Iza Calzado Tears Up at First Look of Her Smart Parenting Cover

Smart Parenting’s May cover mom Iza Calzado became emotional during the Smart Parenting Mother’s Day Fair on May 9 at Robinsons Galleria when the brand officially unveiled her family cover with husband Ben Wintle and daughter Deia Amihan Wintle during the program.

Iza admitted she waited to see the final cover for the first time at the event, especially since it marked their family’s first-ever magazine cover together.

“Ngayon ko lang po nakita ’yung cover. Sabi ko kasi, ‘Gusto ko surprise.’ Naiyak ako. Thank you, Smart Parenting, thank you, Ronna (Capili-Bonifacio), for that wonderful opportunity to capture this moment in our family’s lives,” Iza told everyone at the event.

“It’s a first for the family, and even for Deia na [mag-cover],” she explained.

Iza then reflected on the energy it exuded and how it captured their family dynamic.

“I guess that’s the energy at home, it’s real, nothing perfect,” she said.

For Iza, the photos also carried a deeper meaning about motherhood.

“It can also be symbolic about motherhood. We’re all trying to keep our head above water, but really, it’s just us having fun.... When we were doing the shoot, it was really just us enjoying the moment as a family,” she explained.

“Actually, when Ronna (Smart Parenting’s editor-in-chief) messaged me, sabi ko, ‘Is it time? Ito na ba?’ I-dedelay ko ba?’ And you know, I told myself, ‘If not now, when?’ Parang it’s nice to capture this season of our lives. This is the time when Deia’s personality is really coming out,” Iza shared.

“Hindi forced. ’Pag ayaw niya, ayaw niya, walang pilitan. Eh go naman nang go si girl,” she added with a laugh. “Pero mas nae-enjoy mo na kasi, three years na.”

The cover concept was an ode to Iza and Ben’s pre-wedding photoshoot in 2018, where they shot in open water. The photos were shot by Pat Dy ahead of their beach wedding in Coron, Palawan. Smart Parenting also wanted the Wintles to be in their element, water.

In an interview, the actress also recalled one heartfelt moment with Deia that continues to stay with her.

“Sabi ni Deia sa akin, ‘I am in your arms everyday,’” Iza shared emotionally. “Siya nagsabi… talagang… ‘Yes anak, you are in my arms everyday.’ Thank you, I am glad she knows. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

For Iza, hearing those words from her daughter felt especially meaningful because it affirmed that Deia feels her constant love and presence.

Iza has long been candid about choosing to be more hands-on in motherhood, stepping back from acting projects to be present during Deia’s early years.

For now, Iza remains fully present in this season of motherhood, while staying open to what God has planned next for her family and career.

Click here to see what went down at the Smart Parenting Mother’s Day Fair.