Iza Calzado on marriage, motherhood, and a winning idea
“There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship because there’s no perfect person.”
Actress Iza Calzado believes this wholeheartedly, but if you ask her about her husband, Ben Wintle, her face lights up with admiration.
Best known as the tech-savvy British entrepreneur behind Booky, Wintle is the man she fell in love with over a decade ago, and now, he’s also the father of their daughter, Deia Amihan.
“He has no vices. It’s just his dog, and now Deia,” Calzado said. “Ben’s joy comes from seeing things through. His pride and joy come from knowing that what he said he wanted to do—he has integrity.”
At home, Wintle is the calm and steady presence that balances Calzado’s fiery spirit. Parenthood has only deepened their bond, making them realize why they were meant to be together. “I think it’s a daily, monthly, annual commitment—just like app subscriptions, just like Booky Prime,” she said, laughing.
True partner
For her, Wintle is not just a husband but a true partner—one who challenges her, helps her grow, and stands by her no matter what.
“Sometimes, you question if he is really the right partner for you, even though you’re already married. You’d sometimes ask, ‘Tama pa ba ’to? Tayo pa rin ba ang meant to be?’ But when we became parents to Deia, I truly understood why we were meant to be together. Ben is the perfect father for my child because he balances me,” she said over lunch recently.
But their story isn’t just about love and family; it’s also about building something meaningful together. Calzado recalled that Wintle’s journey with Booky was far from smooth. Before it became a go-to restaurant and lifestyle app, it went through many trials and errors, with ideas that didn’t always take off.
“I remember the first app he did. We wanted to do a karaoke app where you could sing a duet with your friend. But it was so difficult to execute because you had to buy the rights to the songs,” she said.
When that idea didn’t pan out, Wintle explored other ventures—a photo app, a gifting app—before finally landing on the concept that would become Booky. And surprisingly, it was Calzado herself who gave him the idea.
“I was this girlfriend who would say, ‘Do you know how hard it is to get a restaurant’s number to book a table?’” she recalled. “I remember we were getting a massage, and I said, ‘What if there’s a Yellow Pages for restaurants?’” That casual comment turned into a full-fledged business.
Ultimate test
However, starting and sustaining a business has been tough, especially during the pandemic, which put Booky to the ultimate test. “Most people, myself included, in Ben’s shoes, would have given up by now,” Calzado admitted. “But Ben did everything he could to keep this business alive. That’s why I have so much respect for my husband. He never stops.”
What makes Booky special is that, beyond the discounts and deals, it is rooted in a mission to give back. Before the pandemic, proceeds from Booky Prime subscriptions went to feeding children through partnerships with Gawad Kalinga and Ark (Advancement for Rural Kids).
“We thought, ‘This is a food app, but what does it do for those at the grassroots level? For every Filipino who doesn’t even have enough money to buy food, let alone sign up for a membership?’”
This heart for giving was what kept Calzado pushing for Booky’s success, not just for her husband, but also for the entire team that has stuck by them through the toughest times. “It’s nice to see a local company or brand succeed. We always want to champion brands, and this is one that’s worthy.”
Fourteen years into their relationship, Calzado and Wintle have built more than just a business—they’ve built a life and a family together. “It takes a very strong and supportive partner to get through what we’ve gotten through,” Wintle said. “It takes a village to succeed, but it takes a happy home as well.”
Calzado’s wish for Booky is the same as her wish for her family: to keep growing, to keep succeeding, and to keep making a difference.
The lunch event officially relaunched the Booky app and Booky Prime membership program—introducing a new dining experience where everyone can win. With its fresh slogan, “Panalo Every Time with Booky Prime,” members can win exciting prizes. In fact, a member won P250,000 during Booky’s March 19 draw, and another will get the chance to experience a private dinner hosted by Calzado and popular chef and content creator Ninong Ry in an exclusive giveaway on April 2.
