MANILA - Actress Heart Evangelista on Saturday gave a tearful eulogy to her second mother and hero, the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Evangelista highlighted the doting and compassionate side rarely seen by the public that has known Santiago for her fiery demeanor, at one time declaring that she eats death threats for breakfast.

The actress had just come from Vietnam, where she accompanied husband, Sen. Francis Escudero, who was part of President Rodrigo Duterte's party. Santiago had played cupid between Evangelista and her Senate colleague.

Evangelista said Santiago was there for her when she needed her most.

"For indeed those were the times everything and anything was possible with you by my side, with you holding my hand," the actress said. "You were my fairy godmother, my protector, my hero, my mother, and my best friend."

"You made me feel like the world was just waiting for me to spread my wings and make my dreams come true. You made me feel how special I was and I was indeed a child of the universe, as you would always say. You were ever so generous of your time and my heart to me, everybody wanted to be with you and yet you gave me so much of your borrowed time," said of Santiago, who passed away on Thursday after a long bout with lung cancer.

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"You held my hand so tight and when it was my time to face the world, you allowed me to spread my wings. And though it was probably hard for you to let go, now I understand."

"Because now that it's my turn to let go, it's so hard. I do not want to but I know I have to. I take comfort in knowing that I will see you again."

"You have touched me so deeply and yet you changed me permanently. You guided me perfectly into this world when I needed guidance the most and for that, I thank you. I will forever be grateful for the love you made me feel."

"Thank you so much. For now I shall say goodbye and with a sad smile, I will say, until we meet again," Evangelista concluded.