Actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista-Escudero is embracing what she calls her “soft power era” as she turned 40 this year, looking back on her journey in show business.
During the launch of mobile wallet brand GCash’s newest innovation, the “Tap to Pay” feature, Heart sat down with host Boy Abunda to talk about finding peace, healing from the past, and redefining her style on her own terms.
to Heart Evangelista during the event
“This year, I am living my truth and entering my soft power era. I know when to say no. I really went through a war path. I allowed them to chop me up and sell pieces of me just to make people happy. But now I am not going to waste my energy. I have channeled my energy towards building my future, towards being productive,” Heart said.
Marking her 27th year in the entertainment industry, the actress admitted that her younger self often sought validation from others. Today, she said she values mutual respect and reserves her energy for what truly matters.
“I’ve given myself away so many times because I wanted people to like me. But once you reach your 40s, that softness comes with an innate poise that really comes with experiences,” she told Tito Boy.
Heart also described her new outlook as less about speaking loudly and more about carrying quiet strength.
“It’s not soft girl, like I have no backbone, or I’m too sweet. No, it’s totally different. At 40, I am finally free,” Heart continued.
Known globally for her Fashion Week appearances, Heart said fashion remains a powerful tool for self-expression. For her, it is not about chasing trends but about wearing what feels authentic.
“It’s not just about trendy aesthetics or simply dressing well. When I think of fashion, it is all about what feels good for me, creating something unique that builds on and aligns with my personal style,” she said.
Celebrity stylist Pam Quiñones, who joined the event for a live styling segment inspired by Heart’s looks, emphasized practical choices when it comes to clothing.
“If you’re buying something you can only wear once, think twice. You should commit to giving it the longest possible life,” the stylist said.
The conversation also turned to more sensitive topics when Heart addressed the long-rumored feud with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, saying she has no issue with her fellow fashion personality.
“I never had a problem with Pia. In fact, I was one of those who cheered for her in the past,” she clarified, explaining that misunderstandings came from people around them.
“There are some things where I feel, ‘Okay naman tayo, wala namang ganun.’ But again, you have to go on with your life,” Heart added.
While she prefers not to dwell on public speculation, the fashion icon admitted that even painful experiences shaped her growth.
“Sometimes you have to get your heart ripped out because things need to permanently change. You have to get to the next chapter of your life,” she shared. “I work hard for what I have. And at this point in my life, I’m keeping my energy—and my voice—exactly where they matter most.”
For GCash, Heart is the perfect example to represent both elegance and empowerment as the company introduces its latest payment innovation.
The new Tap to Pay service allows customers to make transactions with a simple tap on Mastercard-enabled terminals in the Philippines and abroad, through partnerships with Alipay+ and Mastercard.
