Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 11) — Kris Aquino confirmed that she was in a relationship with Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, but had to put their romance on hold due to her current health condition as she continues treatment in the United States.
On Monday, Kris wrote a “long overdue gratitude post” for Mark in which she said that the politician, who has been accompanying her abroad, is returning to the country to fulfill his duties in Batangas.
“Nobody I’ve ever been in a relationship with has ever given me as much love and encouragement,” the multimedia personality said in an Instagram post.
“He wasn’t only my boyfriend, he became my best friend and confidante, talagang maaasahan [really reliable]. The usage of WAS is correct,” Kris stressed.
The Queen of All Media also disclosed that her condition “has gotten progressively worse” as she shared that she has been enduring “excruciating pain” in her legs and swelling in her back that long walks may require the use of a wheelchair.
Kris revealed that she asked Mark for a “pause” due to her present condition and that she believes a long-distance relationship “will be next to impossible” to maintain.
“For the Filipinos working all over the world, I know I’m blessed to have Kuya Josh and Bimb with me, but most moms reading this will agree, we don’t want our kids to suffer from anxiety about our health, especially kung solo parent ka [if you’re a solo parent] like me,” she said.
The Philippines’ Queen of Talk further expressed gratitude to Mark as she admitted that the last thing she wants is to “be an obstacle in your career as a public servant.”
“We may not have had our ‘happily ever after’ but being sick has really taught me to look at the glass half full. Thank you for giving me the chance to again experience the magic of Once Upon a Time,” Kris said.
The 52-year-old television host and actress is in the US since June last year to undergo treatment for her auto-immune diseases.
Leviste, whom the socialite previously called her “best male friend” after being teased with dating rumors, visited the celebrity and her sons in the US on New Year’s Day. He also spent time with Kris on her birthday, which coincided with Valentine’s Day.
