More than two decades in the industry, Iza Calzado has proven her caliber as a versatile actress starring in TV shows and movies with different genres from drama, comedy, horror, and even action. Her biggest role and most iconic role by far is playing Amihan in the fantasy series ‘Encantadia’ which went on for seven months and it spawned two installments, a spin-off ‘Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia’ and ‘Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas.’ Encantadia started in May 2005 and the franchise ended in April 2006 until it was rebooted in 2016, retelling of the story which they called a “requel.”
Photo by Nazamel Tabares
But fans of Iza know that she’s not a stranger to the horror genre her first acting award was from the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival movie ‘Sigaw,’ in which she won Best Supporting Actress at the Gawad Urian Awards.
Dimples Romana, on the other hand, started earlier in the entertainment industry in 1997. A reliable actress whether she’s in the lead or in support in whatever genre the project she’s part of. Her biggest break perhaps is being the main antagonist of the hit afternoon series ‘Kadenang Ginto.’ With Dimples’ filmography, you wouldn’t expect playing the villain role would get her recognized more and made her a household name until now.
Photo by Nazamel Tabares
Dimples has done numerous horror projects including being part of the Shake, Rattle, and Roll franchise not just once but twice.
Now, Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana being cast in one project makes ‘The Caretakers’ a must-see horror movie this 2025.
We sat down with ‘The Caretakers’ two leads during the media junket and asked some questions about being veterans now in the industry and about their upcoming movie.
Photo by Nazamel Tabares
Do these recognitions not just from the fans but also from the industry, in a way, put pressure on you?
‘Yung pressure is something na I’d rather not think about myself after I do my job. Once nagawa ko ‘yung trabaho ko sa set, ‘yung healthy competition ko is with myself. Am I going to do better, ang pressure ko is for the next job. For the project itself, it’s full faith that everything will come together and that there will be magic there,” says Iza on dealing with pressure on the reception of her projects.
How important is the reception of the audience box-office-wise?
“We need to make money for us to produce more films, for us to tell more Filipino stories for our films get better and better, we need to support Filipino films,” Iza on the box office turnout of Filipino movies.
And lastly, what can they share about the scares and thrills their film, ‘The Caretakers,’ will offer the audience?
“It’s a different kind of horror,” Iza answers.
“Hindi kasi namin masagot. Mas nakakatakot kapag nagsalita kami. Dun ako mas takot,” Dimples being safe on not to spoil anything about the movie.
“Pero masabi ko lang, it’s not something you would expect,” Dimples shares.
“Tsaka ang susundan ninyo ay ang story. You shouldn’t just be in it to get scared, there’s a deep message. Savor it, enjoy and I hope you get scared,” Iza as she closes the media junket.
Watch our coverage of the media junket below:
The film also stars Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, Althea Ruedas, Erin Espiritu, Erika Clemente with Inka Magnaye and Jake Taylor. Directed by Shugo Praico.
‘The Caretakers’ opens in Philippine cinemas on February 26, 2025 from Regal Entertainment, Inc. and REIN Entertainment.
Watch the trailer below: