(From left) Heart Evangelista, Arnold Mendoza. Images: Screengrabs from YouTube/Love Marie Escudero
Heart Evangelista got candid with her former manager and close friend Arnold Mendoza, gave her some advice about trust and people who tend to “want more.”
Evangelista was in New York City where she met with Mendoza and some old contacts to help her prepare for the New York Fashion Week, where she was invited by some fashion brands. Her husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero came with her. This was seen in her YouTube vlog last Thursday, Nov. 23.
Without mentioning anyone in particular, Evangelista appeared to be in a conversation with Mendoza about “not trusting anybody” while preparing for a fashion event.
“You cannot trust anybody. Only yourself and just a chosen few, especially when they want more,” she said. Prior to this, the video showed Evangelista saying she “really feels safe” when her husband Chiz Escudero is “around.”
Mendoza then pointed out that one cannot be everybody’s cup of tea. “You cannot be everybody’s cup of tea. Kahit ano pang gawin mo, kahit mag-tumbling ka, meron pa ring mga [tao] na ayaw sa’yo (Whatever you do, even if you do cartwheels, there will always be people who don’t like you).”
“Simple lang. Kung kanino ka nagsimula, kung paano ka nagkaroon ng pangalan, bigyan mo naman ng ano… diba (It’s simple. No matter where you started or the place that gave you a reputation, just remember to give back, right)?” he continued.
“Ang kapal ng mukha nyo na kinukwentuhan kayo ni Heart ng mga nararamdaman nya kase kala nya mga totoo kayong kaibigan, pero ginawa nyong alas yon. Di ganon ang kaibigan. Ang kaibigan kahit alam mo ang totoo, may pinagsamahan, hindi mo ilalabas yun e,” he added.
(The nerve that you try to get Heart’s trust because she thought you are her friends, but you made that an ace against her. That’s not real friendship. A true friend, even if he knows the truth, you will take care of your friendship, you will never tattle on your friend.”
Evangelista noted that she doesn’t have any problem about her team “doing other clients” in particular, but stressed that she has the right to her own emotions.
“If they want to do other clients, wala namang problema (I don’t have a problem with that). Tell me naman because ako, bawal, kayo pwede? Bawal akong mag-react (Tell me because I’m not allowed, and you can do it),” she said, to which Mendoza chimed in with “Bastos talaga (It’s so rude).”
The actress then spoke about a certain someone whose father was supposed to undergo a kidney operation, although she didn’t disclose their identity.
“Dear, ito na nga ‘yung pinakagrabe sa lahat. Sinabi niya sa akin na kailangan daw ng tatay ng kidney. [Kung ako ‘yun], ibibigay ko kidney ko. Sinabi sa’kin na tutubo daw ‘yung isa. (Dear, this is the gravest of all their mischief. He said that his father is in need of a kidney operation. If that were me, I’d be willing to give my kidney to them. They said that the kidney will grow back),” she said.
“Of course, ‘di ko sinabi kay (I didn’t mention this to) Chiz,” she added, before laughing with Mendoza.
For his part, Mendoza stressed that Evangelista was the reason why the mystery group became “influencers” and that they’re enjoying privileges that came with being associated with the latter.
“Naging influencers kayo dahil kay Heart. Mga bakla kayo, magre-resign kayo. Sulat? Kapal naman ng mukha niyo. Pwede niyo naman kausapin ‘yung tao. May magagawa pa ba siya kung gusto niyo na siyang iwan? Pero sana namili kayo ng maayos na paraan,” he said. “Dinala kayo sa bansang di niyo kayang puntahan, libre. Tas gusto niyo mag-lamyerda. Ay, day. Trabaho muna.”
(You became influencers because of Heart. Imagine not resigning properly? Not even a letter? What kind of people are you? You can talk to the person. Can she do anything about it? You should’ve done it the right way… You’ve been to countries that you couldn’t have gone to for free. Then you would rather stroll around? You need to work first.)
During their conversation, Mendoza asserted that Evangelista helped them become successful, and that they should be “grateful” for the latter’s help.
“Kaya kayo nakilala dahil kay Heart. Hindi kayo makikilala kung hindi si Heart ‘yung inayusan niyo, pinaganda niyo. At sa totoo lang, ‘di niyo naman kailangan pagandahin si bakla. Kahit lagyan mo nga yan ng putik sa mukha, maganda pa din yan,” he said.
(Heart was the reason why you became known. You wouldn’t be known if you didn’t make Heart beautiful. And to be frank, you don’t even have to make her beautiful. Even if you put mud on her face, she’s still beautiful.)
“Sa totoo lang, dapat naging grateful na lang kayo… Natulungan naman kayo ni Heart. Hindi naman palaging perfect ang relasyon, palaging may tampuhan. D’un mo malalaman na mahal mo pala isang tao. Ayaw mong matapon ‘yung friendship,” he further added.
(Honestly, you should be grateful. Heart helped you get to where you’re at. Not all relationships are perfect. You will not be on good terms all the time. That’s when you know if you truly love someone. You don’t want your friendship to be wasted.)
(L-R) Celebrity makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano, Heart Evangelista and celebrity hairstylist Jeck Aguilar. Image: Instagram/@justinlouisesoriano
Earlier this year, Evangelista was embroiled in a controversy after she reportedly fired makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano and hairstylist Jeck Aguilar, where her former glam team allegedly maxed out her credit card and spent her money.
Despite the allegations — which stemmed from a blind item by host DJ Jhaiho — Soriano pointed out that things between them are “at peace” in October.