Kris Aquino with friends image from Jonathan Velasco via Instagram
MANILA — Kris Aquino, the former television host and one of the Philippines’ most recognizable media figures, made a rare public appearance in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) this week, marking a careful re-entry into social life following years of medical treatment abroad.
Aquino, 55, was seen Monday evening with her son, Bimby Aquino-Yap, alongside longtime friends including Dingdong Dantes and television producer Darla Sauler. The outing comes after an extended period of treatment for multiple autoimmune conditions that have largely kept her out of the public eye since 2022.
Her appearance, documented in social media posts by makeup artist Jonathan Velasco, showed Aquino preparing for the evening while receiving intravenous (IV) fluids, reflecting the continuing demands of her medical care. Visuals circulating online indicate an improvement in her condition compared with her departure for the United States in 2022, when her weight had significantly declined.
Aquino returned to the Philippines in September 2024 after undergoing treatment in California for a complex set of autoimmune disorders. She has publicly disclosed diagnoses that include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Churg-Strauss Syndrome, among others. In past statements, she has said her condition requires ongoing immunosuppressive therapy to prevent further organ damage.
Recent updates shared through her official channels indicate a gradual improvement in weight and strength, though her health remains closely monitored. She has also undergone procedures related to long-term treatment access, including catheter-based interventions earlier this year.
Earlier in March, Aquino made another limited public appearance during a private visit to Malacañang Palace, where she attended a lunch hosted by Liza Araneta-Marcos. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also reported to have briefly joined the gathering. The visit marked her first return to the presidential residence in several years.
Despite these appearances, Aquino has maintained that her recovery remains ongoing. She has previously described her condition as medically complex, with complications that have included Deep Vein Thrombosis and fluctuating blood pressure, requiring coordinated care from specialists in both the United States and the Philippines.
For now, Aquino remains on hiatus from regular media work. She has indicated openness to future projects, including a possible digital or video-based format, but has emphasized that any return will depend on her health.
The recent BGC sighting suggests a measured shift rather than a full comeback – one defined by limited engagements, continued treatment, and a deliberate effort to regain strength while reconnecting with a close circle of family and friends.
