Actress Iza Calzado celebrated her 43rd birthday on August 12 with an intimate family gathering, while also opening up about her ongoing health struggles.
On Instagram, Iza shared moments from her week-long birthday celebration with her husband Ben Wintle, daughter Deia Amihan, and loved ones.
“Sharing a few birthday highlights, from our family celebration a few days before to the little moments that made my actual birthday so special. It was a week filled with so much love and meaning, and one I’ll always remember,” she wrote.
Iza also revealed that her busy schedule caused her bronchitis to return, forcing her to postpone some of her scheduled plans.
“In the middle of it all, I was pushing through work and commitments as we prepared to leave for the UK. Then my body finally gave in. Bronchitis, again. Our flight had to be moved, and we are going to miss a dear friend’s wedding in Scotland this Saturday, and I was reminded just how fragile my immune system has been this past year,” she added.
“It’s humbling, and honestly a bit defeating at times. But if there’s one thing people close to me know, it’s that I always try to find the breakthrough in every breakdown,” she continued.
Despite this, the actress said she remains hopeful and chooses to see breakthroughs in setbacks. She added that her health scare reminded her to make better choices for her well-being, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, family, and balance.
“Looking back at these photos and videos reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for and why I need to make better choices for my health. There is still so much to live for, so much to celebrate. I hold all of that close to my heart as I work on being in my best health in mind, body and spirit. Viva La Vida! ❤️,” she said.
Last August 12, Iza welcomed another year in her life in a simple and heartfelt time with her loved ones.
“It’s taken me 43 years to truly understand that fulfillment isn’t in the grand gestures, but in the quiet, simple moments that fill my heart with gratitude,” she said.
“As I welcome another year around the sun, I look forward to evolving, learning, and embracing the privilege that comes with both growth and getting older,” Iza added.
She ended her post on a positive outlook, saying, “Happy birthday to me, and to all the beautiful souls I share this special day with. Here’s to more love, light, and laughter ahead. 🥰✨.”
This was not the first time Iza has dealt with health issues. In September last year, she revealed she had pharyngitis and bronchitis after pushing her body too hard, which also served as a wake-up call to be more mindful of her health.
“Over a week now of being sick and even missing out on some work commitments. Pushed my body too hard again. Almost our entire household got sick but I was the one who got it bad. From losing my voice to developing bronchitis,” she wrote.
READ: Iza Calzado on suffering from pharyngitis and bronchitis: ‘Not very demure’
“This is definitely a wake up call to be even more mindful. Mindful of my overall health and well being. Mindful of my boundaries. Mindful of where my energy goes. The silver lining here is that it all happened before work and life schedules become even more hectic. God is already reminding me that I need to make better choices in the weeks and months to come. Well noted, God. Well noted po,” she added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which may start suddenly and be short term (acute) or start gradually and become long term (chronic). Pharyngitis, on the other hand, is more commonly known as sore throat that is caused by virus or bacteria.