A look-back at Heart Evangelista, former glam team’s relationship

Before the issue on credit cards and hold order came about, Heart Evangelista and her former glam team composed of makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano and hairstylist Jeck Aguilar were good friends. They would be seen in many of the actress-fashionista’s fashion shoots and events. But when the feud ignited among them, none of them could straight out reveal the root of their misunderstanding that eventually led to their parting of ways.

Evangelista has since shifted her focus to strengthening her personal brand in fashion circles with a new glam team in tow. On the other hand, Soriano and Aguilar are now working for Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who’s also a fashion icon in her own right.

Reports of Soriano and Aguilar being unable to fly off to Dubai has forcibly put them back into the spotlight, and inexplicably, all eyes shifted to Evangelista. Could she have anything to do with it?

So far, Evangelista has yet to comment on the reports but she caught the attention of netizens after making a cryptic post targeted a certain enemy on social media.

Amid the tug-of-war, let’s take a look at the relationship between both parties from their close relationship to their bitter fallout.

Working relationship

2018: In an interview with fashion magazine Preview, Soriano recalled meeting with Evangelista at a brand shoot in 2018 and ended up working together through mutual friends a year later.

“When [the] pandemic [and lockdowns] happened, I had to stay in her house as a personal makeup artist, and our relationship became more like [that of] siblings,” he was quoted as saying. “Working with her gave me a lot of opportunities. My inner creative spirit got more stimulated and inspired to do better and give great outcomes.”

Aguilar, for his part, said in a Philippine Entertainment Portal report that he had been working for Evangelista before Soriano joined their team. He, however, didn’t disclose how their professional relationship started.

(L-R) Celebrity makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano, Heart Evangelista and celebrity hairstylist Jeck Aguilar. Image: Instagram/@justinlouisesoriano

Heart, Justin, and Jeck’s friendship

Like many working relationships, Evangelista, Soriano, and Aguilar became closer to one another, almost to the point where they considered each other as family. The makeup artist and hairstylist were also core members of the actress’ team that prep her up for fashion events, at the same time bringing their creative visions to life.

“Heart’s easy to work with. She’s funny and creative,” Soriano told Mega Magazine in an interview in November 2022. “Understanding her vision made it easy for me to work with her.”

Heart Evangelista with Jeck Aguilar (leftmost) and Justin Louise Soriano (rightmost). Image: Instagram/@iamhearte

Among the perks of their job was to get a ticket to many fashion week events worldwide that Evangelista gets invited to.

Credit card rumors

Rumors of a “celebrity” firing her glam team made rounds in entertainment circles in 2023. Content creator DJ Jhaiho of Marites University claimed that one member of the team even cried in front of the star and confessed to spending her money without her consent. No name was mentioned at the time but eagle-eyed netizens speculated that the allegations pertained to Evangelista, Soriano, and Aguilar.

June 2023: The speculations of their fallout made waves since then, but it was heightened when the Evangelista made a snippy remark against a certain someone who maxed out her credit card and spent all her money.

“‘Yung ready ka na sana magwaldas dahil may mga nangg*g* sayo pero nakalimutan mo na may 24 months to pay na pala sa card mo (When you’re ready to splurge because someone betrayed you, but you forgot that there’s a 24-month installment plan on your credit card),” Evangelista’s Tiktok video read.

July 2023: Despite the rumors, Soriano asserted that he would “keep his mouth shut” although he confirmed that a falling out indeed happened but money matters were not involved.

“The falling-out has nothing to do with money matters. Please, let’s stop making issues. We are over it already. Patahimikin na po natin ito (Let’s put this issue to rest),” said Soriano, in response to a netizen’s inquiry on Instagram.

“[The credit card rumors are not the] true reason ng falling-out… That was created to pivot the story. But again, my mouth will remain shut,” he further added.

However, showbiz writer and talent manager Ogie Diaz claimed that Soriano and Aguilar parted ways with Evangelista due to her “attitude.”

Moving on

2023: Both parties appear to have moved on, with Soriano and Aguilar now with Wurtzbach, though they have yet to disclose how their professional relationship began.

Soriano told reporters on the sidelines of the Preview Ball that things between him and Evangelista have settled.

“Okay na lahat. Everything is doing well ngayon. Things are at peace na, tahimik na… Prayers lagi. Time heals everything talaga. I’m happy to support and see her again (Everything is okay. Everything is going well now. Things are at peace and quiet now. Prayers matter. Time really heals everything.)

Justin Louise Soriano and Jeck Aguilar are now working with Pia Wurtzbach (center). Image: Instagram/@justinlouisesoriano

Heart breaks her silence

Evangelista, however, claimed that a black propaganda was made against her in October 2023, saying she will continue to show her love for fashion no matter what. Weeks later, she got candid with her former manager Arnold Mendoza to talk about trust.

“You cannot trust anybody. Only yourself and just a chosen few, especially when they want more,” she said in a November 2023 vlog. “If they want to do other clients, wala namang problema (I don’t have a problem with that). Tell me naman because ako, bawal, kayo pwede? Bawal akong mag-react (Tell me because I’m not allowed, and you can do it).”

Mendoza, for his part, said: “Ang kapal ng mukha nyo na kinukwentuhan kayo ni Heart ng mga nararamdaman nya kasi akala niya mga totoo kayong kaibigan, pero ginawa nyong alas yon. Di ganon ang kaibigan. Ang kaibigan kahit alam mo ang totoo, may pinagsamahan, hindi mo ilalabas yun eh.”

(The nerve that you try to get Heart’s trust because she thought you were her friends, but you used that against her. That’s not real friendship. A true friend, even if he knows the truth, will take care of your friendship, you will never tattle on your friend.)

(From left) Heart Evangelista, Arnold Mendoza. Images: Screengrab from YouTube/Love Marie Escudero

Derogatory record?

January 2024: Soriano and Aguilar made headlines after they were allegedly barred from traveling to Dubai where they were supposed to meet Wurtzbach and fashion designer Mark Bumgarner at an event.

An airport insider then confirmed to INQUIRER.net that they were already held back at the check-in counter at the airport.

“May Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) daw ang Dubai kaya pag ‘di pwedeng pumasok, airline pa lang ‘di na makakapag-check in,” the source who spoke on condition of anonymity said. “No derogatory record daw both names sa Philippine immigration kaso mukhang sa Dubai sila may derogatory record… Sa airline pa lang may ‘do not board’ na sila.”

The glam team’s alleged HDO caused alarm among the fans of Wurtzbach as well, as they flooded her recent Instagram posts with comments about the matter. Some praised her for being “classy” throughout the ordeal, but others hoped that she would replace Soriano and Aguilar due to their past issues.

Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Despite this, the Department of Justice said in a Jan. 26 media briefing that no HDO was issued against Soriano and Aguilar.

“It was found that there was no derogatory record. Wala naman po silang HDO. Wala din silang international lookout bulletin order,” said DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano.

The involved parties have yet to make a clear statement about the matter, as of this writing.