ICYMI, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Heart Evangelista renewed their wedding vows in a glamorous ceremony on Thursday, February 15, 2024. This comes nine years after their 2015 wedding at the same venue, Balesin Island Club.
READ: The Differences Between Heart Evangelista And Chiz Escudero's 2015 Wedding And 2024 Vow Renewal
The wedding and wedding vow renewals were both scheduled a day after Heart's birthday on February 14 (yes, Valentine's Day!), so February truly is ~*love month*~ for these two. Their first "interaction" was actually in 2009, so let's take a look back at how their love story began.
READ: Heart Evangelista And Chiz Escudero's Relationship Timeline
2007: Heart had a crush on Chiz way back in 2007!
For her husband's 50th birthday in October 2019, Heart posted a series of loving throwback posts of her and Chiz over the years.
She started the Instagram Stories series with a photo of a *young* Chiz! "So it all started as a crush…2007," Heart wrote. "I saw you speak at this event at La Union and I was like…'Hallelujah' [laughing emoji] Seriously—blown away."
"Crush ko na talaga si Chiz ever since 2007 pa. May iba pa akong boyfriend noon and I saw him at a La Union beauty pageant I was hosting," Heart further shared in a January 2022 Tiktok video.
December 2009: Heart and Chiz apparently first noticed each other...at the airport!
In July 2021, Heart took to Instagram to share a photo from a 2009 trip when she remembered seeing her now husband at the airport.
"I remember this trip so well. I think I was 24," she wrote on an Instagram Stories. "I saw Chiz at the airport smoking section!" she added. "I didn't even care if it was stuffy, I totally waited there for my flight. He was on his laptop (snob) Little did I know..."
In her next Instagram Stories post, Heart shared an old tweet from Chiz—he noticed Heart, too! "Already at the airport and guess what... Heart Evangelista is here!!" Chiz wrote on Twitter on December 6, 2009.
On Twitter, a netizen reposted the IG Stories and wrote, "So I guess I have to travel?" tagging Heart. "Exactly...you never know," the actress replied.
June 2012: Heart revealed that she and Chiz have gone on a date—twice!
Heart appeared on The Buzz and dropped the news that she and Chiz had already gone out for dinner twice. This set the internet ablaze since it was only several weeks after her breakup with model-actor Daniel Matsunaga. It was also around a month after the annulment of Chiz's marriage to Christine Flores, the mother of his two children.
September 2012: Heart admitted that she and Chiz have been "going out a lot lately".
According to PEP.ph, Heart admitted that she and Chiz have been going out a lot lately, but she's in no rush to enter into a relationship. "I'm not really in a rush. I'm still taking my time. I'm just enjoying. It's too early."
October 2012: Chiz revealed that he and Heart are exclusively dating.
During the October 5, 2012 episode of Kris TV, the politician officially revealed that he and Heart are exclusively dating.
Chiz said, "I would like to think so, yes," when Kris questioned him about having a girlfriend. The senator also called Heart his "sanctuary."
Chiz shared that he and Heart connected through a mutual friend—the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Chiz also looked quite kilig when reacting to Heart's interview about their relationship: "He makes me laugh. He's very nice...we're having fun."
February 2013: Chiz revealed that he wants to marry Heart within the next five years.
In a February 9 interview on Showbiz Inside Report, Chiz was asked if their relationship was heading towards marriage. "Hopefully, yes, and it would be unfair, stupid, and wrong to say that you don’t wish, you don’t want it to head in that direction," he disclosed.
Asked if he had a time table, he said, "In 10 years, 53 na ako. Huwag naman. In less than 5 years."
March 19, 2013: Heart's parents held a press conference to express their disapproval.
In a press conference they held at their home on March 19, Reynaldo and Cecile Ongpauco voiced their disapproval over their daughter's relationship.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News' Mario Dumaual, Heart's mother also said, "She has not thought about this sufficiently or properly. We think she should think about this for a longer period of time."
March 20, 2013: Heart tearfully defended their relationship on national television.
The actress publicly denied her parents' claims through a guest appearance on GMA's Hot TV.
"Anak mo ‘ko, pamilya tayo. Tama na, Mom. Walang mananalo dito. Lahat tayo nasasaktan," Heart tearfully pleaded to her mother.
Heart also told PEP.ph, "Nahihiya lang ako sa boyfriend ko, kay Chiz, saka yung family niya, wala naman silang ipinakitang masama sa akin, napakabait nila tapos nagkaroon pa ng mga kasinungalingan, mga paninirang ganyan."
March 21, 2013: Chiz spoke up to defend himself against the Ongpauco's accusations.
In a press conference, Chiz denied all the allegations raised against him. "I didn’t want to talk and have wanted to keep my private life separate from my public life, but my kids and my mother are already getting affected," he said. "What Heart’s parents are doing is just not right."
March 21, 2013: Heart's parents released an official statement explaining their reasons for urging Chiz to leave her alone.
In their official statement, they claimed it was unacceptable that Chiz could not give Heart a church wedding. Though his wedding was annulled in July 2012, Cecilia pointed out that Chiz still can't remarry in church. The Ongpauco couple also called Chiz "rude," "arrogant," and "an alcoholic."
"We are now appealing to Mr. Escudero to leave our daughter alone for a cooling-off period," Cecile said.
August 2014: Chiz proposed to Heart at his ancestral home in Sorsogon.
On August 23, 2014, Heart arrived for what she thought was a regular dinner at the Escudero home. Instead, Chiz told his son Quino to take out a heart-shaped heirloom ring (that reportedly came from his mother Elvie Escudero). Chiz got down on one knee and asked Heart, "Will you marry me?" Of course, Heart said, "Yes!" The fireworks display that lit up the Sorsogon skies was a clear sign of celebration! Heart's close friends Lovi Poe and Alessandra De Rossi also came to witness the special moment.
August 2014: Chiz revealed he asked Heart's dad for his blessing before proposing.
In a text message sent by Mr. Ongpauco to Chiz (who shared it to Heart later), it reads: "congratulations. heard the news and i just wanted to wish you well. it seems like yesterday when you were just a little girl now you're all grown up, on your own and engaged. as a father, i wish you all the happiness, love and blessings in the world. only you deserve the best. i love you very much. - dad" Aww!
January 2015: Heart was surprised with a bridal shower!
On January 12, Heart's close friends and the staff of Startalk, the show she hosted at the time, surprised her with a bridal shower. Eventologist Tim Yap and socialite Tessa Prieto-Valdes hosted the event at Fernbrook Gardens. Rhian Ramos, Iza Calzado, Lovi Poe and Alessandra De Rossi were all present, and Chiz also dropped by to support his fiancée.
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January 2015: Heart released prenup photos and a video ahead of their wedding day.
Lensed by Pat Dy, captioned the photos "Coming soon...... . #chizandheart021515 #chizandheart". Chiz clearly looked ready for his big day, while Pat described Heart as a "Greek goddess."
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Heart also released a prenup video ahead of their wedding day, shot by Bob Nicolas.
February 2015: The couple got married in Balesin.
fter more than two years in a relationship, Heart and Chiz tied the knot in a Catholic wedding ceremony held at Balesin Island Club.
Heart's closest friends made up her list of bridesmaids: Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Carla Abellana, and former Berks co-star Sarah Christophers. Her older sister Camille Ongpauco was the maid of honor, while their other siblings Michelle and Lissa were secondary sponsors.
Fun fact: Mark Bautista gave a live performance of "How Did You Know?" for Heart's walk down the aisle—and she chose his song "I Will Be Here" for her wedding vow renewal walk!
May 2015: Heart hinted that she and Chiz will get married for the second time.
Following her reconciliation with her parents Reynaldo and Cecile Ongpauco, Heart posted a photo from their wedding with the caption, "All I can say is...I can't wait." Many of her followers commented asking if this was about a possible pregnancy, but Heart replied, "Not pregnant yet next year pa."
August 2015: Heart and Chiz confirmed that they will renew their vows in 2016.
"Simple lang ho na seremonya ‘yon. Kami-kami lang para may litrato kami na kapiling ang kanyang mga magulang,” Chiz said. The senator disclosed that only very close friends and family—including Heart’s parents who weren't able to attend their wedding at Balesin in February 2015—will be invited to the second ceremony.
"This time, we will have a wedding photo with Heart’s parents and with mine. It will also be our thanksgiving for so many blessings," he revealed in an interview with the Philippine Star.
February 2016: Heart wrote a touching post dedicated to Chiz to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
Sharing a photo by Pat Dy to commemorate their first anniversary, Heart penned a sweet message for her husband.
"You are the light of my life,my mentor,my inspiration the only one who made me feel so much love. I am who I am today all because of you...I can't thank God enough for giving you to me...I am blessed with having you in my life...thank you babe for loving me,for teaching me to spread my wings. to many more beautiful years together my darling. cheers to today and forever... happy anniversary." Aww!
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September 2017: Heart returned to the Star Magic Ball!
Dressed in a stunning black strapless gown, Heart celebrated the 25th year of Star Magic with her ABS-CBN colleagues at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Saturday, September 30. She attended the party with her husband Chiz!
Heart's last appearance at the Star Magic Ball was back in 2014.
May 2018: Heart announced her pregnancy, and revealed that she had been expecting twins.
On May 17, Heart posted a photo of her first ultrasound, revealing that she and Chiz were expecting twins: "Unfortunately, one of the embryos was smaller and behind in terms of development and so we lost one of the twins. Our hearts were heavy at the thought but we knew we had to focus on the good."
"We now have a little angel up there and I trust that God is with us on this beautiful journey. I have to thank my wonderful husband who really has been my partner through it all. There is no one else I would rather do this with."
June 2018: Heart announced she had a miscarriage.
"There are not enough words to express how heavy my heart feels but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey. At this week’s doctor's appointment, just as we hit the three-month mark, we found out that her heart stopped beating," she wrote. The actress also revealed that the name of her unborn child is "Mira."
"My Mira, funnily enough, I already loved your smile. I know you’ll find your way back to me," she said.
She also expressed her gratitude for her fans' support in this difficult time. "Your kindness and positivity in sharing about your own miscarriages remind me to be strong.
I am so grateful for all your love throughout this entire journey. It’s not the end, just another chapter."
November 2018: Heart and Chiz disclosed that they signed a prenup and keep separate bank accounts.
In an interview with PEP.ph, Heart revealed that they do not have a joint account in the bank.
"I think it's good that we don't because sometimes hindi ako makatakas when I really want to be irresponsible and buy something. He'll always question my purchases, hindi ko naman daw kailangan. So, I'm very happy with that freedom that I don't have to share an account with him."
In October 2018, Heart and Chiz became a trending topic on YouTube when the Kapuso actress uploaded her vlog, "Adulting 101 with Sen. Chiz Escudero." The couple spoke about their financial setup, and after giving advice on money matters, Chiz revealed that they have a prenup: "What's hers is hers, what's mine is also hers."
February 2019: Chiz gifted Heart with a Bicolano song for their fourth anniversary.
ICYDK, Chiz is from a prominent political family of Sorsogon province where the dialect spoken is Bicolano.
In Heart's post, you can hear a rendition of the song. It's full of feelings and sounds almost like a classic kundiman. Aww!
October 2020: Heart uploaded a touching video greeting for Chiz's birthday.
On her Instagram account, Heart posted a video showing photos of her and Chiz through the years. She wrote a heartfelt birthday greeting to her husband as well.
"I am forever in awe of your wisdom, humor, and compassion. I could go on and on about how we’re so lucky to have you, but it would take me forever. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful I am to have you as my husband. With you, celebrations are a lot more memorable and bad days are totally bearable. Here’s to a lifetime full of love and happiness!"
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April 2021: In a new vlog, Heart asked her dad why he didn't attend her wedding.
When Heart began her relationship with Chiz, it resulted in an eventual falling out between her and her parents, who chose not to attend her 2015 Balesin nuptials. But in 2021, all is finally well with Heart's family and Chiz.
In a new vlog, the star spent a week in Sorsogon where Chiz is based because of his governor duties. Deciding to tease her two men, Heart suddenly asked her dad: "Bakit hindi ka pumunta sa wedding?"
Reynaldo admits a bit of regret in not attending their wedding and replies, "Sayang, naging bati na sana kami noon pa." Aww!
June 2021: Heart's mom Cecile Ongpauco spoke positively of her daughter's marriage to Chiz.
It seems like time heals all wounds, because Heart, her sister Camille, and their mom Cecile had a mother-daughter bonding sesh on Heart's vlog! Cecile even praised Heart and Chiz's marriage. "You know what I like about your marriage? You allow each other to grow. You don't stunt her growth. You don't cramp her style. I think that's what's good about her marriage. He allows her to grow on her own."
September 2021: Heart styled Chiz for a wacky couple photoshoot.
On X (formerly Twitter), Heart posted a behind-the-scenes pic of her folding the hem of Chiz's jeans. "As a stylist na napipikon dahil ayaw mag sapatos ng talent ko," she jokingly wrote.
Heart gushed over Chiz's willingness to pose for wacky couple photos with her: "If you only knew how long it took to have him agree to let me shoot and style him. Surprisingly, he was super game! Thank you, babe. Here's to us."
January 2022: Heart revealed she was determined to fight for Chiz in a TikTok video.
Heart shared details about their brief split upon the request of her parents and how Chiz fought for their relationship: "My parents went out on this beautiful press conference that they had. I broke up with him. Sabi ko, cool down na muna tayobecause I'm a curse to everybody that I'm with. Suprisingly, he did something I couldn't imagine, especially since it was election time and people were telling him to break up with me na."
"He fought for me. It was the first time anyone did that for me and he wanted me to be in his life, no matter what. Kahit mahirap, okay lang. Mawala na lahat huwag lang ako," she continued.
"I met a lot of wonderful people, but I just met somebody greater than all of them and I felt that I think this time around I should fight for him," Heart stated.
@lme85 Reply to @_papited ? original sound - Heart Evangelista
September 2, 2022: Rumors circulated about Heart and Chiz's potential breakup.
Speculations about their rumored break up began when netizens noticed that Heart dropped "Escudero" in her name on Instagram. On September 2, the actress uploaded a vlog in which she revealed she was currently "going through personal struggles", fueling talks of marital problems.
September 8, 2022: Heart's mom Cecile Ongpauco speaks on the couple's rumored marital problems.
Asked about her daughter’s marital status, Cecile Ongpauco revealed that she hadn't spoken to the couple yet, but she was praying for her daughter to get through her struggles, including her possible rift with Chiz. "It’s their private life so I am just praying for them. I know they will be okay. I’ve known Chiz to be a mature and grounded person that’s why I am happy for my daughter."
October 2022: Heart skipped her usual birthday greeting post for Chiz.
Heart further stirred rumors about their alleged separation after she seemingly *snubbed* her husband’s birthday on October 10.
Heart is known for penning the sweetest birthday greetings for Chiz, but skipped posting a tribute this year and kept to her usual brand-related postings.
December 2022: Heart shut down breakup rumors with an Instagram post.
In an Instagram post on December 31, Heart shut down all breakup speculations in the most epic way. "Happy 2023," she wrote, ending the year with photos of herself with Chiz and his children.
May 2023: Heart opened up about her pregnancy and miscarriage, and her rumored separation with Chiz, on FTWBA.
While guesting on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Heart opened up on her motherhood journey. "Even for a brief moment in my life, I realized that I can be a better person and not necessarily that you have to give birth or not necessarily that you have to physically be a mom, but the idea and what my angels made me feel? Good enough for me."
Asked by Tito Boy if she would still want to be a mother, Heart responded, "I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. If I’ll be a mom, why not? I remember at that time, pinagdasal ko na, 'Find your way back to me in any form' and for me, hindi ko pinipilit yung mga bagay-bagay. I don’t allow myself to be heartbroken dahil may bagay na hindi binigay sa 'kin because I’m always grateful."
Heart also discussed her rumored split: "I feel like, at the end of the day, not just with marriages, friendships, with people you work with, everyone goes through problems," she said. Despite the challenges she has faced, however, the actress says that at this point in her life, "everything is in place."
June 2023: Chiz attended Fashion Week with Heart.
"Told you it was the NEW ERA," Heart wrote in an IG post. "Bravo @escuderochiz," Heart added. "Officially welcoming you to fashion week!"
This isn't the first time Heart had referred to a "new era." Earlier in June, she also posted a photo with Chiz, calling it an appreciation post.
"Through hell and beyond you have stood by my side. And I thought I knew what unconditional love was. Today, we are finally on the same chapter. It's a new ERA."
July 2023: Heart and Chiz attended the GMA Gala 2023 together.
Heart and Chiz attended the GMA Gala 2023 together, and the fashionista rocked a jaw-dropping custom Schiaparelli gown. Netizens were quick to deliver compliments, but Chiz's reaction was truly the winner!
"You look absolutely gorg babe… 'wearing this (the Bulgari necklace, that is)… and only this," to which Heart responded, "hayop ka ???? Hindi toh Viber !!!! Ig toh !!????" LOL!
August 2023: Heart and Chiz talked about their marriage and dealing with friendships and heartbreak in a vlog.
In an episode of Adulting with Heart and Chiz titled "Love, Marriage, Friendship, and How to Deal with Heartbreak," Heart and Chiz emotionally opened up about their ups and downs as a married couple of eight years.
"I hated you for the wrong reasons," the actress honestly shared. "I think I looked at you as the enemy when you were actually my guardian angel the whole time. But that's what's so beautiful about you is that you saw me for my everything, through everything—but you were so steady. I thought you were emotionless, honestly. But in the end, you're still here."
Despite their marital problems, Chiz never once thought of giving up on Heart, or their marriage. "No, I'm like Jason Mraz and his song "I Won't Give Up."
"Nobody said marriage or our marriage was perfect, but I feel like it's the imperfections that make things close to perfect and makes a marriage a good marriage...And the realest and the most ugliest part of the story is actually the one that matters the most because it just shifts everything and makes it better," Heart ended the video.
January 2024: Chiz revealed that he and Heart would be renewing their wedding vows in February 2024.
Chiz revealed in an interview with Karen Davila that he and Heart were planning on renewing their wedding vows after nine years of marriage. "I have friends who do it at the 5th year or at [sic] the 7th year itch. It truly depends. If you truly love each other then you can actually do it every year if you want," he stated. There's a lot to celebrate in life right now in our family, in our marriage, between us, with her."
February 14, 2024: Heart celebrated her birthday with Chiz, her family, and closest friends at Balesin.
Heart celebrated her 39th birthday with her dearest loved ones at Balesin, ringing in her 39th birthday with a midnight kiss from her husband. She also received eye-catching new diamond ring as a birthday present!
Ahead of her wedding vow renewals, the actress hired photographer Andrei Suleik for a gorgeous birthday photoshoot by the beach. Here's a close up shot of the ring!
February 15, 2024: Heart and Chiz renew their vows after nine years of marriage.
Heart and Chiz renewed their vows on their ninth wedding anniversary in front of their closest family and friends. Dressed in an Elie Saab couture gown, makeup artist Albert Kurniawan was responsible for Heart's bridal glam—just as he did in 2015!
Heart changed into a custom Michael Leyva creation for her second look, and the backless dress was fully beaded with Swarovski crystals!
Heart also shared a highlight video via Instagram Reels of some of their special moments together on Instagram to commemorate their special day. "Happy #chizheartchaptertwo," she captioned her post. Congratulations, Heart and Chiz!
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READ: Here's A Sneak Peek At Heart Evangelista And Chiz Escudero's *Renewed* Wedding Vows
