Heart Evangelista illuminates any room she enters. Currently in Milan for the spring/summer 2025 fashion season, the Filipino artist, author, advocate, and wife—as she fondly describes herself in her Instagram bio to a devoted community of 16.3 million—is a beacon of kindness amidst the whirlwind of Fashion Week. Despite a jam-packed schedule, navigating from show to show, she radiates grace and warmth in every interaction.
At just 39 years old, Evangelista, born Love Marie Ongpauco, has reached the pinnacle of her career. She’s recently co-produced a reality television show slated for launch at the end of October and maintains an ongoing collaboration with the Italian luxury house Dolce&Gabbana. She’s a prominent figure in the fashion world, celebrated for her bold, colorful, and sophisticated style. Evangelista has cultivated a close-knit circle of friends within the fashion and philanthropic communities over the years, but she remains refreshingly humble.
“After almost 27 years of doing what I love—which is arts, acting, and fashion—for me, everything is a bonus. As long as my home, the people I love, and my core world are okay, I’m going to enjoy whatever comes my way,” she shares.
Evangelista’s journey into the spotlight began at the tender age of 13 when she made her acting debut. Her grandparents owned the production company Everlasting Pictures, setting the stage for her early foray into entertainment. Her career extended beyond the silver screen. After marrying Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, who served as the governor of Sorsogon province from 2019 to 2022, she became the First Lady of Sorsogon.
Evangelista has always been passionate about making a difference. She now serves as the president of the Senate Spouses Foundation and is particularly dedicated to promoting lesser-known causes. “Given my platform, one of the causes I would like to raise more awareness of would be the thalassaemia organisation. I feel deeply about less common movements because the best we can do is to shed light. The idea is to keep helping as much as possible,” she reflects.
In a world that embraces individuality, Evangelista stands out as a force for connection, building meaningful relationships wherever she goes. Here, the multifaceted personality speaks candidly about finding her voice in fashion, cherishing authenticity, and inspiring others.
Heart’s Perspective on Life and Fashion:
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On her childhood:
“Like any child, I looked at the world with a pure heart. I believed that I was going to get somewhere by being myself. I went through a lot of struggles growing up and I always felt like I was the odd one out. I loved fashion. I seemed a bit pompous and a lot of people would cringe because I would go to school wearing colourful accessories. I broke rules but I was always very giddy and happy. To me, if you were kind, magic would happen.”*
On her love for fashion:
“What I love most about fashion is how everybody is welcome; how there’s no judgement regarding height or style. It’s a celebration—a party celebrating everyone’s individuality. What I love most are the unsung heroes, the street style photographers, because they translate what’s on the runway into real life.”*
On finding her passion for giving back:
“It was really because of how active my father was. He owned a restaurant, so he was very hands-on with all his employees. He was just very giving. He would always pick up dogs and cats from the street, and I feel that, at a young age, nursing and helping them came naturally to me because I saw my parents do it. My parents never spoilt me either. So, for me, helping others was normal.”*
On balancing her career and philanthropy:
“At the end of the day, you need to know the difference between work, pleasure, play, and living your life to the fullest. I consider myself privileged and blessed because I love what I do. I remember when I was young, my dad told me, “You’re an artist”. At the time, people were expected to be doctors, lawyers, or nurses. Being an artist was seen as a job that doesn’t allow you to earn much. But he told me, “You know what? You have your own way, you have your own special traits, just keep doing it”. He believed it would take me somewhere and it has. I am humbled and grateful that I followed my heart, as clichéd as it may sound.”*
On the causes she’s most passionate about:
“Given my platform, one of the causes I would like to raise more awareness of would be the thalassaemia organisation. I feel deeply about less common movements because the best we can do is to shed light. The idea is to keep helping as much as possible. Also animal welfare, of course. That’s also an important thing, especially in the Philippines.”*
On being a role model while staying true to herself:
“I feel like that’s always such a struggle. I remember when I was younger, I had to be perfect. I had to be a certain way, I had to fit in that mould. But I think I might be a bit of a rebel. Because I believe in myself, that I’m not a bad person. I sometimes make bad mistakes or I subconsciously try not to follow rules because it feels like something inside me wants to break free. It is just part of the story; to be yourself. Because the mask isn’t going to stay put forever, it might fall off. So it’s important to start the conversation; that this is who I am. And as long as my family loves me, I think I’m fine.”*
On inspiring the next generation:
“Do your own thing, and if it inspires someone, that’s a bonus. For me, the key is to keep going, believe in yourself and do it for yourself and for the people who love you. In doing so, you might inspire the next generation by creating your own path. The less travelled path is often challenging, but it is incredibly fulfilling.”*
On her dreams for the communities she supports:
“That there would be a chain reaction. You can’t have a life in the spotlight and just be self-serving. Whether people realise it or not, it’s all about giving back. I believe that if you are blessed, you’re blessed to be a blessing for others.”*
On finding stillness and grounding:
“Before I used to be like, ‘Go, go, go’! But now I treasure the home that I have and the core people in my life. It’s important to sometimes skip certain things or say no. Even if some people say you’ve missed an opportunity, it probably wasn’t meant for you. When you feel in your gut that you’re not supposed to go, it’s important to listen and take a break. When I come back, I feel more powerful, more refreshed, and I have more ideas. So, it’s important to take time for yourself and not accept every opportunity that comes your way. More will come if you treasure yourself and take care of yourself.”*
On the wisdom that has shaped her:
“That at the end of the day, all of this is temporary. Your home, and your family, is top priority. That keeps me grounded and shields me from what other people will say. Because as long as my family is there for me, and they’re all healthy, I’m happy.”*
On her journey with Dolce&Gabbana:
“I’ve always loved Dolce&Gabbana. It’s the twin flame of Filipino culture where we love fiestas, family time, celebrating life, we’re resilient and we have colourful personalities. And with their colours and patterns, Dolce&Gabbana assimilates that. I can relate to the brand and it resonates with me. So I’ve always loved them.”*
On her legacy:
“I want to focus on living my life, giving back, appreciating my current blessings, and being a blessing for others. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’d be remembered. But, we’re only here for a short time, and for me, the most important thing is that the people around me are happy and that we are all okay. That’s the only thing I want.”Photography by Ilyes Griyeb
Styling by Xander Ang
Hair by Kazuko Kitaoka
Make-up by Michael Noiselet
Stylist’s assistants by Lizzie Bortot and Amelie Richart
Producer by Nour Mady/Rose
Production assistant by Maxime Combes
Talent by Heart Evangelista
The October anniversary ‘Community’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and in-store.
