Many people assume that having a politician-boyfriend can be restricting in that any move by the girlfriend could redound to his career, but Heart Evangelista, she doesn’t think of those things at all.

“I don’t want to rely on anybody when it comes to what I want to do. This is the stage where I know what I am and I know what I want and need to do. So, I don’t really listen to anyone, I listen to myself,” she told Bulletin Entertainment and select members of media when she renewed her exclusive contract with GMA-7 a couple of days ago.

Heart is the girlfriend of Sen. Chiz Escudero who is seeking re-election in the May 2013 polls. Their romance became known to the public last year after he, himself, admitted it on national TV. Since then, all eyes have been on the couple, especially on Heart whose job as an actress sometimes requires her to take career risks by going out of her comfort zone.

Heart is not even closing the door on posing for a men’s magazine but with conditions.

“I’m just thinking of when or what time or why would I pose (for a magazine). It should be connected to what I’m about to do next so ayaw ko na I need to do it for nothing,” she said.

The actress emphasized that going through and learning about life “the hard way” has developed her character into becoming the type of person who is confident with her decisions and willing to stand by them even if these turn out to be “lessons.”

“You know you’re gonna do it right – your intuition is right – but then you look back and you go, ‘Am I right? Yeah, I’m right!’ In the end, I still know what to do and what is right,” she said.

Heart laid out her plans for the next two years.

“I will be doing more primetime movies, ‘yung soap opera style na mga love story. And hosting kasi sayang naman, I like to do that… I’m also saving money, thinking of opening a business, and building a house.”

And marriage?

“As of now we’re just enjoying every moment, we just go through it. I’m happy with my love life – I’m always happy – and I still have time for life unless you’re really there, walking down the altar…”

The secret to happiness, according to Heart, is balance.

“I work out every day, run 45 minutes a day. I like healthy food. I think it’s more na… my life is balanced now, everything is just balanced. Love, health, work, family, friends, dogs. Not overworked, balance lahat. I have time for everything that’s why.”

Aside from headlining the Afternoon Prime series “Forever” and her regular stint on “Party Pilipinas,” Heart is part of “iBilib” where she showcases her hosting skills opposite Chris Tiu. She looks forward to working with Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Aljur Abrenica.