Heart: I’ve done my part

MANILA, Philippines - After that not-so-sweet chance meeting with dear mom in a restaurant recently, hope looks bleak for Heart Evangelista to patch things up with mom Cecilia Ongpauco anytime soon. Heart admits feeling a bit offended at how her mom reacted during that unexpected encounter.

“I just can’t totally lie about it,” says Heart. “But that’s just how it is. You know, I’m very used to how our family works. I’ve accepted that. I just felt that maybe because it was Christmas ganyan I just do it na (reconcile with mom) but I was a bit offended in a way but you know, I mean, I did my part; as long as I did my part, alam ko na ngayon di ba the ball is really on their court, not mine anymore.”

It was last December when Heart saw her mom in a restaurant in Makati. The former just initially waved at the latter who acknowledged it with a nod. Feeling delighted, Heart approached her but when she was about to give her a kiss, her mom allegedly raised her hands as if to reject the act.

Still, Heart doesn’t feel any regret about reaching out to her mom first. As a daughter, she knew that it was the right thing to do. “For the longest time since the day I began in showbiz, I’ve done my part. I’m not in a position anymore to enumerate all these things because when you love someone, you don’t really enumerate what you’ve done. I’ve done my part and I’m sure she’s done her part as well but I guess this is just where life has taken us and I have matured a lot through everything that has happened to me so no expectation.” 

Mother and daughter have not seen each other since then “and I don’t think we’ll be talking anytime soon,” Heart adds.

It can be recalled that the rift between mother and daughter started when Heart got romantically involved with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Heart’s parents are not in favor of the relationship and have expressed their disapproval on national TV.

Asked what does she think will soften her mom’s heart, the Kapuso talent says her mom has a very strong personality and only believes in what she thinks is right, adding, “You can’t change your parents so it’s something that I have accepted openly. I don’t feel as bad as I did that moment. I’m okay now.”

Knowing that she has been obedient to her parents especially to her mom, Heart feels it is about time to follow what her heart desires. “Well, I followed her for the longest time with everything but through the years I’ve lost a lot of great people in my life — people who were innocent; people who also loved me — because I wanted them to be happy. But there comes a time when you want them to realize that you are a different person; you have other things in mind that you want to do and you feel better about doing them by yourself. So it’s time to choose naman (for myself) and I’ve been very blessed that I am supported by a lot of people.”

And one of them is her boyfriend Chiz. Heart shares that Chiz has learned to accept things “and that’s  what makes me love him more because he really accepted everything about me and my situation…we’re so happy. I can’t even describe how happy I am. I deserve it so I’m good.”

That is why, Heart finds no reason to sulk. Instead, she prays a lot for guidance “kasi nakakapanibago when you’re doing things on your own and if there are other things that I pray for siguro kung anuman ang buhay ko ngayon na masaya ay magtuloy-tuloy lang — walang bawas at walang kulang — that’s enough for me and if there are more things to come, then I will thank God for that.”

Good things, indeed, are coming her way. Aside from GMA 7’s Startalk, Heart will also do hosting duties on GMA News TV’s WeddingsTV which premieres tomorrow, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m.

According to director and producer Marnie Manicad, Heart was the first person that came to mind to be the host when they were conceptualizing the show. “She’s a sensible host and her personality is truly apt for the show, very elegant.”

WeddingsTV is a 30-minute show that gives televiewers a visual feast of bridal shower ideas, cake trends and destination wedding venues. It will also deal on topics on life after the wedding like the adjustment period as a couple, raising a family and strengthening relationships.

With weddings and relationships as theme, Heart, too, is eager on getting a tip or two about planning a wedding. But this is not to say that she’ll be jumping into marriage with Chiz soon.

“At this point we are not really getting married. I’m not engaged. But that’s what we dreamed of; it’s just a matter of time. Anyway I’m not in a rush because I’m working so much and I can’t even handle my schedule so no wedding bells soon.”

For the pilot episode, WeddingsTV will feature different bridal gowns with designer Francis Libiran sharing interesting ideas about choosing the right material and style that will suit one’s body type. Wedding videographer Jason Magbanua, on the other hand, will tell some details to perfectly capture that one special moment. Also learn from Kitten Zapanta some DIY table designs and ornaments that will complement to every wedding theme.