Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Heart Evangelista couldn't help feeling emotional at her contract signing with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

"I just want to say thank you so much. I'm very overwhelmed. To GMA, thank you so much for everything. You were there for me throughout the way and I'm just very grateful that you trust me.

Heart with the people who help her continue to sparkle (from left): GMA Network and Sparkle executives Gigi Santiago-Lara, Mr. M, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Joy Marcelo, Lawrence Tan, Anne Puno, Rochelle Tuazon, and Renze Rovie

"I also want to thank Mr. M and Ms. Mariole [Alberto] as uhm... ay naiiyak ako," she said with a laugh, trying to hold back her tears.

"You saw me in a crowd and everybody else is here because you saw me first. So thank you so much. I'm happy that I've been blessed with angels who take care of me. I've always wanted to make you proud."

The momentous occasion, dubbed The Heart of Sparkle, was held at The Residences at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City.

In her interview with GMANetwork.com, Heart said that this event was some sort of "renewal of vows."

"They [GMA Network and Sparkle] have been so good to me for many, many years. They've been very supportive of everything that I do. It's nice that they also trust me with my decisions, and they're a hundred percent there for me.

"I'm so happy to be with everyone especially, people that you know are here for me at this very moment."

Heart also credits the man who helped her from the very beginning of her showbiz career.

"Mr. M, they basically picked me out of the crowd. I really owe everyone who's here. So I'm very nervous, actually because it's the first time that I get to see everybody that has helped me throughout the years."

Heart shares a tender moment with Mr. M

Mr. M, as we all know, is Johnny Manahan, the famous "star maker" who also serves as a consultant for Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

In fact, right before her interview with GMANetwork.com, Heart and Mr. M shared a tender moment in the lobby, giving each other a warm embrace and exchanging a few words. Heart says he's been like a father to her.

"I have so many good memories with Mr. M. I remember after opening a noon-time show back in the day, he would ask the assistant director to tell me to come up to the booth and I'd eat pizza with him. Siya talaga ang naka-discover sa akin. It's nice that he's here because this is so meaningful for me. Even after all these years, I've always wanted to make him proud."

GMA Network Inc. Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who led the ceremonial toast to honor the moment, expressed in her speech how grateful the network is for having Heart as of its loyal talents.

Atty. Annette leads the ceremonial champagne toast to honor Heart's success and loyalty

Addressing Heart directly, she said, "Thank you so much for trusting Sparkle. We're very proud not just of the star you've become, but also of the woman you've become.

"Continue forging your own path. Show your authenticity, show your authentic self, because I think that's your key to success. There can only be one Heart Evangelista. We're very honored to have you with us."