MANILA, Philippines – She’s starring in a new international film with Hollywood actors – so is a Hollywood career in the cards for Iza Calzado?

Iza said that she was inspired to try acting classes in Los Angeles after her recent experience shooting Showdown in Manila, directed by Filipino-American Mark Dacascos and starring actress Tia Carrere.

She also said that she is open to the possibility of trying out projects in Hollywood if there are casting calls. 

“I’m just keen to try everything that the universe gives me,” Iza said during a recent press conference for the movie. 

“You know, if I’m there and if somebody tells me, ‘There’s a reading for this character and they [require] a Southeast Asian/Pan-Asian look,’ why not?”

She also said that one of the highlights of being part of the film Showdown in Manila was getting to bond with Tia and the cast. (READ: Fil-Am actors Tia Carrere and Mark Dacascos on beautiful PH, Pinoy pride)

“I’m so starstruck! Getting a selfie with Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa [Mortal Kombat, Star Trek], that was enjoyable. I [also] like working with Mark (Dacascos) because as a director he’s filled with positive affirmation,” Iza said. 

“It was so much fun on the set and getting to bond with Tia Carrere was like a dream come true. Growing up, she was this beautiful, exotic Filipino that we all knew about.” 

“We are so proud of Tia, watching her in the Hollywood big screen; and now we exchange messages so that’s so awesome,” Iza said.

Police officer in the film

In Showdown in Manila, Iza plays a police officer. “Gusto ko yung may mga action pero parang ‘pag may gun natakot ako. Pero ginawa ko rin,” she said.

(I really like [projects] that have action, but whenever there’s a gun, I’m a bit afraid. But I still did it.)

“I loved it and it’s nice because they don’t have this pre-conceived notion of who I am. “

“They didn’t typecast me like yung kinakawawa (pitied) or whatever. I get to play something else. It’s a breather for me. Something refreshing,” she added.

As to how important her role is in the movie, Iza said: “ I am one of the ensemble cast. I don’t have many scenes but I am one of the Filipino roles na mahaba (long) [in the movie].”

She also said as an actress, she learned that her co-stars go through what she experiences. 

“Casper (Van Dien) was saying he was working 25 hours and I was like ‘Hey! It happens sometimes sa kanila (to them).’ It really depends on the situation  but unlike with us, we do it all the time.  Sa kanila paminsan-minsan. (For them, it happens only sometimes)”

Showdown in Manila is Iza’s second international film. She was also part of Yam Laranas’ film The Echo in 2008, a remake of the film Sigaw, in which she also starred in 2004.

Aside from the film, Iza is busy promoting her album Level Up and is set to star in a play, Sabel. – Rappler.com