Heart Evangelista understands the challenges women face every day and hopes that instead of pulling each other down, they will support one another.
During an interview at Brooklyn Warehouse on May 2, Evangelista expressed her belief that women are often too hard on each other, caught up in a culture of competition where success is measured solely by external metrics like appearance and career achievements.
“Well, the honest truth, I feel like, you know, women can be tough on each other. Especially in our industry where in a sense, we grew up to think that everything is a competition. You’re just as good as your number,” she said.
The fashion icon continued, “But as you get older, you know, looks will fade. Your career won’t be a career one day. It’s your heart that will stay. No one’s perfect and it’s a test of time. Again, only time will tell, and, hopefully, everybody can just help each other, not step on each other.”
She reminded all women to be “there for each other” and to set aside any ego.
“All you have to do, siguro, for a woman to woman is ask. When they see you’re humble, with all means, go, I’ll help you. ‘Di ba, ganon naman yun, e.”
She advises women: “This is also for those who do not feel at ease with who they are: It’s alright. It’s normal. But with a little more effort—konting pitik, konting suntok, konting push—you will be able to build your self-worth. You only need to love yourself and the rest will follow. And even if other people don’t love you, it doesn’t matter. If those around you love you, that’s all you need.”