Heart & John Interactive

by: Gina Abuyuan-Llanes


        There's definitely more than just makeup and hairstyles to Heart Evangelista, expected to be the next 
"It" girl of local showbiz, much to this writer's relief. In previous articles, she's talked about maintaining her 
hair, keeping beautiful, and fashion, fashion, fashion - which left lots of room for other "worthwhile" endeavors. 
What else could be new? What else was there about this young star that could move and touch audiences
the way "deeper", "more sensitive" celebrities did, such as, say, the late environmentalist Jane Fonda or the 
writer Ethan Hawke? Well let me tell you this: Plenty. Heart's got - forgive me - chockfull of heart and soul, 
all bound up in a pretty, 5'2" package that even the most jaded wouldn't fail to admire,

First of all, artistic blood runs in her veins. In Heart's case, painting, with oil on canvas as her medium; and landscapes and still lifes (mostly flowers), her subject of choice. Unfotunately, she's stopped because of her schedule, which has grown immensely busy over the past year. Things don't look like they're about to slow down anytime soon: "I'm very excited about their plans," she says of her management group at ABS-CBN. Such include her current show, Arriba Arriba (where she can practice her singing and hosting talents), VJ-ing on MYX, a drama movie, and a contract with Star Records. All this just after G-mik, the program that first placed her in the hearts of audiences everywhere, and flicks such as Trip. "So i pray a lot now," she smiles.

Heart has dreamt of this ever since she was a kid. Imagine the stereotype of a would-be movie star who always got the lead in family home videos (shot by her cousin); practiced her smiles and cries in front of the mirror; and who joined the Arts and Drama club in school -- that's Heart. "Ever since I was young, I wanted to act. I've been through a lot already -- I auditioned and lined up and had trainings for so long and finally --." she sighs, "-- it's like graduating from high school or grade school, finally I'm here. I didn't expect it to be this much. I just wanted to see myself on TV."

Her childhood desires were fueled by watching the young Alyssa Milano in Who's The Boss whiles growing up in Foster City, San Francisco, and eventually seeing her idol in the current hit show Charmed. The whole cast of Beverly Hills 90210 likewise served as inspiration.

Before she began to live her charmed life as showbiz's youngest fave, however, Heart had to convinced her parents that the industry was not the nightmare battleground they feared. "They said showbiz is magulo, intriga (chaotic and full of rumormongering), and all that, but maybe it really depends on who you get involved with (in the business), so they didn't want me to join it". Not tp mention the fact that showbiz is tainted with a spate of young, unmarried pregnancies.

        But given any circumstance, that should have been the least of her family's apprehensions. The 
youngest daughter in a brood of five girls and one boy of Cicilia Evangelista and Ray Ongpauco, of the 
Ongpauco clan of Barrio Fiesta Restaurant fame, Love Marie is every inch the lady into the manor born. 
Her grandfather -- the only other family member ever to have been in showbiz -- was producer of 
Everlasting Films. They live in a sprawling estate in Cavite, where Heart keeps two maniature horses 
(which just grow to the size of large dogs) as pets. She could have chosen the life of a spoiled little rich 
girl, but her actions speak otherwise. She talks with the breeding and manner of one taught to respect 
and appreciate people of all persuasions, She speaks clearly and slowly, showing her considerations 
for this writer's recorder amidst the din of blowdryer. She's never late for call time, always tries to         
arrive at least 15 minutes early. Needless to say, Heart grew up in a family where values and propriety 
rule above all else.

Her "discovery" in a Body Shop outlet in Alabang ("we aren't buying anything, just following my sister's crush," she shares) four years ago led to a Rexona commercial a year later, followed by a public workshop, and an audition for ABS-CBN's Star Cirlcle Batch 9. Her father, who she describes as "super strict," would have never allowed her to pursue her career if not for Heart's dare: "If I don't get in, nevermind na. I'll forget na", she remembers telling her father. "But i did, so he didn't do anything na. He just told me not to forget about my studies and not to change because I was earning my own money and everything." Everyone close to Heart has a reason to be proud. Heart has already won an award -- the Star Awards Best New Movie Actress award for Trip -- and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon, just like Jolina Magdangal and Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Baretto, who she admires. When she auditioned for G-mik, she admits, people were apprehensive about her joining the ranks of such personalities. "(Some people say) sila Jolina and Judy are baduy, but i realized -- they're not baduy! They're good! They're galing! I appreciated them when i got in."

Carmi Martin is another star Heart admires, especially when the older actress helped her in a crying scene. "She pushed me and said 'di ka iiyak?!" so I did. Then she said sorry after. I mean, she didn't have to helped me, I'm just this new girl, but she did."

"The best thing about acting is when you watched yourself on TV or on the screen, because it's like you've been working the whole day, 24 hours, then there's a crying scene, and you watch yourself and finally you did it. And you get to work with different directors and act with big stars." It's this appreciation of and drive for learning the acting craft that probably sets Heart apart from the rest of the beautiful faces of current, local showbiz. She owes tons to Beverly Vergel, head of ABS-CBN's acting workshop, who she says is her mentor. When she talks of how Beverly has helped her break out of her shell, the glow in her eyes and the electricity in her gestures are undeniable. "Before, when i would act, it would be alanganin (hesitant), so now, I've learned to give my all. She helped me go out and break the glass (that was shielding me). After that, I became confident of myself na."

Being and staying wholesome is big on Heart's list. She'd never imagine herself going sexy. "That's one thing I wouldn't do. If my career is going to flop, if I knew that I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing now, I'd stop and go back to school and do something productive. I wouldn't want to ahve to push it. I have my timetables, like two years from now, I should be in a soap opera, if i can do it," she says. "If in the next couple of years I see myself going (down), I'd leave na lang. I'd like to stay here forever like a Sharon Cuneta, but if not, I'd leave na. Sakit kasi the feeling when people reject you."

Beyond placing a premium on her career, being wholesome is also the least she can do for her fans -- leading by example instead of mouthing mere words. "If I could do it, I'd want to to convert everyone (from being wild to being wholesome)," Heart says. "Like, when you have problems, you shouln't make wala (a mess out of it). Kids, they tend to take school for granted, so I'll show them that even if I'm busy, I'm still studying," Heart advices. "Don't drop out, because some of them want to drop out and not go to college. I want them to finish school, because it's a tough world out there. And I want them to be aware of guys, to not let guys play with them, or fool around with them. Guys are scary, they're crazy, they'll make up stories like you went out with them but you didn't. Gossip is nakakainis, but you should just ignore them. (You should be more careful in) trusting people, and (be more careful with) hanging out with the wrong people because it's not like before, some kids now are so wild."

Third, Heart isn't afraid of being herself, despite the numerous times she's been called "maarte." "It's weird, they say I'm maarte because I speak English and I smile and I'm friendly -- they just put malice to it. They think I'm plastic because I'm nice, but that's the truth -- I AM nice," she insists. "So the VJ thing at MYX really clicked because there, I'm accepeted for who I am. I don't pretend to be someone else, I don't change myself even though they call me "maarte," Still, she acknowledges that the label is a huge source of anger for her. "(Some people) look at me from the outside and not the inside. They don't see who I really am."

A lot of people may now know it, but Heart is an extremely loyal friend who will fight tooth and nail for those she loves. She's also got a charitable streak beneath the shopaholic surface. "I believe God put me here to help other people -- I don't say it or announce it but I like to help the poor," she discloses. "I donate money or food. I let my parents do it for me. I cant say that He put me here so that I could be a superstar, because I know this is not gloing to be forever and new people are going to come and I know that Hod has plans for them. So i think He gave this to me for me to enjoy it now -- like He gave me good food to taste, bbut I know one day, I'll say ayoko na kasi I'm okay na. I'm full na."




© 2003 Heart & John Interactive and may not be reproduced without expressed written permission of the 
site owner. All Rights Reserved. Heart & John Interactive is owned, designed and maintained by Beth.




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		Star Studio Magazine Cover Story: Chockfull of Heart and Soul October, 2002


		by: Gina Abuyuan-Llanes There's definitely more than just makeup and hairstyles to Heart Evangelista, expected to be the next "It" girl of local showbiz, much to this writer's relief. In previous articles, she's talked about maintaining her hair, keeping beautiful, and fashion, fashion, fashion - which left lots of room for other "worthwhile" endeavors. What else could be new? What else was there about this young star that could move and touch audiences the way "deeper", "more sensitive" celebrities did, such as, say, the late environmentalist Jane Fonda or the writer Ethan Hawke? Well let me tell you this: Plenty. Heart's got - forgive me - chockfull of heart and soul, all bound up in a pretty, 5'2" package that even the most jaded wouldn't fail to admire, First of all, artistic blood runs in her veins. In Heart's case, painting, with oil on canvas as her medium; and landscapes and still lifes (mostly flowers), her subject of choice. Unfotunately, she's stopped because of her schedule, which has grown immensely busy over the past year. Things don't look like they're about to slow down anytime soon: "I'm very excited about their plans," she says of her management group at ABS-CBN. Such include her current show, Arriba Arriba (where she can practice her singing and hosting talents), VJ-ing on MYX, a drama movie, and a contract with Star Records. All this just after G-mik, the program that first placed her in the hearts of audiences everywhere, and flicks such as Trip. "So i pray a lot now," she smiles. Heart has dreamt of this ever since she was a kid. Imagine the stereotype of a would-be movie star who always got the lead in family home videos (shot by her cousin); practiced her smiles and cries in front of the mirror; and who joined the Arts and Drama club in school -- that's Heart. "Ever since I was young, I wanted to act. I've been through a lot already -- I auditioned and lined up and had trainings for so long and finally --." she sighs, "-- it's like graduating from high school or grade school, finally I'm here. I didn't expect it to be this much. I just wanted to see myself on TV." Her childhood desires were fueled by watching the young Alyssa Milano in Who's The Boss whiles growing up in Foster City, San Francisco, and eventually seeing her idol in the current hit show Charmed. The whole cast of Beverly Hills 90210 likewise served as inspiration. Before she began to live her charmed life as showbiz's youngest fave, however, Heart had to convinced her parents that the industry was not the nightmare battleground they feared. "They said showbiz is magulo, intriga (chaotic and full of rumormongering), and all that, but maybe it really depends on who you get involved with (in the business), so they didn't want me to join it". Not tp mention the fact that showbiz is tainted with a spate of young, unmarried pregnancies. But given any circumstance, that should have been the least of her family's apprehensions. The youngest daughter in a brood of five girls and one boy of Cicilia Evangelista and Ray Ongpauco, of the Ongpauco clan of Barrio Fiesta Restaurant fame, Love Marie is every inch the lady into the manor born. Her grandfather -- the only other family member ever to have been in showbiz -- was producer of Everlasting Films. They live in a sprawling estate in Cavite, where Heart keeps two maniature horses (which just grow to the size of large dogs) as pets. She could have chosen the life of a spoiled little rich girl, but her actions speak otherwise. She talks with the breeding and manner of one taught to respect and appreciate people of all persuasions, She speaks clearly and slowly, showing her considerations for this writer's recorder amidst the din of blowdryer. She's never late for call time, always tries to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Needless to say, Heart grew up in a family where values and propriety rule above all else. Her "discovery" in a Body Shop outlet in Alabang ("we aren't buying anything, just following my sister's crush," she shares) four years ago led to a Rexona commercial a year later, followed by a public workshop, and an audition for ABS-CBN's Star Cirlcle Batch 9. Her father, who she describes as "super strict," would have never allowed her to pursue her career if not for Heart's dare: "If I don't get in, nevermind na. I'll forget na", she remembers telling her father. "But i did, so he didn't do anything na. He just told me not to forget about my studies and not to change because I was earning my own money and everything." Everyone close to Heart has a reason to be proud. Heart has already won an award -- the Star Awards Best New Movie Actress award for Trip -- and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon, just like Jolina Magdangal and Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Baretto, who she admires. When she auditioned for G-mik, she admits, people were apprehensive about her joining the ranks of such personalities. "(Some people say) sila Jolina and Judy are baduy, but i realized -- they're not baduy! They're good! They're galing! I appreciated them when i got in." Carmi Martin is another star Heart admires, especially when the older actress helped her in a crying scene. "She pushed me and said 'di ka iiyak?!" so I did. Then she said sorry after. I mean, she didn't have to helped me, I'm just this new girl, but she did." Second, Heart takes acting seriously -- and is sensible enough to see that along with the glitter and glamour, there are responsibilities that one has to won up to. "The best thing about acting is when you watched yourself on TV or on the screen, because it's like you've been working the whole day, 24 hours, then there's a crying scene, and you watch yourself and finally you did it. And you get to work with different directors and act with big stars." It's this appreciation of and drive for learning the acting craft that probably sets Heart apart from the rest of the beautiful faces of current, local showbiz. She owes tons to Beverly Vergel, head of ABS-CBN's acting workshop, who she says is her mentor. When she talks of how Beverly has helped her break out of her shell, the glow in her eyes and the electricity in her gestures are undeniable. "Before, when i would act, it would be alanganin (hesitant), so now, I've learned to give my all. She helped me go out and break the glass (that was shielding me). After that, I became confident of myself na." Meanwhiles, Heart herself plans on doing more comedies and drama, and being an "all around performer like Mandy Moore. She can sing, act, and she's wholesome din." Being and staying wholesome is big on Heart's list. She'd never imagine herself going sexy. "That's one thing I wouldn't do. If my career is going to flop, if I knew that I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing now, I'd stop and go back to school and do something productive. I wouldn't want to ahve to push it. I have my timetables, like two years from now, I should be in a soap opera, if i can do it," she says. "If in the next couple of years I see myself going (down), I'd leave na lang. I'd like to stay here forever like a Sharon Cuneta, but if not, I'd leave na. Sakit kasi the feeling when people reject you." Beyond placing a premium on her career, being wholesome is also the least she can do for her fans -- leading by example instead of mouthing mere words. "If I could do it, I'd want to to convert everyone (from being wild to being wholesome)," Heart says. "Like, when you have problems, you shouln't make wala (a mess out of it). Kids, they tend to take school for granted, so I'll show them that even if I'm busy, I'm still studying," Heart advices. "Don't drop out, because some of them want to drop out and not go to college. I want them to finish school, because it's a tough world out there. And I want them to be aware of guys, to not let guys play with them, or fool around with them. Guys are scary, they're crazy, they'll make up stories like you went out with them but you didn't. Gossip is nakakainis, but you should just ignore them. (You should be more careful in) trusting people, and (be more careful with) hanging out with the wrong people because it's not like before, some kids now are so wild." Third, Heart isn't afraid of being herself, despite the numerous times she's been called "maarte." "It's weird, they say I'm maarte because I speak English and I smile and I'm friendly -- they just put malice to it. They think I'm plastic because I'm nice, but that's the truth -- I AM nice," she insists. "So the VJ thing at MYX really clicked because there, I'm accepeted for who I am. I don't pretend to be someone else, I don't change myself even though they call me "maarte," Still, she acknowledges that the label is a huge source of anger for her. "(Some people) look at me from the outside and not the inside. They don't see who I really am." A lot of people may now know it, but Heart is an extremely loyal friend who will fight tooth and nail for those she loves. She's also got a charitable streak beneath the shopaholic surface. "I believe God put me here to help other people -- I don't say it or announce it but I like to help the poor," she discloses. "I donate money or food. I let my parents do it for me. I cant say that He put me here so that I could be a superstar, because I know this is not gloing to be forever and new people are going to come and I know that Hod has plans for them. So i think He gave this to me for me to enjoy it now -- like He gave me good food to taste, bbut I know one day, I'll say ayoko na kasi I'm okay na. I'm full na." For the time being, tinseltown's appetites remain hungry. Copyright © 2002 Star Studio Magazine. All rights reserved. © 2003 Heart & John Interactive and may not be reproduced without expressed written permission of the site owner. All Rights Reserved. Heart & John Interactive is owned, designed and maintained by Beth.