Heart Evangelista looks back at the year 2020 in her latest YouTube upload
Heart Evangelista titled her latest YouTube vlog as "THE YEAR THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN" in which she put the year 2020 in retrospect.
During the first part of the video, Heart shared an anecdote from her dad about her love for performing ever since she was a child.
"My dad likes to say that I was born to do what I do because I've always loved performing and entertaining people. He loves talking about how I used to join our staff in our little restaurant in the US in 'sing and dance' numbers for our customers.
"And yes, he wasn't wrong. I loved it. I loved making people smile," she recalled.
Heart also talked about her early years in showbiz, especially the first time she appeared on national TV.
"I still remember the day I officially became an 'artista.'
"I still have my diary from my teenage years where I wrote down all my feelings from my early days in showbiz.
"One of my most memorable entries is about the day when I learned that I was finally going to be on TV. I clearly remember feeling giddy, excited, and hopeful.
"From that moment on I knew that I wanted to become successful in what I do even if I wasn't sure what that really meant," she said.
Heart then admitted that in her two decades in showbiz, there were times in her career when she wanted to turn her back from the spotlight.
According to her, "It's been 24 years since I started in the industry, that means I've been working for 24 years of long work hours, tight schedules, challenging roles and projects, and more.
"I have to admit that there are times when I wanted to give it all up. There were very hard days when my insecurities would get the best of me.
"I knew I didn't always fit in, I knew I wasn't like everyone else, and I didn't even know if people liked me because I was the different one.
"But every time the thought of quitting would cross my mind, I remember the passion and drive of that teenage girl who was discovered by a talent scout in a mall and I'd pick myself up and try again."
After doing shows, projects, collaborations, and work trips one after the other, Heart truly felt that she was unstoppable.
"The world was my oyster, as they say."
However, all the plans she had for herself were all put to a sudden halt when the year 2020 came around.
"Before 2020 started, I had big plans.
"I was ready to hit the streets of Paris and New York for Fashion Week. I had projects lined up that I was so excited for the world to see.
"I was ready to claim it as a great year, my year.
"But then the pandemic happened and everything was put on hold.
"The lockdown was tough for all of us. Personally, I struggled with anxiety, not knowing what was going to happen. What comes next, especially with work?
"I was terrified of the virus and how it really could affect everyone. For the first time, I had so much, too much time on my hands. It felt like a nightmare as someone who likes to plan ahead and be busy," she revealed.
Heart's biggest quarantine realization happened when she decided to take this time off as a way to realign with herself.
"Quarantine has also gifted me with so much quiet time with Chiz (Escudero) and the kids in Sorsogon. I felt so blessed to be able to call another place home.
"It's much slower-paced, quieter than the city that I'm used to but that too, I saw as a blessing.
"I found time to think of myself and my dreams. I finally had time to pursue my passion project of helping local Sorsoganon artisans and their work through my online, Maison Love Marie.
"I'm also happy and blessed to be working again. Things are a lot different from how they used to be but it's great to see how we've all figured out ways to adapt to the situation because you know, life goes on too," she said.
One of the most memorable things Heart did this year was when she finally released her first-ever single which she kept tucked away for 15 years.
She was also able to create new art and paint all day.
Lastly, Heart's biggest revelation this year was when she remembered to prioritize self-love and self-care above all.
"This time has reminded me what my top priority is: myself.
"I was once again reminded that I should make myself a priority and that's okay. Practicing self-love isn't just all about hot baths and scented candles.
"It's all about learning how to allow yourself to rest and set boundaries. Self-care isn't selfish.
"Reflection was a huge part of my year. I got to look back and think of what really matters.
"Plans that are put on hold but that doesn't mean that our dreams and goals are canceled. Yes, we're still allowed to dream, we're still allowed to love, live, and thrive.
"We keep our faith and have strong hearts to move forward because life goes on, even if it's not the same as before, and it's a whole lot different."
Watch Heart Evangelista's inspirational "2020 in retrospect" vlog in her video below:
