Kapuso fans all over the world celebrated “Heart Kapuso Day” as Global Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista solidified her ties with GMA Network last July 29.
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Present at the significant event were GMA Network President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, and Vice President for Musical Variety & Specials for the Entertainment Group and Heart’s Manager Gigi Santiago-Lara.
The contract signing event was also attended by Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sales and Marketing Group Lizelle G. Maralag, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista, Executive Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.
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Also celebrating Heart’s milestone were Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier-Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Drama Helen Rose Sese, Officer-in-Charge of Program Management Mitzi Garcia, and Consultant of Sales and Marketing Group Riza Garduque.
During the contract signing, Heart turned emotional while expressing how grateful she is to GMA Network, “I just want to thank everybody here because they were with me really through the hardest times. When I moved to GMA, I didn’t know what to offer. My bosses say that I bring so much life but when they accepted me and gave me one of my biggest contracts, I hadn’t proven anything and I’m very, very grateful.”
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Duavit, in return, reminisces his memories of Heart as an artist, “I was recalling what it was like close to 16 years ago, and somehow I find myself in the company of the very same lady, the same person which is remarkable and I speak from the heart. Looking back, I always marveled about why you used to do certain things, acting in a very self-determined way. It brings a great sense of pride. I mean, how proud could a Kapuso be that you are a Kapuso.”
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Yalong, on the other hand, thanked Heart for her continued trust, “I would like to thank you again, Heart, for entrusting GMA for the so many years of a contract that you signed up with us and hope you’ll be forever Kapuso.”
Atty. Gozon-Valdes likewise expressed her gladness about Heart being loyal to GMA and Sparkle. “Heart, words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation that you trusted GMA and also Sparkle. Your contributions to GMA and Sparkle with your talent, class, and style, not just here but also abroad are unquantifiable. We love you, Heart. Thank you.”
Rasonable also shared what makes Heart a Kapuso,“I have one anecdote that I will always remember. One time you passed by the office and I wasn’t there and then you left me a small note that you passed by and then you put your lips on it. Until now, I still have it on my desk. That shows how sincere a co-worker you are, how sincere a person you are and that’s what makes me proud to be your Kapuso. Thank you for renewing your ties with GMA and we will always be here to support you.”
Finally, Santiago-Lara also expressed her delight in the actress’ dedication to her craft, “From the time we started working together, you told me a list of three things you wanted to focus on, and you never stopped working until you achieved all those three. And I can say now that you’ve done it. You’ve taken care of your work, you’ve worked hard, and you’ve taken care of your family. You never forget them, you always put them at the top of your mind. Congratulations again and thank you for staying in GMA.”
Heart’s career in GMA Network blossomed in 2008. She is often out of the country for different fashion events but she still does projects in the Philippines as a Kapuso representing her home network.
When people hear the name Heart Evangelista, her multi-hyphenate personality for being a reliable actress, host, endorser, visual artist, and love for fashion, easily comes to mind.
Heart is also affiliated with The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Balikatan Thalassemia for Children with Rare Diseases, Corridor of Hope for Children with Cancer, Cerebral Palsy Association of Sorsogon, and her foundation Heart Can. Now that her husband Senator Chiz Escudero was elected as Senate President, Heart assumed the leadership of the Senate Spouses Foundation Incorporated (SSFI).
