'I refuse to die': Kris Aquino reveals worsening health condition, heart at extreme risk
MANILA, Philippines — Television host and actress Kris Aquino marked her 53rd birthday with the revelation that she is living on borrowed time as her health condition worsens due to several autoimmune diseases.
Kris was the guest star of the February 14 episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," where she opened up about her currently deteriorating health condition.
Boy previously said Kris requested him to read a very important statement regarding her health, but after some discussion, they decided to talk via video call. Their talk was aired live on Boy's afternoon show earlier today.
At the beginning of the episode, Boy admitted it would be one of his show's most difficult ones to date as it would be Kris' first onscreen appearance and their first time sharing the screen in years.
Kris and Boy were talk show partners for many years, best known for co-hosting the popular 1990s and early 2000s showbiz-oriented shows "Startalk" and "The Buzz."
The two saw each other for the first time in quite a while last October when Boy visited Kris in the United States, where she has been seeking treatment for several autoimmune diseases since June 2022.
Kris, clad in pink, was calling from Los Angeles at one in the morning and she revealed the results of her recent blood tests.
She revealed her hemogoblin count dropped to an alarming 8.7 (the average for women is between 12 and 16) and needed to take medicines that are not available in the Philippines.
Related: Kris Aquino to share 'very important statement' on her condition — Boy Abunda
A photo of Kris' face with a butterfly rash was proof that the Queen of all Media was suffering from a fifth autoimmune disease, and now she has fluctuating blood pressure as well as swollen knees and bones.
"Pagkatapos ng episode na ito, maraming viewers puwede na maging doktor," Kris managed to joke.
The host-actress continued by sharing her right lung is now affected with several light scratches as an effect of Churg-Strauss syndrome, her third autoimmune disease.
Boy then asked about Kris' heart, which she said the muscles around it were swollen. Kris explained that going to the restroom or attempting to put on weight would give her a heart rate of 120 beats per minute; one time while enjoying a soak in a bathtub, it went up to 146.
"I could have a stroke at any time," Kris admitted, acknowledging that the father's side of her family suffered from cardiovascular diseases. "I would have been fine if hindi ako nagka-autoimmune [diseases]."
Kris' grandfather, Benigno Aquino Sr., died of a heart attack at 53. Her father, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, suffered a heart attack at 47 a few years before his assassination, and her brother, former President Noynoy Aquino, needed an angioplasty five weeks before he died at 61.
She even recounted a health scare when she was 44 years old back when she was hosting with Boy. It was treated in late 2016, but only became a problem again after she contracted COVID-19.
The next six months will be crucial for Kris because on February 19, she will try a new biological medicine that could save her heart but she stands a big chance of suffering a cardiac arrest.
Related: 'Medical bills are getting higher': Kris Aquino says Bimby to return to Philippines to work
Another risk is the new medicine requires the patient needing steroids — which Kris may have side effects from —beforehand to avoid anaphylactic shock and on the medication date, she won't have any immunity and will be prone to more illnesses.
"Bawat araw, especially now na birthday ko pa, pahiram na lang 'to ng Diyos — binigyan ako ng bonus. So whatever days are left, kung anuman natitira, it's a blessing," Kris said. "But I really want to stay alive. I mean, sino ba naman gusto sabihin, 'Handa na akong mamatay.' I don't think any of us can say that."
Kris revealed a promise she made to her youngest son Bimby, now 16, that she'd do everything until he became an adult. She also revealed her contingency plan for what will happen if anything happens to her — two close friends and Boy himself would immediately fly out to be at her side.
As a closing message, Kris thanked God because people she didn't know or never met were praying for her, and promised she would not falter despite the incredibly small chance she'll return to showbiz.
"Hindi ko kayo bibiguin dahil sumuko ako. Wala sa pananaw ko sa buhay na puwedeng sumuko, kailangan lumaban. Hindi ko ipapahiya ang sarili ko sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo ako ng pinakamagandang regalo — pagmamahal, suporta at pagdarasal niyo," Kris said.
She expressed her love for her three older sisters, her friends in the Philippines, especially those who flew to see her, and to Boy himself for the opportunity to talk.
Apparently, Kris was supposed to be interviewed by broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, but the latter gave way because Soho acknowledged Boy was like a brother to Kris.
"Thank you and congratulations sa bago mong kontrata kasi siguro mag-share ka na sa mga medical bills ko. Don't laugh! That's your gift, sa'yo na ako magko-commission," Kris joked towards Boy who still laughed. "I refuse to die. Ang next chapter ko ay to be a stage mother!"
Kris ended with Valentine's Day greetings and sharing her hope of reaching her 63rd birthday. — Video courtesy of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda"/GMA Network, editing by Anjilica Andaya
RELATED: 'Nakaka-flatter': Carla Abellana reacts to Kris Aquino's offer to set her up with a doctor
