‘I’ve also missed serving the audience that has given me so much in life — our TV viewers who have supported me from day one.’
Ang pagiging ina, hindi lang nasusukat sa dugo…”
This powerful line ushers in Iza Calzado’s return to television acting via the “Stepmother’s Story” episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya: A Limited Series,” now streaming on iWantTFC.
The episode marks a significant return. “My last television acting appearance was for Darna in 2022,” Iza shared. “I did K-Love after that, but it was for Viu’s streaming platform.
“‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ was a weekly viewing habit for most Filipino households for decades. When it stopped airing, we were all deeply saddened. So when one is called to be part of MMK’s rebirth, one must honor this call. Fortunately, the story is one I deeply resonate with on so many levels. Its messages are, in my opinion, important to share. I’ve also missed serving the audience that has given me so much in life — our TV viewers who have supported me from day one.”
In 2014, Iza won Best Single Performance by an Actress at the Entertainment Press Society’s Golden Screen Awards for her 2013 MMK episode “Ilog,” where she played Rowena, a woman who falls for her cousin (played by Joem Bascon) after being cheated on by her husband. Despite harsh judgment from family and neighbors, Rowena and Alex build a life together, only to face a painful reckoning when their daughters begin to show signs of physical abnormalities. Is it punishment for their forbidden love — or simply a trial they must overcome as a family?
Before that, Iza turned heads in “Cross-Stitch,” playing Liza, a woman drawn into an unconventional arrangement when Egay (Zanjoe Marudo) is offered to her by his dying wife (Rica Peralejo). Both Egay and Liza resist at first, but loneliness and a desire for connection bring them together. Can such a relationship survive — and will love find its way in?
Iza also portrayed Hazel in “Casa,” a heartbreaking role as a young woman sold into prostitution after being abused by her relatives. The character’s harrowing journey is one of survival, resilience, and ultimately, reclaiming her life.
Another standout role was in “2 Love You Mom,” where Iza played a mother with schizophrenia, opposite Shamaine Buencamino. Both actresses brought intense personal depth to the story, having experienced the loss of loved ones to mental health struggles. Directed by Mae Cruz Alviar, the episode won Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
What’s remarkable is that many of Iza’s MMK roles involved portraying mothers — long before she became one in real life. Now that she is a mother herself, this new performance carries a different weight.
Her return in “MMK: A Limited Series” is rooted in lived experience. Her portrayal feels even more grounded, nuanced, and emotionally rich. “Doing MMK again was a shock to the system!” she said. “I’ve done films and even theater in the past couple of years, but MMK is really heavy and serious. Still, it’s very artistically rewarding.”
In this week’s episode, “Stepmother’s Story,” Iza plays a mother who chooses to step up. Directed by Paco Sta. Maria, the cast includes James Blanco, Krystal Mejes, Zia Grace, Kakki Teodoro, Benedix Ramos, Lance Lucido and Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro.
The episode is available for streaming on iWantTFC and will air on free TV this Saturday.
