Los Angeles, California – What was meant to be a joyful celebration of love, family, and milestones became a deeply emotional night as Kris Aquino was seen wiping away tears during the intimate 18th birthday of her youngest son, James “Bimby” Aquino Yap Jr.

Sources close to the family revealed that the event — held at a private residence in Los Angeles — was “small, beautiful, and deeply personal.” But for Kris, it was more than a birthday. It was a painful yet proud reminder that she lived to see this day.

“I Thought I Wouldn’t Make It”

In a brief and heartfelt message, Kris, visibly frail but radiant in a soft blue gown, took the microphone and addressed her son and the few gathered guests. Her voice cracked as she shared:

“There were days I truly thought I wouldn’t live long enough to witness this. But God is good. And Bimb, you are my miracle.”

The room fell silent, many guests moved to tears. Bimby, now a towering 6-foot-2 young man, hugged his mom tightly, trying to hold back his own tears.

FROM A PRIVATE BATTLE TO A PUBLIC MOMENT

Kris has been battling multiple autoimmune conditions for years and has been undergoing treatment in the United States since 2022. While she has remained active on social media, her recent appearances have been rare, making her presence at Bimby’s birthday both surprising and symbolic.

Friends of the Aquino family said Kris requested a low-key celebration with no press and no big showbiz names. Just family, close friends, and her son.

“She wanted to make it about Bimb. Not about her illness, not about politics, not about the past,” one insider shared.

WHERE WAS JAMES YAP?

Noticeably absent from the celebration was Bimby’s father, professional basketball player James Yap. While there has been speculation about their strained relationship in the past, Kris did not comment on his absence. Bimby, however, thanked both his parents during his speech:

“Mom, thank you for everything. Dad, thank you too — for being part of who I am today.”

A WISH FROM KRIS

After the formal dinner, Kris and Bimby shared a slow mother-and-son dance, with “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott playing softly in the background. As they swayed gently, Kris whispered something to Bimby — which one guest overheard:

“Please be strong… for both of us.”

It was a moment of pure vulnerability — a mother handing over strength to her son as she continues her quiet, uncertain battle.

CELEBRITY MESSAGES POUR IN

Although the celebration was private, several celebrities and politicians posted public birthday greetings to Bimby. Vice President Sara Duterte, who has a long-standing connection with the Aquino family despite political differences, posted:

“Happy 18th, Bimby. Your mom is proud — and so are we.”

KC Concepcion, Sharon Cuneta, and even Vice Ganda also posted tributes. Kris responded with a simple heart emoji on Instagram stories — a rare moment of public engagement from her.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BIMBY?

Turning 18 means big changes — and for Bimby, that includes possible entry into university life in the U.S. or maybe even a future in entertainment or politics, if he chooses to follow in either parent’s footsteps.

But for now, Kris wants to focus on what matters:

“He’s still my baby,” she said. “No matter how tall, how grown… he will always be my miracle.”

A NIGHT OF LOVE, PAIN, AND HOPE

Kris Aquino may be fighting the hardest battle of her life, but last night proved that her greatest victory is something far more powerful than fame or fortune: being a mother who survived to see her son become a man.

Bimby celebrates 18th birthday with mom Kris Aquino, close friends
Kris says it “might be the last birthday” she gets to spend with her son.
Kris Aquino’s son, Bimby Aquino, turned 18 on April 19, 2025.

The moment was captured and shared on Instagram by family friend and make-up artist RB Chanco, offering followers a glimpse into the intimate family celebration.

RB’s Instagram post revealed a heartwarming scene of Bimby being surprised with cakes and balloons in his mother’s room.

In her touching caption, RB wrote (published as is): “Bimb, you’re 18 today and it’s hard to put into words how proud I am of the person you’ve become. You’ve always had a quiet strength and a gentle heart.

“No matter how much you’ve grown, you’ve stayed kind, grounded, and full of love for the people who matter to you.”

She went on to describe the birthday boy, highlighting his “quiet strength and gentle heart,” along with his remarkable ability to stay “kind, grounded, and full of love for the people who matter to you,” even in the face of the challenges that come with growing up in the public eye.

RB continued: “You’re a gift to your family, and to everyone lucky enough to know you. I’ve seen how real and good your heart is, and I’ll always be grateful to be part of your life.

“Bimb, eighteen’s just the beginning and whatever life brings, I know you’ve got what it takes.

“Happy 18th birthday, Bimb. I love you. And through every season, in every version of your life, I’ll always be here for you.”

RB also recalled a poignant reminder from Kris, sharing, “Your mom once said this might be the last birthday she gets to spend with you, and that stayed with me.”

However, the make-up artist remained optimistic, “…I truly believe that as long as you’re by her side, she’ll keep finding the strength to keep going.”

BIMBY AQUINO: BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
In addition to his intimate birthday celebration with family, another party was hosted by fashion designer and close family friend Michael Leyva at his residence in Antipolo City. The event was attended by Bimby’s closest family friends, including Miles Ocampo and her boyfriend Elijah Canlas.

Ogie Diaz and Mama Loi were also among the attendees.

Bimby took a moment to deliver a heartfelt speech, “Thank you to everyone, for making my life special. Just thank you really, for making my life so happy.”

When asked about turning 18, Bimby jokingly responded, “Oh, tugs-tugs-tugs,” playfully referencing the excitement of finally being able to party.

Shifting to a more serious tone, he added, “Just a joke. My mom will scold me! Promise, I won’t do that stuff, I promise!