Iza Calzado has been a consistently bright star, a sought-after television and film actress.
Open about having had personal struggles with weight in her teenage years, she fought to be known for her talent and not her looks. “Dream big” is what’s written on her Instagram profile, and that’s exactly how this 32-year-old lives her life.
“I try to push myself out of my comfort zone and pursue my dreams,” she said recently at the launch of Pond’s Institute. “I believe I have nothing to lose and everything to gain the moment I embark on a road less traveled, praying for the best outcome and that my dreams and God’s plan for me are one and the same.”
A piece of advice I can pass to anyone looking to break into this profession is… put your heart into everything you do. Authenticity is key and hard work always pays off.
Looking back at the path I’ve taken, I have to say that… though I may have made an awful lot of mistakes, I am proud of how I have turned my life around and won over my struggles. All by the grace of God, of course.
The most foolish thing I did for love… was call my manager and almost quit my job for a guy I was dating! I was so glad I didn’t, and I’m just very good friends with that guy now.
My fundamental rules of dressing are… you can never go wrong with black!
Three pieces that define my everyday style are… white shirt, jeans, blazer.
Body products I’ve been loyal to for ages… are Oral B toothbrush and crystal deodorant from Healthy Options.
Colognes I have… are Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Tom Ford Portofino, Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay, Kenzo Pour Femme, Balenciaga and Bench Bubblegum Baby Cologne.
Beauty products I’m currently crazy about are… Pond’s Age Miracle line (with retinol), The Farm sea salt scrub, Weleda calendula lotion, Dove dry shampoo and Aveda hairspray.
My current favorite makeup products are… lipsticks. Charlotte Tilbury matte revolution is the best! My personal faves are Birkin Brown, Bond Girl, Very Victoria, Red Carpet—all of them! Her lipstick in Stoned Rose is also nice, and so is Pillow Talk lip pencil. Her Wonder Glow and Film Star bronzer are also amazing products. I also have Tarte matte lipstick in Exposed and Envy shades. Finally, there’s Tom Ford lip color in Rose Soleil.
To keep looking my best… I try to live an active and healthy lifestyle. I drink lots of water. Lots! I work out four to six times a week. I have bone broth soup (known to help with production of collagen). I meditate. I go to Belo and get my RF and other beautifying treatments. I moisturize everyday with Pond’s. I go to Tips N’ Toes for my nail care. I surround myself with positive energy.
Top tip
Like Iza, always find time for yourself, and do things to reset your energy level. At the end of a busy work week, what better way to really ease your mind than at a luxurious spa.
Whether you’re seeking massages, meditation or just a killer view, Shangri-La’s Chi Spa is what your mind, body and soul need for that serious dose of R&R.
The famed spa now has a new service, courtesy of French cult skincare brand Biologique Recherche, the Hérmes of skincare brands. These are treatments that the likes of the Olsen twins, Madonna, Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Conelly swear by.
On top of your usual Chi Signature Massage, try a facial treatment by Biologique Recherche, which is exclusive to Chi. Every treatment is customized at every appointment because it is natural for skin to be in flux. It takes roughly 30 minutes to measure your skin’s hydration, elasticity, pigmentation and sebum levels. After-treatment is prescribed.
Chi, The Spa at Edsa Shangri-La., 1 Garden Way Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. Call tel. nos. 6338888, 6347303.