“I’ve toughened up for good reasons,” quipped Global Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista moments after a heartfelt contract renewal with GMA Network on Monday, July 29.
The special event spotlighted her journey as a Kapuso artist – from her scrambling start to the glittering and inspiring life she leads today – something she attributes to GMA and Sparkle’s fervent trust in everything that she could bring to the table.
“I just wanna thank everybody here. Because they were with me through the hardest times. When I moved to GMA, I did not know what to offer,” Heart said in a tearful message. “They say that I bring so much life… but when they accepted me and gave me one of my biggest contracts, I haven't proven anything.”
EVER-GRATEFUL, PERSEVERING HEART
Even with all the recognitions she relishes today, Heart, 39, has remained grounded and grateful. Ever-fashionable and passionate, she is leading a life of inspiration on a plane above mere fame, something that people can aspire to emulate.
“I am very grateful. I think I've gone far because I’ve always been grateful for the people that helped me when I had nothing,” she said, addressing all the guests and members of the press in attendance.
In fact, paying close attention to certain details during the signing event would reveal how Heart recognizes by name many crew members she’s worked with at GMA. Even with members from the press, it was remarkable how she would really put in the effort to remember their names and mention them as she expressed her appreciation after every brief interview.
“What I have today is really, truly because of the people I started with, the good and the bad,” she added.
Asked what Kapuso trait she thinks will be helpful as she fulfills her role as the newly installed Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. President, she said, without hesitation, “perseverance.”
“Just how hardworking everybody is. I grew up with the crew, in taping, and that has really taught me a lot. Put me anywhere. Actually ang Pinoy naman, put them anywhere and they will shine, they will blossom, because we are very hardworking people,” she told GMA Regional TV News in a brief interview.
“You’re an inspiration to all our Kapuso, you are an example of perseverance, hard work, passion for advocacy– you are the quintessential role model in everything that you do,” said GMA Network President and CEO Mr. Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.
GENUINE HEART
As one of GMA’s most celebrated icons who has been with the network for 16 years now, Heart could not help but reminisce her best moments – and roles – as a Kapuso.
Her lead character portrayals in Luna Mystika (2008-2009), Full House (2009-2010), Dwarfina (2011), and I Left My Heart in Sorsogon (2021-2022), among many others, proved her excellence and versatility.
This, according to Heart, is a function of being given the license to be herself and exude a genuine and authentic side of Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero whenever she’s asked to work on a project.
“The best is that they (GMA Network) really allowed me to play my role which I feel like is the best role – myself, which gave me the freedom that I have, and it allowed the magic to happen,” she said in an interview with GMA RTV News.
PASSIONATE HEART
Beyond her TV roles and creative collaborations, Heart is also known for her philanthropy and advocacy work, although she’s expressed multiple times that she doesn’t fancy documenting these activities.
Now the president of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), and although Heart recognizes that there are a lot of worthy causes to consider, she wants to maintain her focus on women and children, the elderly, and animal welfare.
“Of course we think about the women and children, the older people. But malapit talaga ako sa animals. I understand that there are certain priorities that people believe, but we should never forget the aspins (asong pinoy) and puspins (pusang pinoy),” she said during an interview.
In June 2024, Heart took her oath as the newly installed president of the SSFI, the socio-civic arm of the Senate of the Philippines responsible for social welfare activities and humanitarian projects.
She recently sold a hand-painted Hermes bag and donated all the proceeds (1.5M pesos) from the sale to the foundation for its future endeavours.
Her own “Heart Can” foundation has worked fervently for the benefit of children with respiratory diseases. She’s also spearheaded various projects that have helped children born with disabilities.
When Heart Evangelista decided to sign with the GMA Network in 2008, it was a choice to pursue a self-affirming path.
She went on to become a quintessential Kapuso lead actress, took the global fashion world by storm, married Senator Francis Escudero, and accomplished virtually everything she had set her eyes on while nurturing a grateful and grounded soul.
Asked about her heart’s most ardent desire today, Heart’s answer was short but sweet. “I think its not made of stone, but it could be made of gold. I've toughen up for good reasons.”
