Kris Aquino and Liza Marcos Share Table at Designer's Birthday
A Unique Gathering of Two Political Rivals
MANILA, Philippines — The weekend was filled with excitement on social media as photos emerged showing Kris Aquino and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos sitting side by side during a birthday lunch for fashion designer Michael Leyva. This event sparked discussions as the two women, whose families have historically been political rivals, were seen together at an intimate gathering hosted for Leyva, who is known for designing clothes for both of them.
The images from the event quickly spread online, with guests sharing their experiences and moments from the celebration. Patrick Rosas, a well-known designer, posted a picture with a caption that read, “Celebrate today. It’s a special day. Cheers to life @michaelleyva.” His message highlighted the significance of the occasion.
Meanwhile, businessman Ace Nava shared a post that included a yellow heart emoji for The Aquino and a red heart emoji for The Marcos. His message conveyed a sense of unity despite their differences, stating, “For today — with The Aquino [yellow heart emoji] and The Marcos [red heart emoji]. Different colors, one good day.”
Event host Justin Dizon referred to the pair as “ladies who lunch,” emphasizing their presence at the event. According to veteran showbiz writer Dindo Balares, who is close to Aquino, the gathering was more than just a birthday celebration. It was also a charity lunch organized by Aquino for Leyva. In his post titled “What Kris Will Do for a Friend,” Balares praised Aquino’s loyalty and generosity, even as she deals with ongoing health challenges.
“Kris Aquino’s life has always been public — her joys magnified, her pains dissected. But backstage, behind the spectacle, she is calm yet steadfast,” Balares wrote. He recounted how Aquino once arranged for medical staff to visit his home when he fell ill during the pandemic.
"Stay at home, Kuya Dindo, don’t go to the emergency room in any hospital or else we might meet again in heaven!” she told him. Balares noted that Aquino remains thoughtful even while dealing with multiple autoimmune diseases.
"Every day he's my good morning Ate,” Aquino said of Leyva. "And he always says ‘po’ — it must be how he was brought up. My mom and dad love my two boys. They always invite us to stay with them so we can have company and they can help take care of me," she added.
Balares continued his post, highlighting that it is not vanity but loyalty that drives Kris. “It is not vanity but loyalty that moves Kris: the impulse to honor a friend’s goodness and to amplify what is kind and true. Those who know her understand that Kris’s friendship carries weight. Her unwavering support for Michael Leyva is more than personal affection; it has become a living endorsement of integrity and heart.”
After the event, Aquino reportedly told Balares, “Even if all my bones are crying now from so much pain, I know I made Michael happy.” Balares concluded his post by saying, “Her act reveals not vanity but valor — a deep inner resolve to use her remaining energy not for pity, but for kindness. It’s a quiet sermon in motion: that compassion is the truest form of beauty.”
