Cooking her way to Chiz’s heart

Curtain-raiser:

•Trivia from Dr. Vivian S. Sarabia, “Eye Stylist to the Stars”: Have you seen Star Cinema’s Everything About Her? Check out the name of Vilma Santos’ character, Dr. Vivian S. Rabaya, who is a stage-3 cancer patient. My full name is Dr. Vivian S. Sarabia and I am a third-stage cancer patient (on remission). Coincidence? Funny but is Vilma’s movie based on my story?

* * *

There’s no stopping Heart Evangelista from exploring new fields. She has written a beauty book and has recently mounted her second solo exhibit, with the biggest piece said to cost, hold your breath, P800,000. Her hand-painted bags are priced at P80,000. “They are worth it,” said an art collector. Heart’s first solo exhibit was a sellout.

Guess what Heart is pre-occupied with these days — yes, cooking. Not surprising, if you recall that Heart comes from the clan behind the iconic Barrio Fiesta chain of restaurants (Kalde-Kaldero, Singing Cooks & Waiters, etc.). It’s also in preparation for her forthcoming cooking show on Star World Asia titled Foodtrip, together with celebrity chef Stefano Medicci. She’s also co-writing a cookbook with her mom Cecile.

“My mom is a goddess in the kitchen,” revealed Heart on her Instagram. “I can take tips from her anytime.”

Heart has started attending cooking lessons with her sister Cam and cousin Happy Ongpauco (who owns and manages her own restaurants called Pamana, with a branch in Tagaytay and another one on Mother Ignacia St. right across from the ABS-CBN Studios).

Asked if she’s cooking her way deeper into husband Sen. Chiz Escudero’s heart, Heart said, “Aba, eh, mas magaling magluto ang asawa ko!”

Soon, Heart will be hitting the campaign trail with Chiz, Sen. Grace Poe’s running mate in the 2016 elections. Jokingly riding on the wave of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s popular line “I am confidently beautiful with a heart,” Chiz has been paraphrasing Pia’s signature statement during his interview, “I am confident with a Heart.” He means it literally.

Chiz said that he has been telling Heart stories straight from his sorties in different parts of the country.

“She’s excited to find out for herself,” said Chiz. “She wants to go around the country. Since she has work at GMA and other commitments, she is going with me only during her free time. Sometimes, I will go to some places and she to other places so we can cover as many places as possible.”

Heart’s BFF Lovi Poe will also join the campaign for both Chiz and her sister Grace.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected].)

Another award for Romy Macalintal

Election lawyer Romy Macalintal receives the DWIZ 882 ServIZ award from Josephine Reyes, president/CEO of Aliw Broadcasting Corporation on the occasion of the company’s 25th anniversary. Romy and the other awardees were cited for their ‘unwavering support to the company’s mission in delivering timely, accurate and truthful news to the Filipino people.’