’s representative to the next Bb. Isla Pilipinas pageant, where Maita is also a candidate.

Maita brings home the crown, to the dismay of Leavida, Dorcas, and Rebecca. Leavida, not one to easily accept defeat, orchestrates a plan that led to the disappearance of Maita, who, by a stroke of fate, ends up in the loving arms of Donald (Marvin Agustin).

Believing that Maita had already died from the accident, Dorcas was assigned to take over her term as the reigning Bb. Isla Pilipinas. But more than replacing her as queen, Dorcas also takes Maita’s place in Marc’s life.

How will Maita claim back her thrown, her pride, and, most importantly, the love of her life? Is it possible for Maita, Rebecca, and Dorcas to share something deeper and more precious than a dream for a coveted crown? In the end, whose beauty will reign supreme?

Beauty Queen, under the helm of multi-awarded director, Joel Lamangan and originally written by RJ Nuevas, has the song “She” as its theme song as performed by the Platinum Prince of Soul Jay-R.

BEAUTY QUEEN will commence its glittering and awe-inspiring reign on October 18 after Ilumina on GMA Telebabad.

‘Beauty Queen’ Begins its Reign on October 18 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 13, 2010.

First there was fantaserye. Then we were introduced to kantaserye. Then a fashionserye. Now, prepare to be major major entertained by the first ever “beauty-serye” on Philippine television.

“Beauty Queen” stars Katrina Halili as Dorcas Rivas:

Maggie Wilson as Rebecca Rivas:

And Iza Calzado as Maita San Miguel:

Who is the fairest of them all?

Watch the teaser here:

GMA’s ‘Beauty Queen’ Teaser – Iza Calzado, Katrina Halili originally appeared on Starmometer on September 28, 2010.

White House stars Iza Calzado, Lovi Poe, Joem Bascon, Janus del Prado, Megan Young, Mo Twister, Sarah Lahbati, Jairus Aquino, Lui Villaruz, Angel Jacob, Maricar Reyes and Gabby Concepcion.

Directed by Topel Lee (Sundo, Ouija), White House opens in theaters this October in time for the Halloween season.

Watch the trailer here:

Cast photo courtesy of denebzhu

Regal Films’ ‘White House’ – Movie Trailer Released originally appeared on Starmometer on August 28, 2010.

“Agua Bendita” star Eigenmann and Gonzales of “Magkaribal” were named Faces of the Year in the Teen Category while primetime favorites Chiu and Hermosa, who arrived with boyfriend Oyo Sotto, shared the Face of the Year title for women in their 20s.

“Showtime” host Anne Curtis and Kapuso actress Iza Calzado also joined the winners’ circle as two of the Best Dressed Celebrities with model Georgina Wilson, designer Mai Kaufman, and former “Wowowee” host Kelly Misa.

Also honored that night at the Icon Bar in Hotel Intercon, Makati City were industry standouts Angela Alarcon, Alyanna Martinez, and Kat Cruz as Stylists of the Year, and Makeup Artists of the Year Mickey See, Lourd Ramos, and Claire Diokno.

Award-winning actress and budding philanthropist Angel Locsin was the biggest winner of the night after taking home the prestigious “Icon” award for her unparalleled achievements in her career and personal life.

The recipient of the Icon award is selected by the program while the other awardees were determined based on text votes, online votes, and the judgment of the show’s staff.

Catch the highlights of the star-studded “Us Girls August Awards 2010” on Studio 23 next Sunday (August 29) at 6:30pm featuring exciting performances from Nikki Gil, Sam Concepcion, the Velasco Brothers, and Kris Lawrence.

Meanwhile, stay tuned to “Us Girls” this Sunday (August 22) to find out the best evening wear and gowns for your body type from “TV Patrol” star patroller and “The Wrap” anchor Gretchen Fullido and 2009 Miss Philippines-Earth Sandra Seifert.

Andi Eigenmann, Erich Gonzales, Kim Chiu & Kristine Hermosa Win at ‘Us Girls August Awards 2010′ originally appeared on Starmometer on August 20, 2010.