It’s common for actors and actresses to explore other types of artistry. The creative spirit they possess is like water coursing through limestone — unstoppable and constantly finding new paths to take. Moreover, for younger talents considered to be “multi-hyphenates,†exploring what’s out there and becoming a master of many trades is a trend that looks like it’s here to stay.
Teen star turned beauty icon (and blooming political wife) Heart Evangelista is no stranger to being a member of the slash generation and has never been prouder of the fact.
Known for her hosting, VJ and acting gigs, Heart more recently has turned her attention to creating pieces of art that have been exhibited around the world. Her most recent venture is partnering with local cosmetics brand Happy Skin to create a special line of lipstick called “Love Marie.â€
Looking at her, it’s clear that it takes whole lot of character — and heart — to find your footing in a world that moves as fast as ours. Read on and learn from a girl that’s turned into a woman in this story exclusive interview from 2013 when she was awarded a PeopleAsia Woman of Style and Substance award.
By DENISE ROCOÂ
At 31, Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco, who the public more fondly knows as Heart Evangelista, has already proven her acting, hosting and vocal prowess.
Now, she sets forth to living life without having to prove herself to anybody.
Living in San Francisco until she was 10 years old (her family would eventually move back to the Philippines), Heart’s transition to showbiz might have been hastened, had her father (restaurant magnate Rey Ongpauco) used his showbiz connections to his daughter’s advantage. But this was not the case. “ I decided to go take a workshop and act, and then I was discovered. When they discovered me and I was auditioning, I didn’t tell my dad until I was accepted. And he couldn’t do anything anymore,†Heart reveals.
With much discipline, taking only two weeks off a year to vacation, Heart put her heart into her job.
Heart considers winning Best Actress for the film Ay, Ayeng in the FAMAS Awards (also within the same year) as one of her greatest accomplishments. With smiling eyes and glowing with pride, she remarks, “Also (winning) best supporting actress for Mano Po. Those two were the most memorable. I was best supporting to Sharon Cuneta.†The lovely lady was actually nominated four times in four different award-giving bodies (FAMAS, Golden Screen Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Movies and the Gawad PASADO), but it was finally in the Metro Manila Film Festival that she bagged best supporting actress for Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love.
For Heart, accomplishments aren’t purely marked by career undertakings. She confides, “(I’m proud of) being independent. I’m not a slave of my job. I’m not a slave of money or a relationship that’s bad for me. Before, when it came to work, it would be because someone pushed me to do it. It is different when you live on your own and you can make your own decisions when it comes to your career.â€
“It’s also my first time to handle all of my finances and banking, so I’m learning everything at the same time.†As of this interview, Heart had just started taking care of her money just two weeks prior.
She speaks quick, she speaks the truth and is careful to say the right things without censoring herself too much.
“I’m very open. If people don’t ask me, why would I tell them everyone I’ve dated? I’ve also accepted that (when) you’re a public figure, you owe it to your fans to explain, but not all the time, like when there’s a family problem,†she shares, referring to the recent hullaballoo about her parents’ disapproval of then boyfriend Sen. Chiz Escudero. It has, by far, been the biggest mountain she’s had to climb in her life. “I’d be crying and they (my fans) would still have the guts to come up to me and take a picture. (Otherwise), it’s a delight that people come up to me and say that I made their day. It’s nice to mean something to someone,†Heart warmly shares.
When sharing more about her parents, the porcelain skinned beauty shares “They knew that I was born to entertain, like when I was small I’d always have a mic. They are very happy naman for me that my dreams came true. (But) there’s a misconception that when you’re a public figure, you have to be perfect. Perfection is not of this world. It’s (more of) ‘how is this public figure gonna surpass this with grace, or how is she going to surpass this, while being calm and collected?’ When they do, that’s when they become a role model.â€
Heart is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of gal. She may be vulnerable to emotion, but is just as quick to get level-headed. The woman has also learned to cut the strings that have pulled her every which way like a marionette. The entanglement is undone. Heart steers towards many directions – all of which she chose for herself.
