BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

“Turns out Kapuso star Heart Evangelista and Kapamilya star Jodi Sta. Maria are related!

Heart revealed this during her Instagram Live when a netizen pressed her about it. The fashion icon and Jodi are actually cousins, something not widely known to the public. They are second cousins, to be exact. Mrs. Escudero only found out late in the game that she and Jodi were cousins.

“Jodi Sta. Maria is my cousin from my [mother’s side]. I love Jodi Sta Maria. She’s super nice and one of the genuine, genuine ones in the show business. I didn’t even know she’s my cousin ’til a few years of show business. She’s my cousin, second cousin,” Heart revealed.

She even compared her cousin to Hollywood actress Natalie Portman. “Jodi is a great actress from the Philippines and she’s like a Natalie Portman exactly. Super beautiful, super expressive eyes. I love her.”

Sta. Maria began her acting career in the late 1990s, initially appearing in various youth-oriented shows and later transitioning to more mature and challenging roles, especially “Tabing Ilog.” Her versatility as an actress has made her one of the most respected figures in the Philippine entertainment industry.

She is best known for her performances in popular television dramas such as “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “Be Careful with My Heart,” and “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.”

She has earned praise and accolades for her acting abilities, including winning Best Actress at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2022 for her role in “The Broken Marriage Vow,” the Philippine adaptation of the British series “Doctor Foster,” which was also remade in South Korea under the title “The World of the Married.”

She was also one of the lead stars in the historic ABS-CBN and GMA Network collaboration entitled “Unbreak My Heart” last 2023 with Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, and her previous reel partner Richard Yap. 

Sta. Maria continues to be active in the industry, taking on a variety of roles in both television and film. But aside from being a great actress, she is also a great mother to her son Thirdy Lacson. 

Heart Evangelista, whose real name is Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco-Escudero, is a well-known Filipino actress, artist, socialite, and TV host. Born on February 14, 1985, she began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, starring in various television shows and films. She has also been involved in several philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

In addition to her acting and fashion career, Evangelista is recognized for her artistic talents, particularly in painting. Her art has been showcased in exhibitions and galleries. She is known for her fashion-forward style and influence in the fashion industry. Evangelista is married to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, a prominent Filipino politician.

They both came from ABS-CBN, although Heart is now with GMA Network.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: FreebieMNL