After a very long time, Kris Aquino made her first public appearance on Tuesday at the People Asia’s People of the Year 2025.

Aquino graced the event and showed support for her friend and fashion designer Michael Leyva, which was one of the awardees, and was accompanied by her son Bimby.

During the short interview, the TV host apologized for arriving late.

“I’m sorry we’re late, they had trouble waking me up ’cause we started new medicine last night,” she said.

During the photo opportunity, Michael requested that Kris take off her mask, but Kris refused, saying “hindi nga ako pwede magtanggal ng mask, papagalitan ako ng doctor ko.”

Aquino said her last public outing was before the pandemic lockdown, and coincidentally today, February 25, was an iconic day for her family and the nation, as the country commemorates the EDSA People Power Revolution.

“I actually thought today was the 24th and tomorrow is 25. He (Michael) was the one who told me na tomorrow is the 25th. Ay perfect, what a perfect (day) to come out.” says Kris.

She also explained why she has high praises and love for Leyva, saying “he is like a dad to Bimb and to Kuya (Josh).”

“He is more than just a friend. He is like the younger brother I never had. There are people who would say ‘I’ll be there for you’ or ‘Maaasahan mo ako’ but Michael has proven so many times, and in so many ways.”

In her most recent post on Instagram, Kris explained that she is not yet fit to work and is underweight. She is still under treatment for auto immune diseases.

When asked on how she feels, Kris said she is “not so okay”.