BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In the glitzy world of Philippine showbiz, where fame and fortune collide, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to find themselves embroiled in controversies.

Rumors of tension between Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista have been circulating for years, with sources hinting at an underlying competition for the throne of the country’s ultimate leading lady. Finally, after several years, it seems that the two Kapuso stars and queens, Marian and Heart , have patched things up!

The moment of Kapuso stars Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista hugging was captured during the birthday celebration of GMA Network chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon recently. In GMA Network’s Instagram post last Monday, December 11, their statement about the embrace between Heart and Marian can be read. The video was from Tim Yap’s Instagram account.  

The caption of the post reads, “Just queen supporting queen. What a beautiful world where love reigns.”

This is the very first time that the two were seen in such a scene since the rumors spread that they have reconciled.  Here were the netizens’ comments: “Awww so nice to see Marian and Heart rekindling their friendship.”

“This is so admirable seeing the TWO LEGIT ICONS, Heart and Marian of GMA rekindling their friendship. Our wish is that GMA will have a REUNION project either in a musical TV show like SOP and Party Pilipinas or a teleserye or a movie project. Another wish is that GMA will bring back the ORIGINALS KAPUSO ICONS together on a musical TV show because we all know that the BIG STARS used to own the stage in GMA.”

“This is oozing with positive vibes.”

“OMG, my two darlings. So soothing to the eyes to see people on great terms… Spread love and positivity…”

“Aww. My heart to see Princess Heart and Queen Marian in one frame.”

The “Queenly” Reconciliation

Eagle-eyed netizens noticed that Marian and Heart are now following each other on their respective Instagram accounts. Heart confirmed that she and GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera have indeed reconciled. 

According to the report by Aubrey Carampel on Chika Minute last Saturday, November 11, Marian and Heart have been in communication, but they reportedly chose not to disclose the details publicly.

“I don’t want it to be anything that’s for publicity because something like that should be from your heart. Marian and I, we’ve always liked each other,” Heart explained. She added, “Real queens support each other. It’s a testament that it’s really the people around us that makes things bad.”

The Royal Rumble of the Two Queens

The alleged conflict between Rivera and Evangelista began in the year 2011. Back then, Rivera was throned as the GMA’s Primetime Queen after the success of “Marimar” and “Darna.”

Evangelista, of course, was one of the bankable stars of ABS-CBN before transferring to GMA. She was able to maintain her star status. 

The rumored discord between Rivera and Evangelista began during their participation in the comedy film “Temptation Island” with Rufa Mae Quinto, Lovi Poe, at Solenn Heussaff.

Allegedly, they both showed interest in being paired with the respective partners of the other. 

At that time, Evangelista was in a relationship with Daniel Matsunaga, while Rivera was romantically involved with her now-husband Dingdong Dantes.

It is reported that Marian was allegedly provoked when Heart reacted excessively upon learning that her next project would involve Dingdong, who was dating Marian at the time. 

An irritated Marian confronted Heart, who became scared. The incident reached Heart’s mother.

Shortly afterward, Heart’s mother, Cecile Ongpauco, reportedly confronted Marian at the airport. 

However, on June 15, 2011, Heart tweeted that she and Marian were okay, stating, “Showbiz is showbiz so, Heartworld, let’s not fight.”

GMA issued a statement characterizing the issue between Rivera and Evangelista as a “personal one” and urged them to “resolve this unpleasant matter.” Following that, they were not spotted together.

Second version

But according to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) report published on July 28, 2011, there was this second version of the Marian-Heart feud. 

On June 22, veteran columnist Mario Bautista’s report in People’s Journal featured the narrative of Trish Madrigal, who shared what had been previously released on July 25.

Here’s the statement from Trish (as is): “There was actually some kind of problem between Marian and Heart at the Temptation Island shoot. Heart was egging Marian on by asking when will she and Dingdong get married.”

“Two of the people that were with Heart that day were also taunting Marian with jokes about her penchant for speaking Tagalog, they called her ‘Bobita’ [stupid], and made fun of Marian’s age and saggy skin.”

“Marian talked to Heart about this and they fixed it right away.”

“Afterwards, Marian and Lovi Poe were talking about how some people in showbiz aren’t really what they seem.”

“Heart took offense and started crying [and] then called her mother, and a few of her fans.”

“Hence the angry tweets to Marian. Lovi tried to explain to Heart that she’s not [one of ] the fakes in showbiz they’re talking about.”

“After that was settled Heart told her fans to make peace and don’t say bad things to Marian coz they’re OK.”

“Marian and Heart decided that once they’re back in Manila, it’s all good. Bygones. Or so Marian thought.”

“It got worse at the airport because Heart either neglected to call her Mother back [to explain] or maybe she wasn’t genuine in her PEACE talks.”

“When the girls arrived at the airport, Heart’s Mom was waiting there with eight cops.

“She said hi to Solenn Heussaff and Lovi Poe but snubbed Marian Rivera. So [when] Marian went to Heart to kiss her goodbye, Heart’s Mom grabbed her daughter away and told Marian to stay away from Heart.

“Marian was so humiliated all she could do was cry.”

Third version

Meanwhile, the third and last version came directly from Heart Evangelista.

According to the actress, she was allegedly threatened by Marian that her fans would hurt her.

Heart also denied what happened at the airport. She claimed that it wasn’t true that they had police with them at that time; they were just airport security. 

She also mentioned that her mother greeted the artists who greeted her back.

“Masama lang po ang loob ko dahil nabaligtad na po ang sitwasyon.”

“Hindi po totoo na nagdala kami ng napakaraming pulis. It was airport security po,” she said in an interview.

“Actually, inassist lang po ang mommy ko ng dalawang security dahil bawal na po kasi magsundo ng pasahero doon sa loob.

“So, doon na po siya sa labas naghintay, sa may baggage area.”

“And noong lumabas na po ako, binati ng mommy ko yung ibang artista na bumati sa kanya, and we left na po right away.”

Conclusion

After almost a decade has passed, both Marian and Heart are still queens of the GMA Network, and they both now have husbands and their own families (although Heart and Senator Chiz Escudero don’t have children yet).

The wish of their respective fans and supporters is not only for reconciliation but also for the two Kapuso queens to work together again in a project. 

They also hope that in a TV series or film, other queens of the network such as Bea Alonzo, Barbie Forteza, Carla Abellana, Beauty Gonzales, Rhian Ramos, Jennylyn Mercado, and others, could join them.

On the other hand, the two Kapuso stars are busy with their respective projects and thriving in their lives. Marian and Dingdong have a comeback movie titled “Rewind,” which is part of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) under the production of Star Cinema. 

Meanwhile, Heart renewed her contract with GMA Network and is actively engaged in her fashion career, participating in various fashion weeks in different countries.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Instagram/@officialtimyap