Minimalist magic: Heart’s elegant, all-white 40th birthday
For a milestone as personal as her 40th birthday, Heart Evangelista entrusted the magic-making to veteran event stylist Badang Rueda. Their longstanding collaboration, built on a foundation of deep trust and shared vision, ensured a celebration as timeless and polished as Rueda’s signature aesthetic.
Known for his knack for bringing his clients’ visions to life, Rueda was once again tasked with creating magic for the actress and global fashion icon’s milestone birthday celebration on Feb. 13.
The bond between Evangelista and Rueda goes far beyond professional collaboration. Their partnership began in 2012 when he styled the star’s home for a magazine shoot. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of a relationship built on mutual trust and creative alignment.
That time, she had a TV show called “Weddings TV.” The show’s director, Marnie Manicad, told Rueda she wanted the stylist not just for a segment, but for an entire episode. It was there where Evangelista asked him about his career aspirations. “Nag-joke lang ako, ‘Basta ‘pag time mo to get married, ha …’ Senate President Chiz (Escudero, Evangelista’s husband) proposed in 2014. I was one of the first people she called,” Rueda recalls.
Over the years, from Evangelista and Escudero’s 2014 wedding in Balesin to their renewal of vows in the same venue last year, Rueda has been the trusted hand during the couple’s milestones.
Over a year ago, Escudero reached out to Rueda via text: “40 na si Heart next year … Mukhang tayo ulit ang magsasama. (Looks like we’re collaborating again).” Thus, the planning began—though themes and concepts were initially left open.
“I know what they like,” Rueda says, describing the Escudero couple as dream clients who allow him creative freedom. “With their events, Heart always tells me: ‘Ikaw na bahala, basta ganda lang maiaambag ko (Your call, I can only contribute beauty).”
Minimalist, all-white theme
This time, Evangelista requested a minimalist, all-white theme. This came as a soft challenge given her reputation for bold, maximalist designs. No flowers were to dominate the scene for her 40th birthday celebration, only cascading candles, elegant textures, and meticulously draped swags for an ethereal ceiling display.
“Classic and clean—that’s what Heart wanted,” says Rueda. He embraced the restraint, crafting a celebration rich in personality yet understated in aesthetics. “I wanted to truly honor what Heart wanted for this milestone.”
Among the standout details were the unique S-shaped VIP tables—commonly used for smaller, intimate gatherings—that he adapted for all 200 guests. “Heart’s guests are her VIPs, so we made sure everyone felt special,” he explains. Beyond design, it was a thoughtful tribute to Heart’s close-knit circle and her ability to create meaningful connections.
Every element of Heart’s celebration was steeped in thoughtful detail. The cake itself became a centerpiece of sentiment and personality—40 mini heart-shaped cakes, each inscribed with witty messages like “May narating kaartehan ko.” Castillo Fuentes, a young cake designer tapped by Rueda, also created a sculpted cake topper that’s a nod to the celebrant’s beloved dog, Panda.
“She wanted everything simple—very clean—and as she said, if anything needed embellishment, it had to be subtle, like a black ribbon,” Rueda says.
The Moët and Chandon champagne tower, a dazzling cascade of liquid gold bubbly, was one of Rueda’s personal favorites. “It wasn’t just dramatic, I feel it truly embodied Heart—classy and joyful.”
Current but also enduring
Rueda’s signature aesthetic—timeless yet uniquely personal—was evident throughout the event. For him, the secret to his success is more than his artistic flair. It’s his ability to create moments that feel both current and enduring. At the editorial photo shoot of a society magazine before, about wedding set-ups by the country’s top wedding designers, this writer asked the editor in chief which among the set-ups he liked best. He pointed at Rueda’s right away. “That one. It’s so classy,” he said.
While the spotlight is undoubtedly on Rueda, he takes pride in involving emerging talents in his projects. For Evangelista’s celebration, event planners Angela Ibarle Silan and Thoffy Consulta ensured every logistical detail harmonized with Rueda’s vision. “Angela made sure everything ran smoothly, which allowed me to focus on the creative side,” he notes.
Fuentes said that when he initially found out that Evangelista decided to take a different route and go minimalist, he was hesitant because his cake designs are on the maximalist side. Rueda told him, “Kaya mo ‘yan, think of this as a challenge.”
Rueda recognizes the larger ecosystem that brings events like this to life. From cake designers to rental companies, every piece plays an important role. “It really takes a village to create an event,” he says with gratitude.
Evangelista’s 40th birthday wasn’t just a party; it was a reflection of her style, her values, and the relationships she cherishes. And, just as importantly, it showcased the artistry and dedication of a designer who knows how to honor his client’s vision while staying true to his own design philosophy.
From the absence of flowers to the cascade of golden champagne bubbles, every detail told a story—one of elegance, thoughtfulness, and enduring grace. For Rueda, this celebration wasn’t just another event; it was a tribute to Heart’s essence and the trust they’ve built over the years.
