“The Queen of All Media is back.”
Such was the statement of makeup artist RB Chanco, who took to Instagram to share her personal experience working behind the scenes with Queen of All Media Kris Aquino as she prepared for her Netflix stint.
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“THIS WAS NEVER JUST A JOB. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS THAT FEELS BIGGER THAN THE JOB ITSELF,” she posted, along with a reel showing Kris’ preparations for the special.
RB has been Kris’ longtime makeup artist, and it is common knowledge that the bond they share goes way past the professional. Even through the health challenges that Kris has gone through, RB has been one of the constant members of Kris’ close support system.
“Call time was 2PM. Kris sat in my chair and within minutes, it felt like no time had passed at all. She was energetic, talkative, funny and full of stories. We laughed and did makeup like we had so many times before,” RB recalled.
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It is no secret that Kris has been battling multiple autoimmune diseases. Many have been following her progress, some of which she has openly shared on her social media accounts.
After so many updates on Kris’ deteriorating health in the past years, this story of a vibrant and active Kris was a welcome update to Kris’ fans who have long been praying for her well-being as well as hoping for her comeback.
“I’ve always hoped I’d get to do Kris’ makeup for a major project again. After everything she has been through, I simply didn’t know when that moment would come,” RB admitted.
On camera, Kris appeared put together and exuded the bubbly energy that people have loved her for. But what was happening off-camera was not that simple.
RB shared the reality of Kris’ struggle behind the scenes. “We arrived on set ready for her first frame. Then her allergies decided to act up. WHY NOW? Her eyes started tearing nonstop. My eyeshadow was disappearing, her false lashes were coming off, and I literally wanted to die. I was having a full blown crisis and calling every saint and angel in heaven.“
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It took a while, but finally, RB got Kris ready enough for the cameras. Like the professional that she is, Kris faced the camera despite the difficulty of doing so.
“And Kris did what Kris does. She gave us the Kris we all know and love. Funny, energetic, professional and completely in her element. Even when I knew she was in pain, she kept going. No complaints. She gave it everything she had. As if the hiatus had never happened,” RB said.
“One take. That’s Kris.”
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This project wasn’t a simple return for Kris, RB realized. It was the moment when the Queen reclaimed her throne.
“I wasn’t just watching Kris. I was watching someone who had fought so hard to get back there,” said RB. “And that’s when it hit me. This wasn’t just a comeback. It was a victory. A victory for Kris, her sons, everyone who prayed and waited, and the millions who never stopped believing.”
“The Queen didn’t just return. She reminded us all why we waited.”
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RB has been witness to many milestones in Kris’ life, both those shared in public and those kept to her close circle of trusted friends, which was why she couldn’t help but be emotional to again be present for that moment.
“I’ve been lucky enough to glam Kris through so many unforgettable moments in her career, through both the beautiful and most difficult times. That’s why this one will always hold a different place in my heart,” she shared.
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To Kris, she penned this message: “After everything you have been through, what a privilege to watch you shine again. The screen missed you. We all did.”
RB ended with a fearless forecast for Kris’ future. “And this is just the beginning. I have a feeling there is so much more to come.”