Heart Evangelista's first Paris fashion week with mom was refreshing

For Heart Evangelista, bringing her mother Cecilia Ongpauco to Paris Fashion Week for the first time was a meaningful and emotional experience.

At the media conference for “Heart World” Season 2, the Kapuso Global Fashion Icon shared it was their first time traveling together for an extended period in years.

“Actually, because nag-away kami around 21 years old ako, we never really got to travel — really, really travel — ever since. We did Japan trips for three days, but to be together for over two weeks, ang saya niyang kasama. And I truly missed having her around,” Heart said.

The Sparkle star recalled how her mom became emotional on the first day after seeing her work under challenging conditions.

“Hirap na hirap siya kasi, actually, first day pa lang, umiyak siya kasi naiinis siya kasi nauulanan daw ako. Tapos medyo negative four [yung temperature], tapos syempre kailangan mong umawra sa photographer. So, ‘Why do you have to do that?’ ‘Why do you have to ganiyan?’ Ang dami niyang questions,” Heart said.

Despite the questions and the cold weather, Heart said they both enjoyed the experience.

“We both enjoyed because sa kanya ko naman din natutunan ‘yung kaartehan ko on dressing up and all of that. It was her first time to join me in that trip. It's a working trip. So dati nakikita niya ako sa Subic, nagte-taping. Ngayon, nakita niya ako doon, nagko-content creation, attending shows. And she really enjoyed. Pero by 6 p.m., laglag na siya. Sabi niya, ‘Hindi ko na kayang magtakong.’ But she enjoyed. It's so funny and refreshing to watch,” she said.

For Cecilia, who was also present at the media conference, the trip offered a deeper appreciation of her daughter’s work.

“It was so much fun for me because it's working. It's the first time I saw her and her element in Paris. And I appreciated all the hard work. The passion — I mean, she was never-ending. I mean, in motion. She was forever in motion. She wakes up at 3, 4 a.m. and goes all day long just fixing her outfits, her accessories, content, this and that. Always creative. Made me so proud to watch her in action,” Cecilia said.

Heart admitted having her mother there meant a lot to her, especially during overwhelming moments.

“Sobra talaga. Whenever I'd feel down, I'd feel like, ‘Kulang ba?’ Even if I'm really burning myself, kulang ba? Her words are wisdom, like from the books. One day, maybe I'll do a compilation of lahat ng mga kanyang words of wisdom,” she said.

Cecilia admitted she initially underestimated the extent of her daughter’s work.

“I just didn't realize how much she puts into her craft. She just loves it and gives it more than her own. Made me so proud,” she said. “I thought pa-cute-cute lang siya. No. It was way different. Kaya naiyak ako. Because I saw her, she was so tired and still, she was still going, going, going. Endless. And for me, that was so beautiful.”

Cecilia will be making appearances in the upcoming season of “Heart World.”

“Definitely my mom is gonna give big character vibes. Kasi she was a character that I didn't expect at all. I think may mga pinagdadaanan tayo na at the end of the day, talagang nanay pa rin ang tatawagan at kakailanganin natin…There's just so much that you didn't expect that you will see,” Heart said.

“Heart World” Season 2 will premiere on March 7 at 9:30 p.m. on GMA Network. It is directed by Rico Gutierrez. — LA, GMA Integrated News