In a rare moment last seen in 2024, a Marcos and an Aquino were seen enjoying each other’s company.

Despite the historical rift between the two political clans, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos sat beside Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, the daughter of democracy icons former senator Ninoy Aquino and former president Corazon Aquino, to celebrate the birthday of a mutual friend.

In the social media post of Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Mrs. Marcos and Ms. Aquino were shown at the birthday celebration of designer Michael Leyva.

Leyva is a close friend of the First Lady, whose events she graced, particularly the opening of his atelier at The Peninsula in August and the exhibition of his designs, including the red Filipiniana gown she wore at a State of the Nation Address.

Mrs. Marcos also checked out Leyva’s outreach program at the Antipolo Rizal Sped Center.

Sumulong relatives

Kris Aquino, who is battling multiple autoimmune diseases, gracefully joined the First Lady for a photo. Previous reports said Ms. Aquino was in isolation but under continuous, strict medical care.

The First Lady and Ms. Aquino are actually related through Demetria Sumulong, Mrs. Marcos’ aunt who married Jose “Pepe” Cojuangco, Ms. Aquino’s maternal grandfather.

In July 2024, Josh and Bimby — Aquino’s sons — visited the First Lady at her office.

“Thank you, Bimby and Josh, for dropping by,” Mrs. Marcos said in a social media post that accompanied her photo with the siblings.

“It was so nice to see you guys after all these years,” she added. “Thank you for taking time off to visit me, Bimby and Josh. Love my pasalubong.”