Kris Aquino marked her 55th birthday with love and quiet strength as she welcomed February 14 with a traditional salubong at midnight with the people dearest to her heart.
The intimate salubong took place in Kris’ room, where she was joined by her sons, Josh and Bimby, along with a small circle of close friends who have stood by her through the years. The space was transformed with several rainbow-colored balloons – a detail the Queen of All Media recently wished for since she considers this year her “rainbow year” as she continues to battle multiple autoimmune diseases.
READ: LOOK: How Kris Aquino celebrated her birthday through the years
Photos and videos were shared online by her inner circle, showing glimpses of the simple yet deeply meaningful celebration.
Celebrity makeup artist RB Chanco was among those present. In an Instagram post, RB shared moments of gently putting makeup on Kris before they sang her a birthday song and handed her cakes to blow out.
“I know how much strength it took for you just to get up and join us. I saw the Lupus flares, the butterfly rash we gently worked around, and even with the swelling from the steroids your skin was still so pristine your makeup was basically done, just kilay. Even when the migraine brought you back to bed, the time you gave us already meant everything,” part of her birthday greeting for Kris read.
“After years of birthdays spent bedridden, this one felt like a small light turning on. Not loud or grand, just steady and hopeful, the kind that makes us believe better days are slowly coming,” she added.
READ: LOOK: Kris Aquino’s remarkable career that proves why she is the ‘Queen of All Media’
Kris’ doctor, Dr.Geraldine Zamora, also took to Instagram and showed photos of heart-shaped balloons and the feast they shared together. She also posed in selfies with Josh, Bimby, and other guests who gathered to celebrate.
“Birthday salubong for ate K, the #brave,” she wrote.
Jonathan Velasco, a longtime member of Kris’ glam team, likewise shared a clip of himself fixing her hair during the celebration. In his greeting, he spoke of admiration and hope for her healing.
“Happy Birthday Madam @krisaquino and Happy Valentine’s Day. You are such an inspiration, and my prayer is for your healing, peace, and love today and always. May all the love you give return to you tenfold. Love love love.”
Kris responded warmly in the comments, reflecting on their decades-long bond.
“Jonathan, 25 or is it 26 years and we really have become FAMILY. Thank you for being with me through everything. Please find me fuchsia or bright pink hair color? That won’t freak my doctors- please?,” Kris wrote.
Also spotted during the birthday salubong was renowned fashion designer Michael Leyva.
Ahead of her birthday, Kris shared that she is preparing a video podcast as a gift to her supporters, though she is still awaiting clearance from her doctors. Amid her ongoing health struggles, she revealed a simple birthday wish: to reach the age of 60 and eventually hold both senior citizen and person with disability (PWD) cards.