In 2025, a distressing wave of critical health diagnoses among Philippine celebrities has surfaced, revealing not only their vulnerability but also their resilience. Below are the stories of prominent figures confronting life-changing illnesses—stories filled with pain, perseverance, and powerful messages of hope.
1. Kris Aquino – Battling a Swarm of Autoimmune Diseases
Topping the list is media icon Kris Aquino, now wheelchair-bound and fighting an astonishing 11 autoimmune diseases—a staggering burden that reads like a medical encyclopedia.
What began with a single condition has multiplied over the years. As of April 2025, she was diagnosed with nine autoimmune illnesses, including Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and Fibromyalgia. She also showed symptoms of Polymyositis and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease GMA Network+1. By July, she revealed two additional diseases—one stemming from existing conditions and another born due to complications from her lupus and other ailments Daily Tribune.
Her physical state is fragile. Aquino weighs barely 36 kilograms (about 80 pounds), and each step causes immense agony due to lupus arthritis, polymyositis, and acute fibromyalgia Interaksyonnewswatchplus.ph. She described her battle with agonizing clarity: “I cannot walk—each step is agony,” upheld by faith and her son’s love Interaksyon.
Despite returning to the Philippines and making a rare public appearance at People Asia’s People of the Year event, Kris admitted she’s still “not fit to work” and remains in a safe zone in Bonifacio Global City Manila BulletinDaily Tribune.
2. Dr. Willy Ong – A Cancer Diagnosis Turned “Miracle” Recovery
In a startling medical turnaround, health advocate Dr. Willy Ong was diagnosed in September 2024 with a rare sarcoma, a 12–16 cm tumor lodged behind his heart. This frightening discovery was swiftly followed by neutropenic sepsis—a dangerous infection resulting from chemotherapy-induced low white blood cell counts Daily Tribune.
Facing medical odds, Dr. Ong underwent intense chemotherapy over six weeks under Dr. Ang Pentiam’s care in Singapore’s Parkway East Hospital. By the end, his tumor shrank by around 60%, a result hailed as a “miracle” by medical professionals.
3. Sunshine Cruz – Struggling with Myasthenia Gravis
Actress Sunshine Cruz is confronting Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune condition that causes extreme muscle weakness. It particularly affects the eyes, mouth, throat, arms, and legs. She shared that even post‑fashion show, her muscle strength remains weak, yet she remains steadfast and thankful for inner strength Daily Tribune.
4. Doris Bigornia – From Heart Attack to Dialysis
ABS-CBN journalist Doris Bigornia endured a severe heart attack in February 2021, requiring emergency open-heart and bypass surgery. Soon after, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, now undergoing regular weekly dialysis, which has kept her off active field reporting Daily Tribune.
5. Michelle Madrigal – Living with Hashimoto’s Disease
Since 2018, actress Michelle Madrigal has lived with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition attacking the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism and goiter. Despite emotional and physical challenges—including balancing health while planning for a family—she remains open about her journey, encouraging understanding and empathy Daily Tribune.
6. Angel Oxine – Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Family Planning Impacts
Similarly, Angel Oxine contends with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which necessitates long-term medication and hormone monitoring. She shared that these health concerns influence her decisions around family planning, reflecting her thoughtful and responsible approach Daily Tribune.
7. Pen Medina – Rebuilding After Spinal Surgery
Veteran actor Pen Medina has been fighting Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)—a debilitating spinal condition that rendered him unable to sit or stand for three weeks. He underwent a successful major spinal surgery in July 2022 and is now focused on rigorous rehabilitation. The actor publicly asked for prayers and financial aid to support his recovery Daily Tribune.
8. Iza Calzado – Hospitalized with Respiratory Illnesses
Actress Iza Calzado recently faced severe pharyngitis, bronchitis, and eventual pneumonia, leading to hospitalization. Her recovery was slow, involving more than a week of fevers, coughing, and congestion before she could regain her health Daily Tribune.
9. Iya Villania (Alas) – Managing Chronic Psoriasis Since Adolescence
Immune-mediated psoriasis has been part of Iya Villania’s life since she was 15 years old. She endures recurrent flare-ups—itchy, inflamed skin—that sometimes limit her comfort and dress choices. Despite these challenges, Iya embraces healthier living and dedicated self-care to manage her condition effectively Daily Tribune.
Why These Stories Matter
These celebrities’ health struggles underscore several key truths:
Humanity Behind Fame: No matter how famous, illness indiscriminately affects us all.
Strength in Vulnerability: Sharing personal health battles inspires honor, empathy, and solidarity.
Medical Complexity and Costs: Many face stacked autoimmune conditions with overlapping symptoms, soaring medical costs, and emotional burdens.
Advocacy Through Awareness: Their openness helps destigmatize chronic illness and encourages public health understanding.
As 2025 unfolds, these figures continue to fight with courage and transparency. Their journeys—marked by setbacks and unwavering hope—resonate deeply, offering not just shock but inspiration.
