Rica Peralejo found herself in hot water after a social media post referencing fashion icon and Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista sparked backlash and accusations of “demeaning” the star.
Now, the former actress is setting the record straight: she never intended to attack or insult Heart, and in fact, she considers her a longtime friend.
In her original post, Rica used Heart as an example to illustrate how public figures often live a different kind of reality — one that many ordinary people should not compare themselves to.
“Para maging Heart E levels ang ganda natin is not only to Aivee ha. It is also those little unseen things,” Rica wrote, referring to luxuries such as not having to cook, do chores, or deal with substandard living conditions.
“In short: HINDI SYA NAHIHIRAPAN like most of us. This is not a critique of Heart or celebs kasi work nila yan, na maging maganda,” she added.
The post was meant to highlight the illusion of effortless beauty and the unfair pressure it places on ordinary people. But many netizens interpreted it as a swipe at Heart — prompting Rica to edit her caption. Unfortunately, she said, “too late — people already started talking about it and accusing me of hating Heart.”
In a TikTok video, Rica directly addressed the hate she had received, even reading a harsh comment that accused her of being “holier-than-thou” and insinuating that Heart didn’t have children to preserve her looks — an accusation Rica vehemently denied.
“That’s not true. I miscarried three times. I know the pain. I would never say that about anyone, especially not Heart.”
She explained that as a former actress herself, she understands why celebrities avoid daily tasks that might wear them down physically.
“We have to avoid everything that might show fatigue on our faces. That’s our capital in showbiz.”
“She doesn’t do a lot of things that common people do because her job calls her to preserve herself — and that’s not a bad thing,” Rica said, pointing out that she once lived that same life.
Rica acknowledged that her post was “misunderstood,” likely due to how it was written.
“There can be a miscommunication. I don’t think Heart has an easy, perfect life. I know she struggles — she’s been open about her mental health, and I admire her for that.”
“The point of my message was: we shouldn’t compare ourselves. We live different realities.”
She added, “I don’t hate Heart. I can hate a lot of people — but not her.”
Rather than fueling the controversy, Heart Evangelista herself responded with grace, commenting: “Don’t worry Ate Rix, matagal na tayo love you always and always.”
To which Rica emotionally replied: “Eh nakakaiyak yung sagot! Love you always too! Thanks for taking the time.”
The two even shared a nostalgic inside joke, with Heart calling Rica her “San Chai” — referencing Barbie Hsu’s iconic role in Meteor Garden.
