Heart Evangelista (born Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco) is a Filipina actress, visual artist, businesswoman, and global fashion icon. Once known primarily as a teenage superstar in the Philippines, she has successfully reinvented herself into a powerful figure in the international luxury fashion scene. As of late 2025, she is recognized not just for her acting but as a "Global Fashion Icon" who drives millions of dollars in media impact value (MIV) for brands like Dior, Chanel, and YSL. She is also the wife of prominent Filipino politician Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Quick Profile

1. The Global Fashion Icon

In recent years, Heart has transitioned from local celebrity to international >

• The "Heart Effect": Brands have noted her ability to sell out items almost instantly after posting them, a phenomenon dubbed the "Heart Effect." Her content blends high-end luxury with relatable humor (often joking about buying corned beef while wearing couture).

• 2025 Achievements: In April 2025, she was named "Global Fashion Influencer of the Year" at the EMIGALA Fashion & Beauty Awards in Dubai. Launchmetrics and other data firms consistently rank her among the top global influencers in terms of Media Impact Value (MIV) during Haute Couture weeks.​

• Brand Alliances: She has collaborated with or endorsed major luxury houses including Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Versace, and Giambattista Valli. In 2025, she also released collaborations with brands like Voneworld (for the "Love Bag").​

2. Love Marie: The Visual Artist

Under her real name, Love Marie, she is a respected visual artist. She did not start painting for public consumption until her showbiz career slowed down in the mid-2010s, describing it as a therapeutic outlet.​

• Style: Her art often features intricate patterns, women with closed eyes (symbolizing surrender to God or fate), and vibrant colors.

• Hand-Painted Bags: She gained international fame for hand-painting on Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags. Clients, including wealthy collectors from Dubai and Hong Kong, commission her to paint art on their luxury bags to give them a "second life".​

• Exhibitions: She has held sold-out solo exhibitions such as I am Love Marie (Ayala Museum) and In Full Bloom.​

3. Entertainment Career

Heart began her career at age 13 and quickly became one of the Philippines' premier "teen queens."

• Acting: She starred in iconic Filipino shows like G-mik, Hiram, and My Korean Jagiya.

• Network: She was a long-time contract star for GMA Network but originally started with ABS-CBN.

• Rumored "Crazy Rich Asian": There were persistent rumors and confirmations that she was considered for roles or auditioned for the Crazy Rich Asians franchise, and author Kevin Kwan has personally collaborated with her for features in Harper's Bazaar, dubbing her a "Real Crazy Rich Asian."

4. Personal Life & Power Couple Status

Heart is one half of a Filipino "power couple."

• Marriage: She has been married to Francis "Chiz" Escudero since February 15, 2015. Their relationship was initially controversial due to her parents' disapproval, but they have since reconciled.

• Vow Renewal: In February 2024, the couple renewed their vows in Balesin, reaffirming their partnership after a period of admitted marital difficulty.​

• Political Role: As the wife of a high-ranking official, she has served as the First Lady of Sorsogon (during his governorship) and the spouse of the Senate President (May 2024 – September 2025). Her husband's removal from the Senate Presidency in late 2025 was a major political event, but Heart largely maintained her focus on her global fashion commitments during the turmoil.​​

• Stepchildren: She is a stepmother to Chiz's twins, Chesi and Quino, from his previous marriage.

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5. Wealth & Philanthropy

• Net Worth: Her wealth is estimated between $10M and $15M as of 2025. This comes from a mix of family inheritance (her family owns the Barrio Fiesta restaurant empire), her own acting fees, high-value brand endorsements, and art sales.​

• Philanthropy: She founded Heart Can, a charity helping children with respiratory diseases, and is a prominent spokesperson for PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society), actively advocating for the protection of "Aspins" (local dogs). During the pandemic, she launched "Big Heart PH" to provide tablets for students.