Kris Aquino at the Stargate People Asia People of the Year 2025. CORNERSTONE ENTERTAINMENT

After years of medical isolation, Kris Aquino made her much-anticipated return to the public eye at the Stargate People Asia People of the Year 2025 awards on Tuesday night, marking her first official appearance since 2022. The 54-year-old television icon and actress attended the event to support her close friend, designer Michael Leyva, who was among the honorees. The occasion was especially symbolic as it coincided with the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a movement deeply connected to the Aquino family. "What a perfect coming out," Aquino told members of the media, referencing her return to the spotlight on such a historic date. Dressed in a bright pink blazer over a yellow shirt, paired with a floral skirt and a yellow face mask, Aquino made her entrance alongside her youngest son, Bimby. Despite her frail condition, she warmly greeted fans and members of the press, many of whom expressed their admiration and concern for her health. Aquino’s talent management agency, Cornerstone, shared photos of her from the event. When asked about her relationship with Leyva, Aquino spoke highly of his unwavering support. "He's acting like the dad to Bim and the dad to Kuya. He's more than just a friend. He's like the younger brother I never had," she said. "There are people who say, 'I will be there for you' or 'maaasahan mo ako' (you can count on me), but Michael has proven that so many times and in so many ways."

Ongoing health struggles

While Aquino's return to the public sphere was met with warmth and excitement, she was candid about her ongoing health struggles. When asked about her condition, she responded frankly: "I'm not so okay." Aquino had been in the US since 2022, undergoing extensive treatment for multiple autoimmune diseases before returning to the Philippines in September 2024. Her last public appearance was in March 2022, when she attended a political rally for former Vice President Leni Robredo. Earlier this month, Aquino revealed that her health remains fragile. "I am still not fit to work," she admitted in a social media post, adding that she continues to battle seven autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, chronic urticaria, autoimmune thyroiditis and a rare form of vasculitis. She also disclosed that she has been struggling with severe weight loss and ongoing medical complications that require constant monitoring. CAM/Expat Media
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