Iza Calzado returns to ‘MMK’ with story close to her heart

After a brief pause from TV acting, Iza Calzado makes an emotional return in the new episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” titled “The Stepmother Story.” The award-winning actress plays a woman whose love and dedication for her stepchildren are tested, echoing some of her own experiences in real life.

“My last television (free to air or conventional television) appearance was for ‘Darna’ in 2022,” Iza shared. “I did ‘K-Love’ which was shown after, but that was for Viu’s streaming platform.”

The return of “MMK” is a big deal for Iza. “‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ was a weekly viewing habit for most Filipino households for decades. When it stopped airing, we were all deeply saddened to hear of it. So when one is called to be part of ‘MMK’s’ rebirth or resurrection, one must honor this call,” she said. “Fortunately, the story is one that I deeply resonate with on so many levels and its messages are, in my opinion, important to be shared with our audience. I’ve also missed serving the audience that has given me so much in life, our TV viewers who have supported me from Day 1.”

In “The Stepmother Story,” Iza portrays Marissa, a woman who chooses to love children not biologically her own. She stars alongside Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro and two promising young actresses, Zia Grace and Krystal Mejes.

For Iza, the experience of doing “MMK” again wasn’t without its challenges.

“Doing ‘MMK’ again was a shock to the system! I’ve done films and even theater in the past couple of years but ‘MMK’ is really heavy and the whole story arc has to happen in one episode which is shot in two days. INTENSE!

“It’s always a good challenge and is one of the reasons why I enjoy doing it,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know that you’ve succeeded, not because of the recognition brought about by great work, but because you’ve grown from this experience.”

The episode also resonated strongly with Iza’s personal life. She opened up about helping raise her stepbrother after losing their parents.

“To begin with, I know to a degree what it’s like to care for a child or human that is by choice, not just blood. I have been helping nurture and guide my stepbrother (whom I like to call brother) since he was eight years old after his mother and my father passed away. He is now 21 years old. So I really believe that one does not have to be the birth mother to have the right and responsibility to care for a child,” she said.

“This is why I feel strongly about the message of who has the right to be labeled as mother. I think whoever is able to nurture, nourish and guide a living being, be it plants, animals or humans, one can be labeled a mother.”

The episode also touches on rebellion and healing — another theme Iza connects with.

“I also resonate with going through a rebellious phase or season in my life. Growing up in an unstable environment, I started rebelling as early as 14 or 15 until my mother passed away when I was 19. It has taken me a long time to rebuild myself because the truth is it is very hard to be upright all the time,” she reflected. “But I’ve realized one can try hard and do better, wherever you are and whatever season of your life you’re at. Which I think ties in with the theme of reclaiming one’s narrative and power.”

“The story wants to make sure that victims shift their mindset to a victor’s mindset. It takes courage, honesty and a lot of hard work to get there but it is possible. Laban lang!”

Inviting viewers to watch her episode, she quipped: “Please watch it because I need more work. EME. Half eme.”

But more importantly, she added, “People should watch it to learn from the story of Marissa, Angel and their family. People should watch it to see how brilliant the actors are, particularly our 2 young girls in the story — Zia Grace and Krystal Mejes. Let’s support the comeback of ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya.’”

Iza had earned acclaim for her past “MMK” performances, winning Best Single Performance by an Actress at the Golden Screen Awards for the 2013 episode “Ilog” with Joem Bascon. She was also cited for standout episodes like “Crosstitch” with Zanjoe Marudo, “Casa” with Gerald Madrid,and “2 Love You, Mom” with Shamaine Buencamino, which won Best Single Drama at the 2021 Asian Creative Awards.