Actresses Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach have found another stage for their presumed “runway rivalry” – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) 2025.
At last Monday’s SoNA 2025, Heart came in a pearl-encrusted gown, with an embroidered Piña top as cover-up. The top was a modern crossover between Camisa and barong Tagalog. For the SoNA proper, she changed to an immaculate white terno with draped details. Both looks are by designer Michael Leyva.
Since she is the wife of Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Heart has been a familiar and a much-awaited SoNA red carpet staple. She also serves as the president of Senate Spouses Foundation.
Wurtzbach, meanwhile, made a “surprise” appearance as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ambassador. She graced the uncarpeted catwalk also in white like Heart. But Miss Universe 2015 wore a white terno suit with butterfly sleeves made of the same fabric as her skirt, which had embroidered floral patterns. The ensemble was designed by Mark Bumgarner, who used to dress up Heart until they had a falling out.
The rivalry between Evangelista and Wurtzbach reportedly started after the latter hired Heart’s glam team.
Last year, Heart said she had “no problem” with Pia.
"But it's the people she chose to surround herself for specific reasons that makes this whole thing problematic," Heart said.