Host-actress Kris Aquino made a brief comeback in front of the camera but had to brave through a bout of rheumatoid arthritis, according to showbiz creator “Mama” Loi Villarama.
Mama Loi, a good friend of the “Queen of All Media,” was present for Kris’ promotional shoot for the Philippine arm of streaming platform Netflix.
The streamer tapped the host-actress for a new campaign where she would serve as its “Chief Head of Insights and Kontent Analysis” or C.H.I.K.A. for short, reviewing scenes from local titles and offering her signature critique on how they can be improved.
On their Instagram account, Mama Loi shared behind-the-scenes clips of Kris’ shoot where all crew members had to wear face masks as Kris is still recovering from several autoimmune diseases.
At the end of the shoot, Kris’ youngest son Bimby had to help lift his mother from a chair, indicating that Kris fought off fatigue and weariness.
Mama Loi themselves shared in their post’s caption encouragement to see Kris in front of the cameras again, noting how she was battling rheumatoid arthritis, causing her bones and legs to swell.
“I felt ‘yung pag-usli nung mismong buto on her knees na namamaga,” they continued. “Earlier during the shoot it was okay, pero ganun pala talaga ang autoimmune, nakakagulat ‘pag nakaramdam ng pagod, nag re-rebelde na.”
Kris never complained; however, according to Mama Loi, and always in high spirits amid the difficulties and tiredness. Mama Loi called Kris “a true professional” whose first takes always made the cut, never showing she was in pain.
They added that Kris continued shooting until 1:30 a.m. even though her cut-off was set at midnight.
“Sobrang saya namin na mapanood kang muli, KCA,” Mama Loi ended. “Praying your continued healing and we are eanestly looking forward to see more of you, Our Queen.”
The host-actress has not participated in a long-term project since the pandemic, her last movies being “I Love You, Hater” and a cameo in “Crazy Rich Asians,” both in 2018.
Aside from brief guest appearances on variety shows, Kris’ last stint on television was her short-lived 2017 travel lifestyle show “Trip ni Kris.”