"I hope one day the stars are gonna line and we can find the perfect project to really showcase that talent, that would be so lovely."
Those were the words of Singaporean-American novelist Kevin Kwan when asked if Filipino socialite and actress Heart Evangelista is part of any of his movies or show in the future.
The 47-year-old writer of satirical novels "Crazy Rich Asians" said he would personally "love" for that to happen, but then again, he noted that doing a huge project requires dozens of decision-makers.
He recalled the experienced he had last year wherein fighting for the five actors he wanted to be part of the cast "almost killed him."
Kevin revealed the actors had to go through many rounds, relating one actress even had to audition for 30 times.
"Casting is a whole bag of work," he said.
Kevin promised that despite the challenges, he would "keep fighting" to be able to work with Heart one day.
Asked why he picked her to be part of his video on "Real Crazy Rich Asians" for Harper's Bazaar back in 2018 , Kevin said Heart has "timeless classic beauty" and "elegance and style that really demand to showcase."
The Filipina artist, who was part of the web session organized by the society magazine Tatler Philippines, returned the compliment by saying how that featured changed her career.
"Usually when I attend fashion shows or they give me clothes to wear, I get like the leftovers… I mean, I'm very grateful just for them to invite me and send me clothes," she said.
"But then after the Harper's Bazaar there's a complete change. I would get first pick, they make me pick whatever I want, and I just didn't get what I was given. That was because of that."
Heart added: "And it makes a huge difference. I feel that the stage can still be shared more with the Filipinos, and you did that for us. So thank you."
Kwan replied: "You are more than welcome. It's part of my mission in life. It's really to showcase Asia in all its full diversity."