In an unexpected whirlwind of updates that left fans gasping for breath, Kris Aquino, dubbed the “Queen of All Media,” has finally returned to work after a long hiatus due to her health. But just as the public celebrated her triumphant return, jaws dropped again—this time for an entirely different reason.
Mark Jimenez, her elusive ex-husband who has remained mostly out of the public eye for years, made a rare and headline-grabbing appearance. Not only did he show up at a high-profile charity gala in Makati, but he was accompanied by a mysterious young woman—one he openly introduced as his “girlfriend.”
Yes, you read that right.
A Queen Reclaims Her Throne
Kris Aquino has always been a magnet for public attention. Her honesty, wit, and vulnerability have drawn the love of millions—and the scrutiny of many. After battling several autoimmune conditions and retreating from the limelight to focus on recovery, Kris recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram hinting at her “second wind.”
Just a week later, ABS-CBN confirmed it: Kris Aquino is making her return to television with a brand-new primetime talk show titled “KRIS: Unfiltered.”
Behind the scenes, insiders say the project has been in development for months, but Kris only recently gave the green light after reportedly feeling “well enough to finally work again.”
A source close to Kris revealed, “She’s still undergoing treatment, but mentally, she’s sharp and more determined than ever. This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a declaration.”
The announcement was met with an explosion of support from fans, celebrities, and former colleagues. The hashtag #KrisIsBack trended nationwide within hours.
But Then… The Ex Strikes a Pose
While the public was basking in the glow of Kris Aquino’s return, another bombshell was about to drop.
Two days after the talk show announcement, media outlets were flooded with images from the Charity for Change Gala—a star-studded affair known for attracting Manila’s elite. But the scene-stealer? None other than Mark Jimenez.
Clad in a sleek black tuxedo and wearing an unusually wide smile, Mark was photographed hand-in-hand with a woman who has since been identified as 25-year-old influencer and model, Isabelle del Rosario.
The two didn’t shy away from the cameras. In fact, at one point, Mark turned to reporters and said, “We’re very happy. I think it’s time people saw this side of me.”
Within hours, the internet exploded.
Comments ranged from supportive to furious, with many accusing Mark of trying to “steal Kris’s spotlight.” Others, however, were more intrigued by the timing, suggesting that perhaps the two exes had agreed—consciously or not—to re-enter the public sphere simultaneously.
A History of Headlines
Kris and Mark’s relationship has long been a rollercoaster. Their marriage, filled with intense highs and deeply personal lows, was a staple of gossip columns and entertainment talk shows for years. From political scandals to personal betrayals, their union was anything but ordinary.
Though they officially separated over a decade ago, they’ve both been careful not to publicly bash each other—until now?
While Kris hasn’t addressed Mark’s public reintroduction of his new flame directly, she did post a very pointed Instagram story just hours after the gala photos went viral. The text read:
“Let people do what they want. Karma works better than confrontation.”
She followed it with a black heart emoji.
Fans were quick to connect the dots, calling the post a “silent slap” to Mark and his new girlfriend. Others speculated that Kris was merely focusing on herself and her career—and refusing to be distracted by the drama.
Who Is Isabelle del Rosario?
Isabelle, who has gained over 100,000 followers in just three days, is no stranger to social media. Known for her luxury lifestyle content and high-fashion posts, she has modeled for several local brands and was previously linked to a high-profile tech entrepreneur.
Her relationship with Mark reportedly began “quietly” over a year ago, according to sources, but only became serious in the last six months.
An insider close to Isabelle claims she’s “not interested in drama” and had no intention of stealing Kris’s thunder. “She didn’t know Kris was making her comeback this week. That was just a coincidence,” the source said.
Still, the timing has fueled gossip—and headlines across the country.
Industry Reactions Pour In
While neither Kris nor Mark have officially spoken to media outlets since the weekend’s double whammy of events, reactions from the industry have been nothing short of explosive.
Boy Abunda, Kris’s longtime friend and media confidante, briefly commented during a TV interview:
“It’s interesting, no? You wait for Kris to return, and suddenly, everyone remembers their timing. But she’s unfazed—she’s Kris Aquino.”
Others weren’t as diplomatic.
A former co-host of Kris commented anonymously: “It’s classic. The moment she shines again, someone tries to cast a shadow. But Kris? She turns shadows into spotlights.”
What Comes Next?
As Kris prepares for the premiere of “KRIS: Unfiltered” next month, all eyes remain on her—whether she likes it or not. The nation is eager to see how she’ll navigate not just the pressure of a major TV comeback, but the emotional undertones now swirling around her personal life.
Will she address Mark and Isabelle on her show?
Will she reveal more about the years she spent away from the spotlight?
Will she finally break her silence on their turbulent past?
Only time will tell.
But one thing is certain: the Queen is back—and she’s bringing the storm with her.