International fashion icon, media darling, artist, author–there are many ways to describe Heart Evangelista. She’s been in the public eye for so many years, starting off her career as a teenager starring in commercials before eventually making her TV debut in iconic shows in the 2000s.

Now, fresh from being awarded the Global Fashion Influencer of the Year honor at EMIGALA Awards in Dubai, Heart is busier than ever. Constantly collaborating with top designer brands and jet-setting to different corners of the world, her life is a whirlwind of high fashion and fast-paced schedules. Truly, it seems like we know everything about her but according to Heart, there’s much more than meets the eye: “I’m actually very practical, it surprises a lot of people,” she says.

As the newest face of GCash’s summer campaign, Heart reveals her no-fail tips to staying effortlessly chic and on top of everything this summer—especially with her packed international schedule.

For stress-free trips, just pack the essentials

With back-to-back flights and fashion events, planning ahead is key. Her days of overpacking are done–it’s all about planning ahead and doing it well. Heart shares that she makes a lot of lists and vision boards to plan her looks for her trips. “I’d make color palettes and visual inspirations to help me plan things out,” she says.

When it comes to her essentials, she highlights GCash as one of her non-negotiables, sharing that she trusts it so much that she can confidently leave her hotel with just her phone and lipstick of the day in a clutch bag. When something catches her eye, she can pay abroad with a simple scan on her GCash app! , no need to bring out a wallet. It’s travel made lighter, with payments made easier.

For pre-travel activities, Heart trusts GCash GGives—a practical hack that she personally swears by. “Installment payments, of course! Who doesn’t love flexible payment options?” she says.

GGives lets her book flights and hotels without having to worry about using a credit card. For Heart, turning big-ticket purchases into smaller, more manageable installments gives her peace of mind—especially with all the moving parts in her busy life, she gets to balance her finances better. “True luxury is having time and saving time, and GCash gives me just that. I’m able to make all the bookings and purchases I need for my trips within minutes,” she adds.

It’s a practical way to stay on top of her finances without compromising style or spontaneity. See, she really is chic and smart!

Always come dressed for the occasion

There’s a saying that goes “Buy the dress, and the occasion will find you.” For Heart, this has happened so many times that she just subscribes to it. “If I see something and feel so strongly about it, I’ll get it, I know I’ll eventually find a way to wear it for a trip or something,” she shares. Her style has evolved along with her eras–from loud prints, all-white outfits, to now, a more toned down quiet luxury style she can’t get enough of.

But even with this mantra, she admits she has actually become more intentional with her purchases, especially when it comes to clothing. Perhaps it comes with age, too, as she recently celebrated her 40th birthday, but she now puts practicality above everything else. “I don’t shop on impulse anymore. I’ve learned. I’ll really think about the piece and see how I can fit it in my wardrobe rotation,” she shares.

And when a piece makes the cut, she swipes her GCash Card–no hidden charges and low conversion rates! Making all your international purchases a steal!

Enjoy the moment

While Heart is known for her effortlessly cool photos and reels we see on her Insta, she also reminds us to make sure to soak it all in when you’re on your dream summer trip. While people think the photos and videos show everything that happened, they really just offer a glimpse: “What’s important is you actually live in the moment and not forget your whole purpose of being there. Enjoy it, we all work hard to enjoy and travel, so enjoy it for yourself, not for social media,” she says.

Make your dream summer happen without breaking bank

Whether you're planning a tropical beach escape, revamping your closet, or booking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it starts with spending smart. So go ahead, screenshot her style, steal her hacks, and make your own chic summer happen—with GCash by your side.