Photos courtesy of Evangelista's Instagram page

MANILA (UPDATED) - Heart Evangelista has taken to micro-blogging site Twitter to openly express her feelings for her boyfriend, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

The former Kapamilya actress on Monday shared two photos which show her kissing the 42-year-old lawmaker on his cheek. On the Twitter page of the 28-year-old star, a link to one of the photos is captioned, "I love you! Thank you for being the best."

Despite being seen together in public since Escudero confirmed their relationship last October, both the "Sossy Problems" star and the senator have largely kept mum about their relationship.

However, in February, Escudero expressed his intentions to marry Evangelista in five years, saying having a wife and a mother-figure to his children is vital in having a "complete" family.

The senator's seven-year marriage with his former wife Christine Flores was annulled last year.

Currently engaged in his re-election bid in the May 13 polls, Escudero has denied time and again that he is "using" Evangelista to boost his popularity. The actress has likewise denied the said allegations.

Parents don't like Chiz?

Meantime, Evangelista finally broke her silence on reports that her parents do not approve of her relationship with Escudero.

In an interview with GMA News, Evangelista said this is not the first time that she and her parents had a misunderstanding when it comes to her relationship.

“It happened to me a long time with Jericho and at that time, I was very young kaya nagparaya ako and I thought it would make my parents happy. I understand that you know, they want the best for me and they are very protective,” she said.

She said she feels embarassed because the senator’s family has been nothing but nice to her.

“Nahihiya lang ako of course kay Chiz and sa family niya kasi wala naman silang ipinakitang masama sa akin. Napakabait nila tapos nagkaroon pa ng mga kasinungalingan, ng mga paninira,” she said.

At the age of 28, Evangelista believes she now has the right to choose the person whom she wants to be with.

“Nahanap ko na ‘yung taong para sa akin, huwag na nila ilayo ang taong mahal ko. Masaya na ako and everybody deserves to be happy,” she said.

The actress also said this obstacle will only make her relationship with Escudero stronger.

Meanwhile, Escudero refused to comment on the matter.

“Hindi ako showbiz. Hiwalay ang pulitika sa personal na buhay. Ayaw kong manghimasok sa hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pagitan ng anak at ng kanyang mga magulang,” he said.