MANILA – Host-actress Kris Aquino is preparing for a limited return to showbiz after steadily recovering from illness over the holiday season.

In an Instagram video, “The Queen of All Media” gave brief health updates while opening product gifts. She also showed the engagement ring that belonged to her late mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, which she plans to pass on to her youngest son, Bimb.

Kris recounted that her mother agreed to give her the ring on the condition that Kris would buy another engagement ring for her late brother, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, should he have settled down. Noynoy passed away in June 2021 due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.

In the caption, Kris said she would be discharged from the hospital in a few days after nearly two months of treatment.

“I’ve learned which moments to treasure and that love and friendship need to be reciprocal if you want them to last. Walang perfect na relationship but if you are willing to live with and learn to laugh at each other’s quirks then you have a chance to go the distance. And remember to fight fair, nobody should play the victim not if you truly love one another,” she wrote.

Kris shared that she has been messaging close friends for short calls or chats, but that her health remains her top priority. She also inquired about indoor swimming pools in physical rehabilitation centers, hotels with health club memberships, or leasable spaces near major hospitals in Metro Manila, as light swimming is part of her recovery.

“This is my life’s new reality. But in order for me to continue being brave, I need to do slowly what I love until I am stronger,” she explained.

She outlined her plans to conduct sit-down interviews once a week with “people who for me are interesting” and to share “weekly enjoyable treatment of products” she uses. Kris already has a hair and makeup team, a skeleton crew, and a two-camera set-up for close-ups.

“I’m excited to start sharing new home cooking recipes made simpler with all of you. Happy viewing,” she said, ending her caption with hashtags “Brave” and her signature “love, love, love.”

In the video, Kris requested not to receive flowers for her upcoming birthday due to allergy risks, instead asking for an arc of balloons to celebrate a “rainbow year” after months of personal challenges. Toward the end, she teased her youngest son, Bimb, about possibly having someone else to kiss, which he humorously dismissed.