Iza Calzado Playfully Reacts to “Mama Mary Allegations” in an Elegant Terno

Having been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades now, Iza Calzado has portrayed numerous remarkable characters. This includes her role as Patty in Olivia M. Lamasan’s 2014 film Starting Over Again, which starred Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. From there, the phrase “kamukha niya si Mama Mary” became embedded in Pinoy pop culture.

More than 10 years since the film was released, it is still being used to refer to someone who looks serene, gentle, and immaculately beautiful.

Iza recently visited her alma mater, Miriam College High School, as a commencement speaker for the Class of 2026. “Never beating the Mama Mary allegations,” she lightheartedly wrote in the caption. “She has always been my #1 home girl.”

For the special occasion, she was styled by Kat Cruz-Villanueva and John Karunungan, who enlisted an elegant creation by Julio Galerie. The terno came in a flattering silhouette tinted misty blue. Clusters of beads in varying sizes and shades adorned the piece—including the butterfly sleeves—spreading into smaller pieces that beautifully fill the space.

Mike Lariosa skillfully enhanced Iza’s facial features, whereas Aldrin Cruz Sapon pulled her hair into a neat low bun that maintained the overall effortlessness of the look. Reflecting on the experience, Iza shared that she “truly felt God’s grace and Mama Mary’s guidance throughout the day.”

In a 2019 interview, she recognized that being repeatedly told she resembles Mama Mary reflected how the project had left an impact. “Hindi ko siya namalayan,” she said, referring to the time she was dressing up for the scene. “Yun pala, ang punchline kamukha ko si Mama Mary.” People’s remarks led her to rewatch the film, and she agreed that she did look like her in that particular scene.