MANILA | June 2025 — An unexpected incident shook the media and showbiz world after veteran news anchor and TV host Christine Bersola-Babao’s life was in danger after eating a simple pancake during a family breakfast.

Her husband Julius Babao, a fellow broadcaster, cried uncontrollably as he recounted how Christine suddenly collapsed after the first bite — prompting him to be rushed to the hospital.

🥞 BREAKFAST SHOULD HAVE BEEN SIMPLE… BUT TURNED INTO TRAGIC
According to Julius Babao, it was just a normal morning — they happily had breakfast with their children. But after eating the pancake, Christine complained of chest tightness and dizziness, and soon lost consciousness.

“I didn’t know what to do. I thought she was just sleepy… it turned out, she was having trouble breathing.”

— Julius Babao, in an interview while crying

🚑 TAKEN TO HOSPITAL, CURRENTLY UNDER OBSERVATION
Christine was immediately rushed to a hospital in Quezon City, where she was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). According to the doctors’ preliminary report, Christine may have experienced anaphylactic shock — a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

❗ WHAT IS THE CAUSE?
According to doctors, based on initial tests, there is a possibility that one of the pancake ingredients — such as nuts, dairy, or preservatives — triggered the severe allergic reaction. This is surprising because Christine has no history of food allergies, according to Julius.

“A very simple breakfast, but we almost lost her…”

😭 JULIUS BABAO: “I can’t lose her…”
In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo, Julius couldn’t help but cry as he shared his fear of what happened:

“She is my life. She is the mother of my children. I don’t know how I will get up if something bad happens to her.”

🙏 FRIENDS IN THE MEDIA SHOW SUPPORT
Support poured in from fellow broadcasters and celebrities:

Karen Davila: “Praying for your recovery, Tintin. You are a light of the home and an inspiration to many.”

Atom Araullo: “Get well soon, Ma’am Christine. The media community is praying for you.”

🕊️ CONDITION UPDATE
According to the latest report from the attending physician this afternoon:

Christine is now in stable condition but still under observation.

She still can’t speak straight, but is aware of her surroundings and communicates through writing.

Doctors will try to find out what exactly caused her allergic reaction to prevent it in the future.

⚠️ LESSON: DON’T IGNORE SYMPTOMS
What happened to Christine is a reminder to everyone that even simple foods can be life-threatening when there are ‘hidden allergens’ or undiagnosed conditions.

Despite the shock, the Babao family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and the public’s support.

🙏 LET’S PRAY FOR CHRISTINE BERSOLA’S QUICK RECOVERY.

Because behind her brave voice as a journalist, she is also a mother, wife, and symbol of Filipina strength

Christine Bersola-Babao, almost died because of pancakes
TV5 news anchor Christine Bersola-Babao, wife of Julius Babao, shared that she was rushed to the hospital recently after eating pancakes, and was diagnosed with an allergy.

In her vlog, Bersola-Babao said that she couldn’t sleep so she just wanted to share her experience.

“Hi Guys! I couldn’t sleep last night so I decided to share my current life happenings to you via this video. I hope this experience will also help you. I Purple You 💜” she said.

She shared that she was rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center just minutes after eating pancakes.

I was craving pancakes so I cooked some wheat pancakes using ready-mix from America… That was my breakfast,” Bersola-Babao recounted in her vlog.

After eating, she took a shower to get ready for work. While in the shower, she felt her face itch.

When she glanced at her face, she noticed that she had a rash.

“When I looked in the mirror, I already had a rash. “I knew I was having an allergy attack,” Christine said. In addition, she also lost her voice, her nasal passages closed, and it seemed like her throat was closing.

This was not the first time she had an allergy attack. The first was a late detection that she had an allergy to shrimp. She said she had had a reaction to shrimp her whole life, only this time.

Christine panicked so she rushed Julius to the emergency room. She said her symptoms subsided immediately when she was given an epinephrine shot.

She also shared that while she was being rushed to the hospital, she prayed that the Lord would not take her because Christmas had just ended.

“It’s too easy and too swift a death for me… I have no one to fight back, I just ate pancakes,” she said.

Apart from the allergy attack she experienced, Christine also shared another health concern: the severe pain in her back caused by “neck arthritis”