How Heart Evangelista’s ‘kaartehan’ turned her into a global fashion icon

“What will you do with all your money if you’re not happy?”

This was actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista’s reply to Inquirer Entertainment’s question on what else she’s still praying for, career-wise, these days.

Even though she has not been accepting film or TV work lately, Heart is still the subject of news stories with her successes as a major brand endorser in the country, as well as her fast-rising status as a global fashion icon.

“Honestly, I have nothing more to ask for in my career. I’m thankful that after being in this industry for 25 or 26 years, I’m still doing what I love doing. I just wish for good health for myself and my loved ones, especially my dad. That’s what will truly make me happy. Everything else is a bonus,” the 39-year-old celebrity said at a recent launch of Avon’s latest intimate apparels, #360ComfortBras.

Women empowerment

Heart said she does not simply agree to endorsing a product. It also has to be something she can relate to. “Some people think that, because you present yourself in a certain way on Instagram, you’re already perfect. Avon isn’t just about the shape, but also a woman’s personality; about owning your truth, embracing your flaws, forgiving yourself or being kind to yourself. I feel like it’s the whole package. So when I was told that it’s all about women empowerment, I felt that it was also something for myself, to encourage me to empower myself even more,” she explained.

The latest Avon campaign carries the theme, “Shape the World, Embrace Your Power,” and Heart has this to say about it: “It simply means that, in your own little way, you can help the community around you. I may not be super famous, but whoever follows me hopefully learns from my story, from my life. What you see on my YouTube channel, or what I post on Instagram, will hopefully help shape people or give them a glimpse of hope. I don’t have a perfect life. I try to be honest as much as I can, so with that, I hope to inspire them to just keep on going with their lives,” said the wife of Sen. Francis Escudero.

In another interview, Heart said she was pleasantly surprised that a lot of people tolerate her “kaartehan” (fussiness). This time, Heart explained what she meant: “May narating ang kaartehan ko: from my very first role as Missy in [the TV series] ‘G-Mik’ to Portia in [the movie] ‘Tanging Ina.’ Puro kakikayan ang alam ko, but because I try to be as authentic as possible, it is taking me to where I am, which is Fashion Week. I’m just very grateful for that. I don’t consider what I do now as a job—it’s what I love to do. The lesson here is that being authentic will take you somewhere. It’s not easy, but I promise you, it will.”

Learning from experience

Heart said she is determined to “empower women with this body.” She explained: “I am considered ‘very petite’ in the world of fashion. But we’re really made from different cuts, so, to me, it’s all about embracing your imperfections and being comfortable with them. I hope that will be enough to help people boost their confidence.”

In a recent Instagram reel, she is seen bonding and having fun with two women, wearing only a bra top. Heart was then asked how she was able to muster the confidence to shoot the video and post it on Instagram. “It’s all about your experience in life. When I was younger, I was very hard on myself. As I got older, I sort of developed self-worth. I learned to love myself more, gain more confidence,” she pointed out. “I feel like all of these make sense now. I am proud to be the woman I am today and this wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t go through life.”

She continued: “Being confident is hard to do. I don’t feel good about myself all the time, especially on social media. If you put yourself out there, you should be open to accepting all the comments, good or bad. But I feel immune to that already. I’m stronger now. It’s definitely empowering to use what I’ve learned in my life to, in a sense, inspire and help other women.”

Asked to give her advice to women, Heart said: “This is also for those who do not feel at ease with who they are: It’s alright. It’s normal. But with a little more effort—koting pitik, konting suntok, konting push—you will be able to build your self-worth. You only need to love yourself and the rest will follow. And even if other people don’t love you, it doesn’t matter. If those around you love you, that’s all you need.” INQ