Heart Evangelista lights up a room. Currently in Milan for the spring/summer 2025 season, the Filipino artist, author, advocate and wife—as she fondly puts it in her Instagram bio to an ever-loving community of 16.3 million—is a vision of kindness amid the flurry of Fashion Week. She is contending with a packed schedule as she travels from show to show, yet no matter the time, place or person, she is effortlessly gracious.
At just 39 years old, Evangelista—born Love Marie Ongpauco—is at the top of her game. Under her belt? A reality television show she has just co-produced—slated for launch at the end of October—as well as an ongoing collaboration with the Italian luxury house Dolce&Gabbana. She’s also a fixture in the fashion world—known for her punchy, colourful-meets sophisticated looks—with a tight-knit circle across the style and philanthropic set that she has fostered over the decades. Still, she remains self-effacing.
“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.
At 13 years old, Evangelista—whose grandparents owned the production company Everlasting Pictures—made her acting debut. Since then, the spotlight has expanded beyond the silver screen. The former First Lady of Sorsogon, following her marriage to Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero—who served as the governor of Sorsogon province from 2019 to 2022—Evangelista has steadfastly paved a path for causes she is passionate about.
Now the president of the Senate Spouses Foundation, she is particularly invested in promoting lesser-known movements. “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 universe that celebrates individuality, Evangelista stands out as a beacon of connection in her ability to foster meaningful relationships. Here, the multi-hyphenate talks about finding her voice in fashion, honouring authenticity and fostering inspiration.
How would you describe a young Heart?
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.
You’ve become a fixture in the fashion world. What do you love most about it?
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.
You’ve built a community within fashion and philanthropy. Can you share a moment that kindled your 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.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve uncovered through balancing these two worlds?
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.
Which causes resonate most deeply with you and why?
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.
How do you navigate the balance of being a role model while honouring your authentic self?
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.
How do you hope to spark inspiration in the next generation within your community?
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.
“To me, if you were kind, magic would happen.”
What lasting changes do you dream of seeing in the communities you support?
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.
Amid the pace of life, what practices help you find stillness and remain grounded?
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.
What wisdom has shaped your values and perspectives along the way?
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.
Tell us about your journey with Dolce&Gabbana. What does the brand mean to you and what do you love about it?
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.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
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 Ilyes Griyeb
Styling Xander Ang
Hair Kazuko Kitaoka
Make-up Michael Noiselet
Stylist’s assistants Lizzie Bortot and Amelie Richart
Producer Nour Mady/Rose
Production assistant Maxime Combes
Talent Heart Evangelista
The October anniversary ‘Community’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and in-store.
