The "elephant in the room" during Heart Evangelista’s press conference for her upcoming 10-episode reality series, Heart’s World, was her issue with Pia Wurtzbach.
Heart addressed it head-on, stating, 'Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia."
She reminded, "In fact, I was one of those who cheered for her," referring to Pia’s triumph as Miss Universe 2015.
Over the years, Pia earned the title Queen P among pageant fans, while Heart became known as the Queen of Creative Collaborations.
Read: Heart Evangelista denies throwing shade at Pia Wurtzbach
HEART AND PIA: QUEENS SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
The two, in fact, had a brief yet positive social-media exchange in February 2022, when Pia posted a photo of her Saint Laurent Opyum Heel and Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag, using the trending hashtag #HeartMadeMeDoIt.
Pia's caption read, "Nakikiuso lang," and Instagram followers were quick to celebrate the interaction.
Comments like "Queen to Queen… Women Empowerment" and "A queen supporting another queen" filled the thread.
The post is no longer available on Pia's Instagram feed.
Reflecting on that moment, Heart said, "And I'd like to think it was the same for her. She was sweet enough to use the hashtag, #HeartMadeMeDoIt."
HEART VS PIA
However, by November 2023, rumors of a rivalry began circulating, largely sparked by their simultaneous presence in Fashion Week events.
Heart, having mended her relationship with Marian Rivera at that time, made a comment at the Zalora 11.11 Party that caught attention: "Real queens support each other."
Some speculated that this remark was also directed at another queen—Pia.
Earlier in July 2023, Heart parted ways with her long-time glam team—make-up artist Justin Louise Soriano and hairstylist Jeck Aguilar.
Shortly after, both Justin and Jeck became the glam team of Pia, who became increasingly visible at major fashion shows.
Fans began speculating that some of Heart’s posts were subtle jabs at her former team members.
As both women gained attention in the international fashion scene, whispers of rivalry grew louder.
In June 2024, Pia Wurtzbach made history as the first Filipino ambassador for the prestigious Italian fashion brand Bulgari.
Read: Pia Wurtzbach becomes first Filipino ambassador for Bulgari
Two months later, Heart Evangelista grabbed headlines when she posted about her dog, Panda, sporting a Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace worth PHP11 million.
During an Instagram session, the Kapuso star explained, 'I own the necklace, you know. I can do whatever I want, then pull it out.
"Basically, Panda owns the necklace. So, hindi siya loan. She can do whatever she wants with it."
Netizens quickly speculated that Heart was subtly throwing shade at Pia, pointing out that Panda's necklace is part of the Bulgari Serpenti collection that Pia frequently wears at events.
Heart shrugged it all off, saying in a 24 Oras interview on August 23, "Panda is my most spoiled baby girl. So, I don’t understand why people are making such a big deal... that I put diamonds on her."
Read: Heart Evangelista denies throwing shade at Pia Wurtzbach
HEART'S MESSAGE TO PIA
At the press conference on October 22, 2024, held at The Westin Manila, Heart briefly opened up about how the rivalry started.
She said, "It’s the people she chose to surround herself with for specific reasons that makes this whole thing problematic."
When GMA Kapuso reporter Nelson Canlas asked her message for Pia, Heart responded:
"If I have a message for Pia, it’s congratulations. You have what you needed. I wish you nothing but the best. And good luck."
She added with a hint of caution, "Sana, sana hindi mangyari sa iyo ang nangyari sa akin. Yun lang siguro, ang gusto kong sabihin."