Heart Evangelista puts Filipino bagoong in the global spotlight

Caviar is out, bagoong is in! 😋

Global fashion influencer Heart Evangelista once again embraced a proudly Filipino moment, spotlighting a homegrown delicacy crafted by her father, Reynaldo Ongpauco.

Blending luxury with heritage, Heart expressed strong support for her father’s artisanal bagoong, helping introduce the product to a wider global audience. The actress and style icon also shared updates on her social media, revealing that the product quickly gained traction and eventually sold out.

“My dad’s home cooked bagoong (my caviar) sold out! They are fixing DMs as we speak and will give you an update,” she wrote on her Instagram story.

The umami revolution

Bagoong is a traditional Filipino condiment made from fermented fish or shrimp and salt, known for its bold aroma, deep umami profile, and distinct saltiness. A staple in Filipino cuisine, it is often paired with green mangoes, incorporated into dishes such as pinakbet, or used as a savory base for various stews.

Beyond the culinary spotlight, Reynaldo Ongpauco comes from the well-known Ongpauco family behind the Filipino restaurant brand Barrio Fiesta, which has established a strong presence both locally and internationally, particularly in the United States.

While firmly rooted in the fashion world, Heart continues to expand her influence into cultural advocacy and lifestyle storytelling, seamlessly blending global luxury with Filipino tradition. 

The latest feature underscores a growing appreciation for heritage-driven products that can stand alongside the world’s most prestigious delicacies.