What was meant to be a private and joyful lunch among friends quickly turned into a tense and emotional moment.

During the intimate birthday celebration of fashion designer Michael Leyva on October 24, 2025, at a posh restaurant in Makati, guests were left alarmed when Kris Aquino, the “Queen of All Media,” reportedly experienced a brief health scare midway through the gathering.

Seated just a few feet away from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Kris was initially in high spirits — smiling, chatting with friends, and posing for photos shared by Patrick Rosas and Justin Dizon on social media. It was her first public appearance in months, and many were quick to note how radiant and hopeful she looked despite her ongoing health struggles.

But according to several attendees, the lighthearted atmosphere turned somber when Kris suddenly appeared weak and pale after the meal was served.

“She looked happy, but then she went quiet all of a sudden,” said one guest, who asked not to be named. “Michael and Liza immediately went to check on her. Everyone was so worried.”

A Celebration Turns Into Concern

Witnesses said that Kris seemed slightly disoriented and had to rest in her seat while her team discreetly attended to her. Although she reportedly assured those around her that she was fine, the concern among guests was palpable — especially given her fragile condition.

“Liza Marcos was the first to reach out, holding her hand and asking if she needed to be taken home,” another source shared. “It was touching, actually. The First Lady didn’t hesitate to show compassion.”

Minutes later, Kris’ personal nurse, who had been accompanying her to public events, administered medication and checked her blood pressure. The situation was quickly brought under control, and Kris insisted on staying for a few more minutes to personally greet Michael Leyva and his family before leaving quietly.

Despite the unsettling moment, attendees said the rest of the lunch continued in a subdued yet respectful mood — with everyone relieved that Kris had stabilized.

A Rare Appearance Amid a Long Health Battle

Kris Aquino’s presence at the event was already a surprise. For over a year, the former TV host and actress has been living in relative isolation as she continues treatment for multiple autoimmune diseases, including Churg-Strauss syndrome (EGPA) and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Her health updates, often shared on social media, have revealed the immense difficulty she faces daily. In her latest post earlier this month, Kris said a doctor now lives with her full-time as she continues to search for a physical therapist, two male nurses, two night-shift caregivers, and a personal chef to support her complex care routine.

Fans were thus delighted to see her looking well enough to attend Leyva’s lunch — the first time she had been photographed in a social setting since mid-2024.

Wearing a soft blue dress designed by Leyva himself, Kris appeared delicate yet elegant, smiling beside friends from the entertainment and fashion industries.

“She really made an effort to come because Michael is family to her,” said a close friend of the designer. “Even if she’s not in the best of health, she wanted to show her support.”

When Two Powerful Women Meet Again

Adding another layer of intrigue to the event was the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was seated beside Kris Aquino. Both women are long-time supporters and close friends of the celebrant — and, interestingly, they share distant family ties.

According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the two women are related through the Sumulong-Cojuangco connection: the First Lady’s aunt Demetria Sumulong married Kris’ maternal grandfather Don Jose “Pepe” Cojuangco. Meanwhile, another aunt of the First Lady, Rosario Cacho, was married to Kris’ uncle Pedro Cojuangco.

This makes the connection between the Marcos and Cojuangco clans more than just political — it is, in part, familial.

Observers noted that the interaction between Kris and the First Lady appeared warm and cordial throughout the event. “There was mutual respect,” said one guest. “They chatted about Michael’s work, about how proud they were of him. You could see genuine affection.”

Michael Leyva’s Emotional Reaction

As news of Kris’ brief health episode spread, the birthday celebrant himself was visibly emotional.

“She’s like my sister,” Michael said later in a short statement. “I was touched that she came, despite everything she’s going through. She has always been one of my biggest inspirations. All I want now is for her to recover fully.”

Michael Leyva, one of the country’s most celebrated designers, has long been supported by both Kris and Liza Marcos. The First Lady has worn his creations at several high-profile events, including the State of the Nation Address (SONA), while Kris has championed his work for years, describing him as “a designer with a heart.”

The two women’s joint appearance at his intimate birthday lunch was a powerful show of friendship — one that briefly overshadowed the glitz of politics and showbiz.

A Moment That United Concern and Compassion

In the aftermath of the incident, social media was flooded with messages of support for Kris Aquino. Fans expressed both admiration for her strength and concern for her well-being.

One fan commented, “She’s fighting so hard. Seeing her out again means so much, but I hope she doesn’t push herself too far.”

As of this writing, Kris is said to be resting and recovering under the close supervision of her medical team.

The brief scare at Michael Leyva’s birthday celebration may have caused alarm, but it also revealed something profound — that beneath fame and politics, there still exists compassion and care.

When Kris Aquino faltered, even the First Lady of the Philippines reached out to steady her.

And in that small, human moment, the room was reminded of what truly matters — not status, not power, but kindness in the face of fragility.