September 24, 2025 | 10:58am
MANILA, Philippines — Socialite-artist Heart Evangelista will not be present for the Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, noting it currently isn’t a good idea for Filipinos to be abroad with luxury brands.
Designers are set to reveal their Spring/Summer 2026 collections in the two fashion cities for the next two weeks, and while Heart is a frequent attendee, she announced her decision to skip the events in an Instagram live video on September 23.
“I know that you guys say ‘laban, laban,’ ganyan-ganyan. I really appreciate you,” Heart said. “But honestly, I don’t think it’s the right time for anyone to, especially from our country, to be going to Fashion Week because I think we need to be here.”
Heart explained that Filipinos had to “open their eyes” and “become one, empathize, really see what’s going on, and see what they can do,” adding she may return to fashion week events next year.
She then answered queries from fans asking why she did not attend the rallies last September 21 in Manila and along EDSA, sharing her frustrations with the country’s issues.
“You think I didn’t want to be in the rally? You think I don’t have a voice? You think I’m not frustrated? You think hindi ako napipikon? Pikon naman din ako ah –– bakit hindi ako Pinoy?” Heart said.
Related: Heart Evangelista tells younger self: ‘Be exactly who you are’
The socialite-artist claimed that a number of individuals they would strip her down if she were at the rallies.
“You think I don’t have a burning flame in my heart? That I feel like I have a lump in my neck or my throat? That I have nothing to say? I have so much things to say because it is unfair,” Heart reiterated.
‘I worked so hard’
The wife of Sen. Chiz Escudero then addressed being dragged into the controversies about “nepo babies” and children of government contractors flaunting their lavish lifestyles online.
“Do not come for my integrity when it comes to my work because goddamn it, I worked so hard. I am proud of what I have. I will not take it sitting down — what some people have been saying about me, not even allegedly,” Heart said.
The socialite-artist pointed out everything she does is “proper and well-documented,” adding while such issue is the “least of her problems” she laments being a “casualty.”
“Ako pa yung naging political tool of entertainment. I will not take that sitting down… if you come for my professional integrity. It’s unacceptable. I am livid about that because, kinayod ko ito,” Heart ended, sharing she would pursue legal action.
RELATED: Say Chiz: Escudero’s road to downfall
