(UPDATES) MANILA, Philippines — Actress and TV host Kris Aquino returned to the Philippines early Friday morning, after years of seeking treatment for her autoimmune disease in the United States.
Aquino’s official fan account showed a photo of the actress on board a plane, along with her companions, including fashion designer and close friend, Michael Leyva.
Leyva confirmed their arrival through an Instagram story with a caption, “I’m so back.”
Aquino, also known as the “Queen of All Media,” announced that she was returning to the Philippines after staying in the United States for two years to treat her autoimmune diseases.
In an Instagram post, Aquino shared a photo with an airplane emoji placed between the flags of the US and the Philippines.
She said: “I choose to be 100 percent honest. I arrived in the [US] with 3 diagnosed autoimmune conditions, a 4th was confirmed in late June of 2022 (1. Autoimmune Thyroiditis 2. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria 3. Churg Strauss/EGPA- a rare, complicated form of vasculitis 4. Systemic Sclerosis and this 2024 I was diagnosed with 5. SLE/Lupus and 6. Rheumatoid Arthritis.) We are still waiting for the results of 2 more autoimmune conditions.”
‘SO BACK’ Kris Aquino returns to the Philippines for a new round of treatments. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/KRIS AQUINO
Aquino said her decision to return home was largely driven by her need to start a new round of treatments in the coming weeks.
“I need to start my second immunosuppressant infusions in 2-3 weeks (it’s a gentler term for chemotherapy). Emotionally I need the encouragement and unwavering faith my sisters and cousins, closest friends, and trusted team of doctors can provide,” she said.
“Sadly what was the battle to improve my health is now the struggle to protect my vital organs. This is now the fight of my life,” Aquino said.
The 53-year-old then expressed her deep appreciation for the many individuals who have supported her during her time in the US, including friends and medical professionals who stood by her side.
Aquino also gave a shoutout to her “source of strength, and God’s biggest blessing, my ‘BIMB.'”
“They are flying home with me. A longer gratitude post when we get home.
“Bawal Sumuko. Tuloy po ang #Laban,” Aquino finally wrote.
Several celebrity friends shared their love and excitement to Aquino’s post in the comment section, including Maja Salvador, Bianca Gonzales and Michael Cinco, among many others.
“See you ganda,” comedian Pokwang said.
“Praying for you always Ate Kris. We love you so much,” commented singer Angeline Quinto.
“Get well soon, ninang,” shared Bryan Revilla.
It was just in June when Aquino and her son Bimby were interviewed by Ogie Diaz at their home in Orange County, California, where she shared details about her budding romance with a doctor based in Makati City.
Without mentioning any names, Aquino shared, “It just flowed. He’s a doctor, and I think that’s part of the reason why it was easy because he knows what I’m going through.”
“He’s part of the reason why I’m confident I can come home because I know there’s someone who will help take care of me. So, obviously, by saying that, they know he’s a doctor based in the Philippines — in Makati,” she added.
Aquino first got diagnosed with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in 2018 after undergoing tests in Singapore. She is also diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome or EGPA, Erosive Gastritis and Gastric Ulcer and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) over the past years.
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