Heart Evangelista set to retire in 5 years

Heart Evangelista

Heart Evangelista, who recently celebrated her 19th anniversary in show biz, sees herself staying in the industry for five more years, before moving on to other endeavors.

“Everything that happened after my 10th year was just a bonus, and I’m grateful. I’m giving myself five years. After that, I think I deserve to really live my life,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for her coming romantic-comedy series on GMA 7, “My Korean Jagiya.”

Heart, who—among other things—plans to focus on her and her family’s businesses in food and fashion, related that this potential career move is something she has already mulled over. “I plan my life. I think about everything—I take note of how much I make and how long it would last me,” she said.

The same goes for having a baby. Though she and her husband, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, are not in a rush, Heart said they would actively try for one in January next year. “It’s not on top of our list; I’m a  career-oriented person. But definitely, we will prioritize that by then,” Heart said.

“Chiz doesn’t really pressure me to give him a baby. But I’m 32 now, and I believe it’s more or less the right time,” added the Kapuso star, who quipped that, in a way, she’s already a mother of two, because Sen. Chiz has 9-year-old, boy-girl twins with his first wife.

“I’m more patient now. I take care of some of their school stuff. It’s a big responsibility, but I think I’m ready to have mine,” she said.

Heart turned emotional at the press conference. Being in show biz wasn’t always easy, she admitted. But for her to still get good projects at this point in her career is something “overwhelming.”

“Yes, it pays well, but it could also get draining, emotionally,” she said. “People will judge you despite not knowing you or what you do when the camera isn’t rolling.”

Heart’s no stranger to online bashing. Recently, some netizens criticized her for posting on Instagram photos of luxury items, saying that the actress was just being a show-off. “It’s all about fashion. I paint on bags, it’s one of my businesses. These are things I have worked hard for,” she stressed.

And in times when the negativity becomes too much, she just  reminds herself that she’s blessed to be living a good life. “Sometimes, you take that for granted, especially when people say bad things to you, when they punch you even if you have no intention of fighting back,” she said.

“You can’t let these things bother you. I’m healthy, my career and family are OK. What more can I ask for? You just have to learn to ignore them,” Heart added. “What I have learned in show biz is to enjoy life and my work. Act as if this is your last [show]. And always be grateful and nice, and never look down on anyone.”

In “Jagiya,” which premiered last Monday, Heart plays Gia, a quirky grade school tutor addicted to K-drama, whose ultimate dream is to meet her longtime crush—Korean superstar Kim Jun-ho (Alexander Lee of the K-pop boyband U-Kiss).

Some of the scenes were shot in a number of South Korea’s well-loved destinations, including Seoul Land Theme Park, Nami Island and Namsan Park. “You don’t always get projects like this. This is big for me, and I’m grateful,” Heart said.