ADMIT IT, there was a time when all you see in the television was the lovely and bubbly Heart Evangelista. She was and still is, a bankable endorser of all things you can imagine – hair products, skin care products, food, clothing among many other things.
From a great model, she transitioned to film and television actress, primarily getting supporting roles in her earlier years. As she matured into a fine young lady, she continuously honed her acting craft and eventually won multitude of acting awards and recognition.
Now that she just turned a year older, even though she doesn’t totally look her age, let us step back and look at how far Heart had grown. Here are some of the things you may not know about the lovely, Heart Evangelista.
EARLY LIFE
Heart Evangelista was born Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco on February 14, 1985 in Manila, Philippines.
She was born to Reynaldo Evangelista Ongpauco and Maria Cecilia del Gallego Payawal, restaurant magnates from Chinese-Filipino ancestry. Although she was born in the Philippines, she grew up in the United States where her family settled while running a restaurant business. She has several siblings – Camille, Marjorie, Lisa, Miguel and Michelle.
Heart married politician Francis “Chiz” Escudero in 2015 at a private ceremony in the exclusive Balesin Island Club.
CAREER BEGINNINGS
Heart moved back in the Philippines when she was 13 years old to start her show business career. She first appeared in various commercials before landing a role in the teen-oriented afternoon show G-mik as Missy Sandejas, where she was paired opposite John Prats who became her reel and reel partner. Their love team was a hit and both had continued to appear in shows and films such as Trip, Ang Tanging Ina, My First Romance and Berks.
Her first appearances in television also includes ASAP, as a regular host and performer for about six years. She also appeared in Da Pilya en Da Pilot, Da Pilya en Da Guard and two episodes of the longest running drama anthology Maalala Mo Kaya (Exchange Gift and Burda).
BREAKTHROUGH
The tandem John and Heart was changed when Heart was paired with Geoff Eigenmann on the hit movie Bcuz of U. This pair appeared to be much more welcomed as both landed main roles in the primetime drama series Hiram opposite veteran actresses Kris Aquino, Dina Bonnevie and Anne Curtis.
Her fame continued to rise as she was paired with Jericho Rosales in another prime time television series Panday in 2005. She played Rosales’ leading lady. This partnership turned from reel to real and the two actors had dated for three years.
FILMS
Although Heart had appeared in numerous television dramas, her filmography is quite short for someone who has been in the industry for so long. Her debut film was in the movie Trip, a youth oriented feel good film where she played the role of Faye in 2001.
She had her main role in the movies My First Romance (opposite John Prats and with Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz), Bcuz of U (with Geoff Eigenmann, Deither Ocampo, Kristine Hermosa, Hero Angeles and Sandara Park), Temptation Island (with Marian Rivera, Rufa Mae Quinto, Solenn Heusaff and Lovi Poe), Sosy Problems (with Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heusaff and Bianca King) and Trophy Wife (with Cristine Reyes, Derek Ramsay and John Estrada).
ART EXHIBITS
Heart is one of the few actors that passionately pursue her craft aside from acting. It is a well known industry secret that she is an artist by heart and had been painting over several mediums for years on end. Her artistry had been recognized and she in fact had her works exhibited throughout the years. Her first art exhibit was in the Ayala Museum in 2014 with the theme I Am Love Marie: The Art And Works of love Marie Ongpauco.
She was the first Filipino to showcase her work at the Chan Hampe Galleries in Singapore in 2015 with the theme – Love Marie: A Solo Exhibition of A World Class Filipina. Her last art exhibit so far was in 2017 (Heart & Style) at the Fashion Hall of SM Mega Mall.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Aside from juggling her work, family life and other responsibilities, Heart has been active in social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. Her YouTube channel – Love Marie Escudero currently has over 2 million followers. In this channel, she gives us a glimpse of her daily life, passions, work and everything in between.
She is also set to be paired with Richard Yap in ‘I Left My Heart in Sorsogon’ which will be shown soon on GMA.
To the embodiment of love, light and all things in between, happy birthday to our girl, Heart! May you inspire more people, and thank you for being a role model to men and women alike! Cheers!
