THE year 2015 will most likely be an unforgettable year for Heart Evangelista.
Heart, whose real name is Love Marie Ongpauco, turns 30 on Valentine’s Day and she becomes Mrs. Francis Joseph Escudero the day after. She told us that she hopes the Balesin Island wedding will be a simple, solemn island affair with only those closest to their hearts as witnesses.
For her special day, Heart will be wearing a gown by Dubai-based Filipino designer Ezra Santos. “Ezra’s creation is amazing. He had to fly in and bring the gown himself to make sure that it will look fabulous when I slip into it. The final embellishments are done and it is simply beautiful.”
To accommodate the couple’s guests, there will be a bigger reception in Manila, and Heart shared that she will wear Monique Lhuillier for the soiree. “I will be moving a lot during the Manila reception, so Monique and I decided that the gown should be simple so that I’ll be comfortable. I will be changing into a dress by Mark Bumgarner for the after-reception party where DJs will provide the music. This one will be more fun and playful.”
We learned from Heart that she is just taking it easy as the big day nears. “Everything is well-planned so I’m just enjoying my last few days of being single. Also, I have bought gifts for my soon-to-be husband, one for the wedding and another one for Valentine’s Day.”
Although Heart has mentioned in interviews that she will be walking by herself on her big day, a few of us still believe that her parents will show up at Balesin for the rites. Whether they walk with her or not, we reckon it is more important for them to be present at their daughter’s wedding day.
Heart is aware that her husband-to-be has bigger political ambitions, and she seems ready to play her role. “We have promised each other to be supportive of our respective passions and endeavors. He does not interfere with my work as an actress and I don’t dip my fingers into his politics. We do what makes us happy and fulfilled.”
Our best wishes, Heart.
SPEAKING OF WEDDINGS…
The Weddings and Debuts Fair is an annual expo that many look forward to. From caterers to designers, from photographers to coordinators, this event has always been well-attended.
For this year, the fair will happen on February 20, 21 and 22 at Megatrade Halls 1, 2 and 3 of SM Megamall in Ortigas. One of the partners for the event is the Juan Carlo Catering group, which has serviced the parties of celebrities like Carmina Villaroel, Sharon Cuneta, Kathryn Bernardo and Nora Aunor.
Another indefatigable partner of the yearly expo is Charisse Tinio, the power lady behind the Nice Print Photo. The company photographed the weddings of Miriam Quiambao, Yeng Constantino, Chito Miranda, and the recent Dantes-Rivera nuptials.
With almost 100 suppliers, the 2015 Weddings and Debuts Fair is expected to be another major success.
CAN’T HURRY LOVE
The lovely Iza Calzado is not in a hurry to settle down with longtime British boyfriend Ben Wintle.
Now 33, Iza feels that she will know if it is the right time for her to get married. “One can’t hurry love, and all the more we cannot rush into marriage. There are many things to consider, and I guess the couple involved will know if it’s the right time to get married,” she explained. Both Ben and Iza have a lot of dreams to fulfill on their own and, according to the actress, they are supporting each other’s aspirations.
Meanwhile, the couple enjoy being together. “Ben is such a gentle soul and has tons of understanding. My time and schedule have always been erratic and Ben understands, and he has long accepted this reality. We take time to be together, travel and explore activities that will make us happy. For the meantime, that’s more than enough.”
Last year Iza took on a few good film roles: Jun Lana’s Barbers’ Tales and Olivia Lamasan’s Starting Over Again. She has mentioned to us that she dreams of winning an acting plum from a reputable award-giving body. “I guess that is every actor’s dream—to be recognized. But I feel it is also important that the award should come from a reputable organization.”
For this coming Valentine’s Day, Iza shared that she has no plans yet. “Ben might just surprise me!”