The Philippine Online Chronicles

Starlet Iza Calzado formally left GMA-7 when she inked a three-year contract with rival TV network ABS-CBN yesterday.

"I just think that this is time for me to grow, to evolve, to learn. I think it's just a matter of timing and I've always wanted to work again with people from Channel 2," said the award-winning actress.

This move has been speculated about for a month, most notably with the announcement in December of Carmina Villaroel’s return to ABS-CBN; Calzado also confirmed then that she would be doing projects under the network.

Calzado found it hard to say goodbye to GMA-7, the station which jumpstarted her entertainment career. However, ABS-CBN has allowed her to host popular noontime show Eat Bulaga! on special occasions, as a guest.

The actress has had a long career with GMA-7, starring in shows such as Encantadia, Joaquin Bordado, All About Eve, and Beauty Queen. She has also hosted other programs, including The Sweet Life on the now-defunct QTV 11 and Party Pilipinas. Calzado has revealed that a drama series and a reality series, both unnamed as yet, are in her future with ABS-CBN.