Cover Heart Evangelista celebrates her 40th birthday with friends and family (Photo: Meetkeso)
Heart Evangelista celebrates her 40th birthday with friends and family (Photo: Meetkeso)
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In case you missed it: Heart Evangelista rings in her 40th year surrounded by friends and loved ones
“Becoming 40 is just 20, but with better decisions and an earlier bedtime,” Heart Evangelista playfully quipped in an Instagram post. This month marked a milestone birthday for the always-fashionable artist and socialite. She celebrated the occasion in a way only she could—elegant, grand, and surrounded by the people she loves. If this new chapter was about wisdom, it certainly hadn’t dulled her flair for glamour.
A star–studded soirée was held at Whitespace in Makati. Decked out in a black-and-white theme, the occasion was filled to the brim with Evangelista’s trademark sophistication and eye for timelessness. It was brought to life by event stylist Badang Rueda, who had also planned the celebrant’s wedding and vow renewal ceremony with her husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. White silk drapery cascaded from the ceilings, while chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room. Table settings accented with candelabras added a touch of old-world charm.
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Above A portrait of birthday celebrant Heart Evangelista (Photo: Meetkeso)
Above Heart Evangelista poses with longtime friend and fellow actor Bea Alonzo (Photo: Meetkeso)
A portrait of birthday celebrant Heart Evangelista (Photo: Meetkeso)
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Above Heart Evangelista watches Gary Valenciano’s performance with Chiz Escudero at her side (Photo: Meetkeso)
Above Heart Evangelista’s stepchildren, Chesi and Quino Escudero, pay loving tributes (Photo: Meetkeso)
Heart Evangelista watches Gary Valenciano’s performance with Chiz Escudero at her side (Photo: Meetkeso)
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Undeniably, all eyes were on Evangelista, who stunned in a pale gold Dior Couture gown embellished with crystals. The night was just about family as it was about the festivities, as she was accompanied by Escudero, along with her stepchildren, Chesi and Quino. Parents Reynaldo and Cecilia Ongpauco, and sisters Mich and Cam were also in attendance.
The evening’s grandeur was highlighted by a birthday cake by Chef Castillo Fuentes which stood at an impressive height of two metres tall. The central table featured a lush assortment of 40 smaller cakes to represent each year of the beloved celebrant’s life. Guests were served a delectable feast catered by Chef Florabel Co-Yatco, complemented by cocktails and fine wine.
Anne Curtis, Karen Davila, Bea Alonzo, and Mark Bautista were among the evening’s A-list attendees, alongside designers Michael Leyva, Rajo Laurel, Ivarluski Aserson, and Nix Alañon. Notable figues such as Dr Aivee and Dr Z Teo, Emmeline Aglipay Villar, Mark Villar, BJ Pascual, and many more joined in the festivities.
Above The interior of Whitespace, decorated for Heart Evangelista's 40th birthday (Photo: Meetkeso)
Above A stunning 2-metre-tall cake by Chef Castillo Fuentes (Photo: Meetkeso)
The interior of Whitespace, decorated for Heart Evangelista's 40th birthday (Photo: Meetkeso)
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Above Hosts of the evening Tim Yap and Janeena Chan (Photo: Meetkeso)
Above Gary Valenciano serenades Heart Evangelista (Photo: Meetkeso)
Hosts of the evening Tim Yap and Janeena Chan (Photo: Meetkeso)
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Hosts Tim Yap and Janeena Chan kept the energy high, leading up to one of the emotional moments of the night—Gary Valenciano’s heartfelt performance, a surprise gift courtesy of Escudero. Singing his hit songs Kailangan Kita and Warrior is a Child, he moved Evangelista to tears. Her stepchildren also delivered sentimental tributes. Drag queens Valeria and Versex delighted guests when they took the stage for dynamic performances.
Photographer Meetkeso captured every moment, from Evangelista lovingly embracing her family to loyal friends enjoying the evening on the dance floor. It is safe to say that the multi-hyphenate star started off her fourth decade with a celebration that would be remembered for the rest of her life. One can only imagine her next year to be filled with more moments of love, success and endless support. If this night was any indication, 40 was just the beginning of another beautiful chapter.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
