Kris Aquino Biography: Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino born February 14, 1971, professionally known as Kris Aquino, is a retired Filipino television presenter, actress, talent manager, and film producer. She gained international recognition for her role as Princess Intan in the hit film Crazy Rich Asians and is a highly decorated entertainer, with 42 PMPC Star Awards for Television, 10 Golden Screen Awards, and a FAMAS Award to her name.
Kris Aquino Biography
Kris Aquino was born in Quezon City, Philippines, to the late President Corazon C. Aquino and the late Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., a prominent figure in Philippine history who was assassinated upon returning from political exile in the United States.
Kris Aquino Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino
February 14, 1971 Quezon City, Philippines
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|---|---|
| Other names | Kris |
| Occupations |
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| Title | Queen of All Media |
| Spouse |
James Yap
(m. 2005; ann. 2012) |
| Children | Joshua Aquino (older son), including Bimby |
| Parents |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Kris Aquino
Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is a Filipino retired television presenter, actress, talent manager and film producer. She notably appeared as Princess Intan in the acclaimed Crazy Rich Asians and is a recipient of 42 PMPC Star Awards for Television, 10 Golden Screen Awards and a FAMAS Award.
Kris Aquino Achievements
She is the youngest of five siblings: Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada, former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, and Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee. Aquino is the mother of two sons, Joshua Salvador and James Carlos Yap. Known as the highest-paid talk show host in the Philippines, she has long held a prominent position in both the entertainment industry and public life. Her marriage to professional basketball player James Yap was initially kept private.
Kris Aquino Personal Life
Widely regarded as the Philippines’ “Queen of All Media,” Aquino has headlined numerous talk and game shows, starred in several films and television series, and continues to influence audiences through her strong presence on social media. She is the youngest child of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, the Philippines’ 11th President.
Kris Aquino Wiki
- Born: 14 February 1971 (age 54 years), Quezon City, Philippines
- Spouse: James Yap (m. 2005–2012)
- Children: Joshua Aquino, James Carlos Aquino Yap, Jr
- Siblings: Benigno Aquino III, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz, Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee
- Parents: Corazon Aquino, Benigno S. Aquino Jr.
- Education: Ateneo de Manila University (1992), Poveda Learning Center, Colegio San Agustin Makati
Early Life and Education
Kris Aquino was born in Quezon City, Philippines, to Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino and then-Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., during the rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. She is the youngest of five siblings: Maria Elena “Ballsy,” Aurora Corazon “Pinky,” former President Benigno S. Aquino III, and Victoria Elisa “Viel.” She is also the cousin of actress and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco and the niece of former Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.
Her father was imprisoned shortly after her birth, and Aquino was raised primarily by her mother. At the age of seven, she stood in for her jailed father at campaign rallies during the 1978 parliamentary elections, garnering international attention with appearances on the front page of The New York Times and the cover of Time magazine.Aquino spent much of her early education in the United States while her family lived in political exile. When she was 12, her father was assassinated upon arriving at Manila International Airport.
Key Details
- Full Name: Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino
- Date of Birth: February 14, 1971
- Place of Birth: Quezon City, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino
- Education: Ateneo de Manila University
- Notable Works: Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo, Feng Shui, Sukob, Kris TV
- Spouse: James Yap (married in 2005; annulled in 2012)
- Children: Joshua Philip Aquino Salvador, James Carlos “Bimby” Aquino Yap Jr.
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
Early Life and Family
Born on February 14, 1971, in Quezon City, Kris Aquino is the youngest child of two of the Philippines’ most influential political figures: the late Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. and the late President Corazon C. Aquino. Her siblings include Maria Elena “Ballsy,” Aurora Corazon “Pinky,” Victoria Elisa “Viel,” and the late President Benigno S. Aquino III. Kris was exposed to public life early on, especially after the assassination of her father in 1983—a turning point that thrust the Aquino family into national prominence and eventually led to her mother’s presidency in 1986. This environment shaped Kris’s deep awareness of public service, politics, and media influence.
Education
Aquino studied at Colegio San Agustin-Makati before pursuing college at Ateneo de Manila University. Her academic foundation would later support her successful ventures in media, business, and brand endorsements.
Career Highlights
Kris Aquino began her showbiz career in the late 1980s. Despite her mother’s initial concerns, she debuted in the 1990 film Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo, which became a box-office hit and earned her the title of Box-Office Queen. This breakthrough led to a series of successful roles, especially in the horror genre, with films like Feng Shui (2004) and Sukob (2006), both of which topped box-office charts.
Aside from acting, Kris became one of the country’s most beloved and highest-paid talk show hosts. She headlined several popular programs including Today with Kris Aquino, The Buzz, and Kris TV. Her candid, often emotionally raw hosting style helped redefine Philippine talk television. In 2018, she made her international film debut as Princess Intan in Crazy Rich Asians, further expanding her influence beyond local audiences.
Achievements and Recognition
Kris’s impact on the entertainment industry is reflected in her numerous awards and accolades. She has received 42 PMPC Star Awards for Television, 10 Golden Screen Awards, and a FAMAS Award, among others, honoring her work as both a performer and a media personality.
Personal Life
Kris Aquino’s personal life has often been the subject of public interest. She has two sons: Joshua, with actor Phillip Salvador, and Bimby, with professional basketball player James Yap. Kris and Yap were married in 2005, but the marriage ended in 2010 and was officially annulled in 2012. Despite the constant public attention on her private life, Kris has remained candid and open about her relationships, parenting, and challenges.
Health and Recent Challenges
In recent years, Aquino has been battling multiple autoimmune diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria. These health issues have required ongoing treatment, both in the Philippines and abroad, limiting her public appearances and media work. Nonetheless, she remains active on social media, where she shares health updates and messages of resilience with her followers. Despite her health struggles, Kris Aquino continues to be an enduring figure in Philippine media—a testament to her resilience, talent, and influence.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Beyond her extensive career in entertainment, Kris Aquino is also widely recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She has long used her public platform to support meaningful causes, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and disaster response. Whether it’s donating to hospitals, sponsoring treatments for patients in need, or providing aid to communities affected by typhoons and earthquakes, Kris has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility.
Her legacy goes beyond the screen. It reflects her deep commitment to public service—a value passed down from her parents, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino. By blending celebrity influence with advocacy work, she has helped shape a new model for socially conscious media figures in the Philippines.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
As of December 2024, Kris Aquino remains an influential presence in Filipino media and pop culture, despite her ongoing health challenges. Known for her strength and perseverance, she has shared that she hopes to return to the entertainment industry once her condition improves. Fans and media insiders alike are highly anticipating her potential comeback, which is expected to carry the same cultural weight as her past milestones.
Kris’s influence on Philippine pop culture is profound. As a trendsetter and media pioneer, she has helped define the formats and styles of modern Filipino talk shows, led major endorsement campaigns, and inspired a generation through her honesty and relatability. Her public persona is inseparable from her family’s historical significance, making her one of the most impactful personalities in both media and civic life.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Culinary Enthusiast: Kris is passionate about food and frequently shares her dining experiences online. Her restaurant reviews and food picks often shape culinary trends in the Philippines.
- Queen of All Media: Her nickname stems from her success across multiple platforms—television, film, radio, and social media.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Kris has launched various businesses, including partnerships with food brands and curated lifestyle products under her own brand, tapping into e-commerce and retail.
- Symbolic Style: She often wears yellow, a color associated with her family’s role in the People Power Revolution, symbolizing hope and resilience.
- Hollywood Milestone: In 2018, Kris made history as the first Filipina to appear in a major international film centered on Asian culture, portraying Princess Intan in Crazy Rich Asians.
Aspirations and Evolving Platforms
Despite facing serious health concerns, Kris has expressed interest in making a return to media, possibly through more flexible formats such as digital content, podcasts, or online shows. These platforms would allow her to continue engaging with her audience while adapting to her current lifestyle.
Additionally, there is speculation that she may publish a memoir—a deeply personal account of her life as a member of the Aquino family, her years in the entertainment spotlight, and her experiences navigating fame, motherhood, and illness. Such a project would offer fans and the public an intimate look at one of the Philippines’ most iconic and enduring figures.
Kris Aquino Net Worth 2025
With an estimated net worth of $10 million, Kris is one of the wealthiest celebrities in the Philippines. Her income stems from her extensive work in television and film, as well as numerous high-profile endorsements and business investments. She owns shares in several businesses, including popular food franchises such as Nacho Bimby and Potato Corner.
FAQs
What is Kris Aquino’s estimated net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Kris Aquino’s estimated net worth is around $10 million, accumulated from her long-standing career in television and film, brand endorsements, and successful business ventures.
Is Kris Aquino planning to return to showbiz?
Yes, Kris Aquino has expressed interest in returning to media once her health improves. She has hinted at exploring new platforms such as digital shows or podcasts to reconnect with her audience.
What are Kris Aquino’s business ventures?
Kris has ventured into various businesses, including partnerships with food and beverage brands and lifestyle product lines. Notably, she has invested in popular franchises like Nacho Bimby and Potato Corner.
Why is Kris Aquino called the “Queen of All Media”?
She earned the title “Queen of All Media” due to her successful dominance across multiple platforms—television, film, radio, print, and social media—making her one of the most versatile and influential personalities in Philippine entertainment.
What are Kris Aquino’s charitable contributions?
Kris is active in philanthropy, supporting disaster relief, healthcare, and education. She has donated to hospitals, sponsored medical treatments, and provided aid during major natural calamities in the Philippines.
Has Kris Aquino appeared in international films?
Yes, she played the role of Princess Intan in Crazy Rich Asians (2018), making her the first Filipina to appear in a major Hollywood blockbuster celebrating Asian culture.