Trisha Duncan, a 21 year-old graduating student and model, got a job offer from Kris Aquino after sharing her two-year battle with lupus.
Duncan is currently taking up AB Philippine Studies in Mass Media at the De La Salle University, Manila. As for her modelling career, she has started at the age of five appearing in several print ads and runway shows.
However, Duncan was diagnosed with lupus in 2015. According to the website of Mayo Clinic, lupus is a “systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.”
Duncan said that her disease affected her self-esteem, especially when she started losing her hair. But amid her struggles, she maintained a positive outlook, and took care and helped herself.
On Tuesday, February 21, Duncan was introduced as one of the newest ambassadors of a cosmetic clinic, Ultherapy Philippines through an event, which was hosted by Kris Aquino.
“There are times when my joints are aching and I can’t open my hands… I can’t say it’s depression but I was really depressed because I lost my hair,” Duncan shared.
She also said that aside from lupus, she was also diagnosed with aplastic anemia, which is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells leaving a patient feeling fatigued and with a higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding, according to Mayo Clinic.
Aquino said that she was inspired by the young model-student’s story.
“Your positivity is really very inspiring… It’s not about vanity in your case and I think this is about empowerment. It’s taking back your life and saying that ‘No, life gave me this, life gave me these challenges but I’m going to rise above it. I think you are the perfect example of that. For someone so young to have that kind of confidence,” she said.
The Queen of All Media then said that she “likes” Duncan and offered her a position in her company, Kris Cojuanco Aquino Productions (KCAP). She even said that Duncan doesn’t need to undergo the usual hiring process.
“Just in case Trisha you’re interested, my company KCAP… we’re expanding. Because right now you’re my managing partner, the offer stands, I like you already, you don’t have to go through that final interview.
“If you’re ever interested to join our team come June, maybe you’ll take a break, after that, maybe September. You’re very much welcomed to become a part of our family because I champion people who do not let setbacks get them down,” Aquino said.
