This year's FAMAS Best Actress Heart Evangelista has defended the award-giving body via Twitter from allegations that it had purposely neglected to invite her during the awarding ceremonies held at the PAGCOR Grand Theatre on Oct. 18.

“Not True (that) I wasn't invited to (the) Famas (Awards) nalito lang siguro ang press (sa officer ko na si) Jun Lalin. (What he actually) said (was) "hindi sa kanya pinadala (ang invitation) sa mom niya." Just wanna clear that.”

In a separate interview, Evangelista intimated that she really wanted to go to the event but was advised against doing so by her manager, Annabelle Rama.

"I really wanted to be there---to wear a long gown---but when I asked Tita Annabelle, she told me that I shouldn’t if I haven’t received an invitation.

“She also told me that (the ceremonies) might finish late and I’d have trouble waking up for our call time. That’s because we have to travel early to Mexico, Pampanga, the next day to tape for Fullhouse.”

The actress admits the award is quite special to her. "It was my first nomination---and I actually won!--- so I’m really happy about it. I really would have loved to accept it in person.”

Evangelista won for her role in “Ay Ayeng,” a movie which she declared “one of the most memorable” in her career.

“I did (the movie) while I was at my lowest (point); (when) I had no projects or (movie) offers whatsoever. (Still), I decided to go ahead and do it.”

For the award, Evangelista competed against Anne Curtis, Judy Ann Santos, Dawn Zulueta, Mellisa Mendez and Megastar Sharon Cuneta whom she, incidentally, is currently working with in “Mano Po 6: My Mother.”

It was Cuneta herself who insisted on having Evangelista cast in the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry.

“That’s why I’m even more pressured now. I don’t want to disappoint Ate Sharon,” said Heart.