Iza Calzado Says She Has ‘A Better Understanding' Of Her Late Parents 'Now More Than Ever'

Iza Calzado doesn't only keep in her heart the memories of her late parents but she also makes sense in her mind what they've been through as a family.

The actress-host said as much in her recent Instagram post commemorating the death anniversaries of her mother Mary Ann Ussher and father Lito Calzado, who  passed away in 2001 and 2011, respectively.

"Sweet November," Iza said in the caption of her video post showing the big blue sky to the tune of Eric Clapton's own tribute to his late son, Tears in Heaven.

"It’s been 20 years since my mother left this world and 10 years since my father followed her in heaven. I normally post photos of loved ones to honor them yet somehow no photo of theirs could represent how I see and feel them in my life now."

She added, "As I was lying down looking up at the clouds, watching birds fly by, I knew then that they were with me. That’s how I experience their presence now — through the beautiful gifts of nature, opportunities given to me and people sent to my life that help me along the way.

"All of these blessings from God and from them. I feel connected to them now more than ever. Perhaps it’s because, as the years pass, with life’s ups and downs, I have a better understanding of them and the choices they made along the way."

Iza pointed out, though, "They weren’t perfect people and I will never be either but how perfectly it all came together, the joy and sorrow, the pain and pleasure and all that love that held it together. My mother and father were perfectly chosen by God to help me in my evolution. What a gift!"

Daddy's girl

In an older post, Iza talked about her father, Lito, who carved a name in showbiz as a dancer, choreographer, and TV director. He succumbed to liver cancer.

She said in the caption of their photo together: "Ours was not a perfect relationship but you were exactly the Father that I needed and still long for now that you’re (physically) gone. Grateful for your energy that still exists and gives me the warmest embrace when I need it. I miss you so much, Daddy.

"One day our souls will meet again. Until then, I will live life knowing that you’re both near, watching over me, supporting me along the way. Thank you for everything."

Mama's mini-me

Iza also has a tribute for her mom, a Bicolana of Spanish-Irish lineage who's evidently responsible for the celebrity's strong mestiza features. 

"Mama," Iza said in the caption of her post showing an old photo of Mary Ann, "I was trying to look for photos of us to post and it made me sad because I wish we had more photos for me to choose from. I really wish we had more time together.

"Time. We’re all living on borrowed time. So if you’re reading this and your mother (or any loved one) is still around, please talk to her, hug and kiss her, make memories and take lots of photos and videos.

"Cherish every moment. I wish I did. One day, down the road, we will meet again. I’ll make sure to create lots of memories with you then. "

In 2019, almost a year after Iza's wedding to Filipino-British entrepreneur Ben Wintle, she opened up about her mother's mental illness that eventually led to suicide (read here).