Iza Calzado on Passing On the Spirit of Amihan to Her Daughter, Deia

Two decades after bringing life to Encantadia’s beloved queen, Iza reflects on motherhood, legacy, and raising a little girl who carries her name — and her strength

Twenty years after bringing life to one of Philippine television’s most beloved heroines, Iza Calzado finds herself seeing Amihan through new eyes — those of a mother raising her own little warrior.

In an Instagram post showing her daughter Deia dressed in Amihan’s armor for Halloween, Iza reflected on how the role marked a pivotal moment in her career.

Coincidentally, Deia’s second name is Amihan, and a character in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre is named after her, played by actress Angel Guardian.

Connected to Amihan

“Twenty years ago, I was cast to play Sang’gre Amihan in the television series Encantadia,” she wrote. “I feel so deeply and divinely connected to this role because it gave me so much.”

Playing Amihan, according to Iza, was a blessing because it allowed her to become part of the Filipinos’ hearts.

“It gave me a fighting chance to make something of myself, to carve a good career and life path — I am forever grateful for that.”

Iza said that Amihan was a leader, “a warrior with a good and selfless heart.”

“Humanga ako sa kanya, and I think that’s why I was able to breathe life to her. Mahal ko si Amihan. She’s not perfect, but she is good in so many ways — ways I once aspired to be, and still strive to become. I hope Deia will want to be, or will grow to be, even better than the character I named her after.”

Naming Her Daughter Deia Amihan

Iza described Amihan as a “dream role.” She added that when her daughter arrived, she felt blessed to give her that name.

“I found it fitting to bless her with this name — a beautiful and strong name to remind my daughter of her Filipino and showbiz roots. From her, Lolo Lito, Tito Dash, and my own career, show business has given our family so much,” she wrote.

Most of all, giving Deia the name Amihan is something Iza believes her daughter will remember her by.

It’s why, when Deia donned the Amihan armor, Iza couldn’t help but be grateful for giving life to the role.

“The blessings, the battles, and the beautiful baby wearing the armor that holds the story. Deia Amihan now has her own journey to take, her own roles to step into and create,” Iza reflected.

“I pray that Amihan will be part of her guiding light, just as she has been mine.”

In 2023, Iza told Modern Parenting why Amihan became her daughter’s second name.

“Why Amihan? She is probably the closest to my heart because it’s the most popular one I play. But also because of Amihan herself, the character. She was a selfless leader. She eventually became the queen. Just like the character herself, I would love for my daughter to have these qualities.”

Amihan, the Wise and Fearless Queen of Encantadia

For those who are not aware, Iza played Amihan in the 2005 version of Encantadia. Inspired by the success of Mulawin, GMA went on to produce the show, which paved the way for the fantaserye genre to shine.

Iza went on to play the role in two more sequels — Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia and Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas. She also played the role in Mulawin: The Movie.

In 2016, Kylie Padilla took on the role of Amihan and will appear again in Sang’gre.

When Sang’gre was announced, director Mark Reyes sought Iza’s permission to use Deia’s name in the show — and she gave her blessing.

Encantadia marked its 20th anniversary last May, with GMA announcing that the long-awaited sequel Sang’gre would air in June.

A Legacy Passed On

Two decades since she first portrayed the queen of the wind tribe, Iza now watches her daughter wear the same armor — a powerful reminder that strength, grace, and legacy can be passed from one generation to the next.

More on Encantadia

Raise a Sang’gre: Encantadia-Inspired Halloween Costumes for Kids
Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre Returns to Set for New Episodes
5 Times Pirena and Flamarra Reminded Us of Real Motherhood