READ: Heart Evangelista pens a birthday tribute to her 'Queen'

It's been close to three years since former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago died, but Kapuso fashion darling Heart Evangelista still misses the veteran lawmaker, whom she considered her second mother.

EXCLUSIVE: Heart Evangelista shares the one tip her mom and Sen. Miriam Defensor agree on

Thus, it comes as no surprise that on Senator Santiago's 74th birthday last June 15, Heart took to social media to pay tribute to her 'queen' and 'ultimate mentor.'

She wrote on Instagram, “It seems like just yesterday we were going on our adventures together, chatting, lunching, and just enjoying each other's company.

“You owe me an Adulting 101, Tita. But it's okay because I remember every single lesson you've taught me until today. Of course, because you were my ultimate mentor and source of guidance.

“I love you always my queen, and Happy Birthday. ”

Senator Santiago was dubbed the 'The Iron Lady of Asia'. She ran for president three times in 1992, 1998, and in 2016. Although she did not win in her bid for the presidency she nevertheless became a three-term senator.

Senator Santiago died peacefully on September 29, 2016.