Kris Aquino

Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is a Filipino television host, actress, producer, and talent manager. Widely referred to as the "Queen of All Media" in the Philippines, she has built a prominent career hosting talk shows and game shows, starring in films, and engaging with audiences on social media. She has earned numerous accolades, including 42 PMPC Star Awards for Television, ten Golden Screen Awards, and a FAMAS Award.

Born in Quezon City on February 14, 1971, Aquino is the youngest daughter of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, and the sister of former President Benigno Aquino III. During her childhood, her father was imprisoned under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos, leading her to appear at campaign rallies as a child before her family moved into exile in the United States. Following her father's assassination in 1983, she returned to the Philippines to join demonstrations against the regime. She completed her schooling in Quezon City and Makati before graduating from Ateneo de Manila University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

Aquino began her screen career following the 1986 Philippine Revolution, making guest appearances on television before making her film debut in the 1990 comedy Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo. She subsequently gained notice for her performances in dramatizations of real-life crime cases, such as The Vizconde Massacre Story, earning the nickname "Massacre Queen." She later starred in major horror hits, including Feng Shui (2004) and Sukob (2006), both of which became the highest-grossing domestic films of their respective release years. Her other notable film projects include Mano Po (2002), Sisterakas (2012), and the international feature Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

Her television hosting career began with the talk show Kris, followed by a hosting role on GMA Network's Startalk. After joining ABS-CBN, Aquino anchored various morning talk shows, entertainment news programs, and game shows, including Today with Kris Aquino, The Buzz, Game KNB?, and Kris TV. She also hosted local adaptations of international formats such as Deal or No Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and The Price is Right, and appeared on the American version of Deal or No Deal in 2008.

In addition to her entertainment work, Aquino has managed various business ventures, including restaurants, flower shops, boutique agencies, fast-food franchise locations, a lifestyle magazine, and a home product line. As a philanthropist, she advocates for lupus awareness, children's rights, LGBT rights, freedom of expression, cultural appreciation, and democratic reform.

Aquino has two sons: Joshua, born in 1994 with actor Phillip Salvador, and James Jr. ("Bimby"), born in 2007 during her marriage to professional basketball player James Yap, which was annulled in 2012. Her personal relationships and business dealings have frequently drawn media coverage.

In her later years, Aquino experienced severe health challenges, receiving diagnoses for multiple autoimmune conditions beginning in 2018. Her conditions required extensive medical care, leading her to seek treatment in the United States before returning to the Philippines for ongoing medical procedures.