Fashion and public service collided at the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) as Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach stole the spotlight with their standout appearances.
Heart, wife of re-elected Senate President Chiz Escudero, arrived in a refined Michael Leyva ensemble. She wore a barong-inspired top paired with a woven Filipiniana skirt during the Senate’s morning session and later changed into a full Filipiniana dress by the same designer upon entering the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Pia surprised many with her presence at the event. The former Miss Universe turned heads in a sleek modern white Filipiniana suit, accompanied by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan. Pia currently serves as an ambassador for the agency, advocating for the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
The joint appearance of the two icons came months after past rumors of a rift, reportedly sparked when Heart’s former glam team started working with Pia, who began frequenting high-profile fashion events.
However, in a statement made in October 2024, Heart clarified, “I never had a problem [with Pia]. In fact, I was one of those who cheered for her in the past… She was so sweet enough, she even used and posted the hashtag ‘Heart May Be You.’ And at that time, I’m so proud.”
She also hinted that it was people around Pia who stirred issues, urging the beauty queen to stay cautious.
Earlier this July, both women attended Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, sitting in the same row at Robert Wun’s Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show—separated only by Brazilian actress Gessica Kayane.
