WOMAN OF STYLE: Why does Inno Sotto love Heart Evangelista?

MANILA, Philippines - It was always a childhood dream of mine to become an actress; I would sit in front of the mirror and practice how to emote and cry then I would show my tears to my parents,” Heart Evangelista recalls fondly. At 14 years old, after much convincing on her father’s side, Heart took acting lessons and signed up with ABS-CBN a year later. Almost immediately she became a hot commodity on TV and in the movies. At age 15, a star by the name of Heart Evangelista was born.

Not many people know that Heart lived in San Francisco until she was about eight years old. When she moved back to Manila, she immediately faced challenges. “I was bullied in school, the other students made fun of me because I couldn’t speak Tagalog and I had an American accent when I spoke English,” Heart revealed wistfully.

Acting gave her the motivation to learn Tagalog and the passion to overcome her initial struggles to fit in. “My siblings were very happy when I started acting because the bullying became a non-issue,” Heart shared with fondness and obvious relief.

Heart went on to become one of the most viable young talents of ABS-CBN and her career soared to dizzying heights, perhaps too much, too soon. She had a colorful career to say the least; she triumphed, she struggled, she forged on and then retreated, she reemerged all in the span of 11 years in the profession she loved dearly. “This time, I intend to stay, ” she declared emphatically, full of confidence, looking at me straight in the eye and flashing her big, bright smile.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: You said you always wanted to be an actress. What was your first acting experience?

In the Navy: Heart Evangelista dons a nautical-inspired white cotton vintage dress with gold buttons from the ’80s, a gift from her aunt; white leather with stitching open-toe pumps from Zara. Photos by WALTER BOLLOZOS

HEART EVANGELISTA: Actually, I got my first taste of acting courtesy of a Rexona deodorant TV commercial when I was 12 years old.

You were such a hit, a household name in showbiz. Why did you take a hiatus and what did you do during that time?

People believed that my relationship at that time was the reason why I took a break but actually it wasn’t; my relationship was just a circumstance of my life at that time. I was burnt out, at 20 years old I was working non-stop and I didn’t get a chance to enjoy being a normal teenager and a young adult. So for three years, I took the time to have a normal life. I hang out with friends, went to the beach, ate out, traveled and did stuff other people my age usually do.

You had a falling out with your mom at that time. How did that feel?

Of course, it was painful because we were very close and she was also my manager but looking back I understand why she felt like that.  A few years passed before we actually spoke again. Now, everything is great between us. I have never been happier and more content.

Most Hollywood celebrities have personal stylists especially for red carpet events. Do you have one?

No, I don’t have a personal stylist and never had one. I believe in dressing myself up to express my own personal style.

I saw you at the 30th year anniversary show of Inno Sotto. How did you become his latest muse?

I first met Inno Sotto when I was 18. He made my gown for my debut. We stayed in touch over the years and when I returned to show business and he saw how much I had matured since our first encounter, he asked me to be his muse. It was a pleasure and an honor to be handpicked by Inno Sotto. The experience is one of the most memorable in my life.

In the short film shown during the Inno Sotto fashion show, there were many close-ups of you and I couldn’t help but admire your flawless skin. How do you keep it that way?

Purple heart: The actress rocks this mini purple silk dress from Tyler; grey leather booties by Michael Antonio, accessories by Kikay.

I keep a healthy lifestyle despite my hectic schedule so I make sure to eat proper, healthy food and workout as often as I can. I run at least 40 minutes on the treadmill and I do a lot of sit-ups. I also go to Zen Institute for regular laser, hair and facial treatments like diamond peel; having treatments relaxes me as well.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery when you get older?

Nope. Never.

What is your most favorite food? What food do you avoid eating?

I love salads and cheese! I also eat lots of fish, fruits and chicken but hardly any pork or beef. I indulge myself in pasta sometimes but only if it’s the wheat kind; I stay away from fatty and fried food and I never eat rice because it makes me gain weight!

You were once a shopaholic and a great fan of brand name products. Are your fashion preferences still the same?

You know, as a very young celebrity, I went through a Louis Vuitton, Chanel kind of stage but now that I am older and wiser, I realize how important it is to invest my money wisely so I don’t shop like I used to!

How would you describe your everyday style, red carpet style?

My daytime style is casual and smart. My red carpet style would definitely involve an Inno Sotto gown, something simple but elegant.

Are you a high-heels or a flats/ballerinas kind of girl?

It depends on the occasion but normally I wear high-heels.

Has your fashion style changed over the years?

Yes, definitely! When I was young I used to wear lots of colors and way too much accessories. Now, I prefer elegant clothes with the right amount of accessories.

Goddess-like: Heart’s flawless alabaster skin is the perfect canvas for this nude chiffon dress with front draping from Mitch Araullo; Michael Antonio beige strappy high-heels and diamond studs, Heart’s own.

Now that you no longer “shop till you drop,” what do you consider your best fashion buys?

My Michael Antonio high-heels and booties because they are stylish and affordable!

Do you do most of your shopping here or abroad?

I love shopping in Hong Kong and the US. I get to buy clothes that are not yet available locally.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Inno Sotto is my ultimate favorite Filipino designer. For foreign, I like Oscar dela Renta.

How does it feel to be back in showbiz?

I feel like the Lord wanted me to pursue and achieve my childhood dream, continue where I left off so I am feeling very blessed.

Which do you enjoy doing more, teleseryes or movies?

Both. I love doing drama in any form because it is my forte. I can truly express my passion for the craft in this genre but I think I would have a blast doing comedy.

Valentine’s doubles as your birthday, is that the reason why you’re called Heart?

Actually, Heart is my showbiz name. My real first name is Lovemarie.

Wow, that is a very unique and romantic name! Speaking of romantic, for Valentine’s/birthday, what did your boyfriend, Daniel (Matsunaga) give you?

He gave me a roundtrip ticket to Brazil! I still haven’t used it but I’m hoping on my next longish vacation, we can go together to Brazil.

Drama queen: Heart Evangelista stopped traffic with this long black, flowing silk gown by Inno Sotto for his Rustan’s Muse collection.

You were once a very in-demand commercial endorser. Do you have any endorsements in the works?

That’s true. I did quite a number of commercials for consumer brands like Close-Up, Johnson & Johnson, Palmolive and Vaseline. I have a few endorsements currently in the works but they are still confidential.

Every actor/actress has a dream role or the role of a lifetime. What’s yours?

My dream role would be a lead in a romantic movie or love story filmed in Europe!

Which do you prefer, the sea or the mountain, hot or cold weather?

Funny because I love the sea but I prefer the cold weather.

You told me that you would like to have more opportunity to travel. What would be the ultimate vacation experience for you?

My ultimate dream vacation is one that would take me to Europe!

What do you do to relax?

Aside from having treatments at the spa, I enjoy a good read, eating out or bonding with friends.  

If you were not an actress, what would you be?

Hmmm…I’d probably be a fashion designer or a veterinarian!

Please finish the following phrases:

There was a time…when I was young and restless!

I believe that…if you delight yourself in the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart.

I feel like…going on a trip!

A confessed former shopaholic: Heart Evangelista looks simply fab in this batik print one-shoulder top by 3+1 Audrey, Elektra jeans, metallic copper open-toe stilettos by Sergio Rossi and Purple leather oversize bag by YSL; bangles, ring & hoop earrings by Kikay.

If there’s one thing… I could wish for, it would be a great big house with a lot of dogs.

Being in love is…like lying on a bed of roses!

The young, beautiful accomplished actress has clearly gotten her youthful angst out of her system and is reaping the rewards of returning to showbiz. In 2009, at the age of 24, she won the Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Award for Mano Po 6 and the Famas Best Actress Award for the movie Ay Ayeng. Today at 26, she is busier than ever with a hit teleserye  Dwarfina, a regular hosting gig for Party Pilipinas, several movies under wraps and an upcoming movie, the remake of Temptation Island.

A worrier, a lover and a planner as she described herself (in that order), Heart is in a good, happy place in her life right now, professionally and personally. Her career is on high gear, her family relationship is on solid footing and her love life is abloom, just like a bed of roses.