Mary Ann Ussher, Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle. Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Iza Calzado has finally revealed that her first child with businessman husband Ben Wintle will be a girl in an open letter she wrote to her late mother Mary Ann Ussher.
Calzado honored her mother as she showed off old photos of them together that “help keep the memories alive,” via the actress’ Instagram page on Monday. November 28.
“Twenty-one years since you left this world, yet you always seem to make sure I turn out okay,” she wrote. “I know that much of what has happened in my life is a dream that you had for yourself and for me. When I experience those moments, I truly feel your guiding light.”
Calzado has looked to her mother for guidance and support as she prepares for motherhood, a role she described as “incredibly fulfilling.” The actress also talked about her child, whom she called “little Mary Ann and little Iza.”
“Pretty soon, I will have my own child. A little Mary Ann, a little Iza, she said. “Your dreams and mine come together for this beautiful blessing.”
“I promise to take lots of pictures of my baby so she can keep those memories with her when the time comes to be with you again,” she added.
Calzado then expressed his hope to live a long life, asking his mother to convey his wish to God.
“Malayo pa ang lalakbayin ko at alam ko kasama kita dahil ang nanay, pumanaw man sa world, hindi kailan man iiwan ang kiyang anak. Ikaw ang nagpatunay nito,” she concluded. “Love you mom.”
(I have a long journey ahead of me, but I know you will be with me, because mothers – even when they are gone in this world – will never leave their child. You have already proven that.)
Ussher died in 2001 when Calzado was 19. The cause of death was initially reported as cancer, but in 2019, Calzado revealed that Ussher had committed suicide after years of battling mental health struggles.
In a recent press conference, Calzado said she would not be holding a “gender reveal” party and emphasized that “gender is an expression” that cannot be revealed. The actress then explained in an exclusive interview with preview that the politically correct term is “gender disclosure”, adding that gender is a “social and cultural construct”.
Calzado also noted that she and Wintle accidentally found out the gender of their child, which “sets them apart” for them.
Calzado announced her pregnancy on the occasion of her 40th birthday celebration last August. EDV
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