Speculation about Iza Calzado’s potential return to GMA Network has been buzzing online following a Facebook post by Kapuso entertainment reporter Lhar Santiago, where he hinted at an original Kapuso star “coming home.”
“You are an OG Kapuso. So happy that you’re coming home. Welcome back to GMA!” Santiago posted, sparking excitement among fans and igniting rumors of Calzado’s possible network transfer.
Social media was flooded with assumptions, with fans naming Iza Calzado and Angel Locsin as possible returnees to GMA Network. However, no concrete announcements were made, and many netizens appeared to ride the wave of speculation without verified information.
Adding fuel to the fire, some online users pointed to Calzado’s recent work with GMA Pictures. She starred in ‘Green Bones’, GMA Pictures’ official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). During the film’s press conference last December, Calzado addressed her involvement with GMA for the first time in years.
“Hindi ko siya na-realize. Sabi ni Ms. Nessa (Valdellon, GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs First Vice President), ‘Is this your comeback project with GMA?’ Hindi ko siya na-realize because when I read the script, I read it like a script of any other. When I said yes to it, I said yes because it was a good script, regardless of who was producing it,” Calzado shared. “So yes, ito po pala ang aking pagbabalik sa aking GMA. Siyempre pamilya ko po ito ng 10 taon at alam ni Ms. Annette (Gozon-Valdez, GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films) na mahal na mahal ko sila.”
Calzado also expressed her joy at collaborating with Kapuso talents like Dennis Trillo and Alessandra de Rossi and praised the rising stars she met on set.
Despite the excitement, Calzado’s manager, Noel Ferrer, has clarified that the actress will not be part of ‘Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre’, one of GMA Network’s most anticipated shows this year. Ferrer stated there are no plans for her to participate in the fantasy series, contrary to rumors circulating online.
For now, Calzado is focused on her role as a mother to her one-year-old daughter, Deia Amihan, whom she welcomed in January 2023. Her decision to step back from full-time acting has allowed her to prioritize family life, although she remains open to future opportunities.
Amid the rumors, GMA Network officially announced that the celebrity returning to the Kapuso fold is Vina Morales. Morales will star in the upcoming series ‘Cruz vs Cruz’, alongside Elijah Alejo and Lexi Gonzales. The announcement put to rest the swirling speculation about Calzado’s supposed return.
Iza Calzado spent nearly a decade with GMA Network before signing an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN in 2012. She headlined several successful Kapamilya series, including ‘Ang sa Iyo ay Akin’ (2020) and ‘Mars Ravelo’s Darna’ (2023). Her performance in ‘Green Bones’ marked her first collaboration with GMA Network in years.
With 2025 just beginning, her supporters eagerly await what’s in store for the celebrated actress.
