🔴 Rica Peralejo Throws Shade at Heart Evangelista’s Beauty and Style — Insecurity or Honest Opinion? 🔴

| July 23, 2025

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Former actress and now outspoken content creator Rica Peralejo is under fire after making remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of fashion icon Heart Evangelista. The comments, made during a recent podcast episode and later echoed on social media, have left fans wondering: is Rica simply speaking her mind — or is this a case of envy dressed as “authenticity”?

🎙️ The Statement That Started It All

During a candid conversation on her personal podcast, Rica Peralejo spoke about the pressure women feel to maintain appearances and keep up with fashion trends — especially on social media.

“Some people, especially those who always attend fashion weeks or flaunt luxury brands, might think that beauty is in how expensive your bag is or how high-end your clothes are. But that’s not real beauty,” she said.

Though Rica didn’t mention Heart Evangelista by name, fans were quick to assume she was referring to the socialite-actress, who is globally known for attending fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York, and being featured by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other top fashion outlets.

👠 Why Heart Evangelista Was Dragged Into the Conversation

The timing and tone of Rica’s remarks sparked immediate reactions. Just days before the podcast aired, Heart Evangelista posted a series of glamorous photos from Paris Fashion Week — once again stunning her followers with high fashion looks, flawless makeup, and luxury accessories.

Because of this proximity, many listeners and netizens connected the dots.

“Who else fits that description? Attending fashion weeks, flaunting brands — that’s literally Heart,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.

The phrase “real beauty isn’t designer bags” quickly trended among Filipino fans, sparking online debates between Rica’s supporters and Heart’s loyal followers.

💬 Is Rica Peralejo Being Judgmental?

Rica’s past shift from celebrity to faith-based content creator has seen her pivot toward values-centered messaging. While many appreciate her authenticity and grounded views, others say this recent remark crosses into judgmental territory.

One comment on Instagram read:

“Rica, we love your wisdom, but why bring other women down? Can’t we just let women express beauty however they want?”

Another wrote:

“Sounds a lot like insecurity disguised as morality.”

Others, however, defended Rica’s perspective:

“She’s not naming names. She’s talking about how society pressures us with fake beauty standards. That’s valid.”

👑 Heart Evangelista’s Silent Power Move

While Heart has remained silent on the issue, fans say her actions speak louder than words. Just days after the controversy erupted, Heart posted an ethereal makeup-free selfie with the caption:

“Beauty is quiet confidence.”

The post instantly went viral, with followers interpreting it as a classy clapback to Rica’s commentary. In true Heart Evangelista fashion, she kept it vague — elegant, minimal, and powerful.

🤔 Insecurity or Authenticity?

Psychologists and public image consultants say it’s common for public figures to express opinions that are later interpreted as attacks — especially when discussing beauty, wealth, or privilege.

“We live in a time where fashion is identity,” said one media analyst. “When you criticize someone’s style or self-expression — even indirectly — it can come off as personal.”

So was Rica’s comment rooted in insecurity?

A longtime follower of Rica Peralejo offered this perspective:

“She has chosen a different path — minimalist, faith-based, anti-materialism. That’s okay. But just because she’s changed doesn’t mean everyone else needs to do the same. Heart is living her truth too.”

📸 A Tale of Two Influencers

Rica and Heart represent very different ends of the Filipino celebrity spectrum today:

Heart Evangelista is the epitome of glamor and luxury. She’s beloved by global fashion houses, regularly appears in couture outfits, and documents her high-end lifestyle with stunning visuals and inspirational quotes.
Rica Peralejo, once a teen star and showbiz staple, now shares spiritual reflections, life advice, and a more “raw” and minimal aesthetic. Her content focuses on inner healing, motherhood, and simplicity.

Both women have strong online followings — but this clash of ideals has now placed them on a virtual collision course.

🧠 The Double Standard?

Some netizens also pointed out an uncomfortable reality: when women express strong opinions, they’re often accused of being bitter or insecure — something that might not happen if the same opinion came from a man.

“Why is it that when Rica speaks up, she’s insecure? Why can’t she just be honest?” a fan posted.

Others countered:

“You can be honest without being shady. The timing and tone say it all.”

👀 Public Reaction: #TeamHeart vs. #TeamRica

Here’s a glimpse at how netizens are reacting online:

❤️ #TeamHeart

“Heart never brags. She inspires.”
“Classy women don’t clap back — they just live beautifully.”
“Insecurity is loud, elegance is silent.”

✝️ #TeamRica

“She’s reminding people not to get lost in materialism.”
“We need more voices like Rica who speak truth, not trends.”
“Real beauty is deeper than clothes.”

📣 Final Thoughts: Can Both Be Right?

This isn’t just a celebrity spat. It’s a conversation about values, femininity, wealth, and self-worth in the age of social media.

Heart Evangelista has built a global image rooted in fashion, confidence, and creativity. Rica Peralejo, on the other hand, has reshaped her identity around simplicity, faith, and introspection.

Both are powerful in their own right. Both are inspiring different kinds of women.

But when philosophies clash — especially when it feels personal — people take sides.

📝 Conclusion

Rica Peralejo made comments about beauty and luxury that many believe were aimed at Heart Evangelista.
Heart responded subtly, without naming names — but with poise and confidence.
Public opinion is divided between fans who see Rica’s statements as judgmental and those who view them as honest.
The issue opens up a bigger question: What does “real beauty” truly mean in today’s world?

For now, both women remain unapologetically themselves — and the conversation about beauty, fashion, and authenticity continues.