MANILA, Philippines—Wiping away tears, ailing former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino thanked the nation that has been praying for her recovery, in her first television interview since she was diagnosed with colon cancer almost a month ago.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everybody praying for me. I'm really overwhelmed. I never thought ... ," Aquino trailed off, her voice weak. "So I continue to pray for others who are also in this same situation."

On Saturday, the former President attended the first birthday celebration of her grandchild James, her daughter Kris Aquino's son with basketball player James Yap. It was on this occasion that she taped an interview with Boy Abunda, Kris' co-host on "The Buzz," a show biz TV talk show.

The interview was aired Sunday.

"Thank you very much mga minamahal kong kababayan (my beloved countrymen)," said Aquino, looking even more frail than before the public learned of her illness.

In God's hands

Speaking briefly on what she's going through, Aquino told Abunda: "I really am fortunate ... I have no pain ... I just get tired easily. So I guess whatever the Lord wants, I'm ready to accept."

Kris, who was behind her mother throughout the brief interview, said the family was overwhelmed with letters, cards, e-mails and even food sent to the former President – all expressions of good wishes for her recovery.

"My mom wanted to give thanks because she has become stronger. She responds well to chemotherapy because of all the people who have been praying for her. I think what my mom is going through is different, but because she feels there are so many people who love her and who care about her, that really helps," Kris said Sunday after the taped interview was shown.

Kris added, addressing her mother: "We're really so happy that you're strong enough to make it to Baby James' birthday."

Chinese food

Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III reported Sunday that his mother had regained her appetite and had even asked for Chinese food.

In a text message, Noynoy said his mother's loss of appetite was one of the reasons she underwent a checkup. This was when the doctors discovered her cancer.

"When she recovered her appetite, she asked for Chinese food. We view her regaining her appetite as a very positive sign," he said, clarifying that his mother was not craving food.

Attends Mass

"She is staying in the house of my older sister; Kris also cooks for her," Noynoy added.

Earlier this week, he announced that Mrs. Aquino was unlikely to attend any of the healing Masses scheduled by the family, friends and supporters. This time, he was happy to report that the former President attended Mass for the first time since she started chemotherapy sessions.

"She went to Meralco to attend Mass because there's a break in her chemotherapy session. It's the first time she went out of the house," Noynoy said. With a report from Nancy Carvajal