Veteran comedian Dagul remains hopeful that he can return to acting despite continuing health challenges, saying he is praying for work to help support his family.
In a recent interview on ‘Kay Susan Tayo!’ Vlogs, the comedian, whose real name is Romeo “Romy” Queddeng Pastrana, gave an update on his condition after spending months battling various illnesses.
Dagul revealed that he was repeatedly hospitalized last year after being diagnosed with pneumonia and sleep apnea. He also shared that doctors are continuing to monitor his kidneys.
Because of his condition, the comedian now relies on a wheelchair, saying his knees and weight have made it difficult for him to walk.
“Dati kasi, nu’ng medyo okay pa ako, nagti-taping-taping sa Goin’ Bulilit. Hindi ko na kaya maglakad nang malayo. So ngayon, talagang totally na hindi ko na kaya kasi nga ‘yung tuhod ko. Medyo siguro mabigat na ang katawan ko. So hindi na kaya ng tuhod ko na maglakad.”
He also disclosed that doctors previously found fluid in his lungs, although he said the condition has improved.
“So sa ngayon, mino-monitor. Hanggang nu’ng hospital ako, nawala, nawala na.”
In addition, Dagul is suffering from cataracts in his left eye but has yet to undergo surgery because doctors are still evaluating his heart and have required several medical tests beforehand.
Financial difficulties have also delayed the operation.
“Opo, sa left ko, nagpatingin ako, may katarata. Kaya lang hindi ko agad maoperahan kasi mino-monitor ‘yung heart ko, marami silang hinihingi na test. So hindi ako makapagpaopera. At saka, at the same time, financial.”
The comedian admitted he is also worried about undergoing anesthesia because of concerns about his health.
“Saka ‘yung ano (kino-consider) pa ma’am Susan, kasi baka kapag na-anesthesia daw ako, baka hindi makayanan na mahaba ang operasyon. Baka hindi ako makagising.”
Currently recovering at home, Dagul said he spends most of his time alone whenever his wife is tending to their family business and his children are at work or in school.
“Dito lang naman ako kasi ‘pag walang mga raket-raket, dito lang po sa bahay. Wala eh, tiis-tiis. Parang nasanay na rin.”
To make daily life easier, he keeps a bedside commode nearby because going to the bathroom has become difficult.
“Wala na talagang magawa, gano’n na. Maghintay na lang kung anong darating.”
Despite everything, Dagul said he continues to pray for another opportunity to work.
“Gusto ko rin na magkaroon ng trabaho. So sabi ko, ‘Sana Lord,’ ‘yung pinakasandata ko, magdasal. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, tulungan mo naman kami na sana may darating na biyaya o trabaho. Kung sinuman ang mahipo mo, matulungan kami. Sana gano’n ang mangyari.'”
Dagul became a household name through the sitcom ‘Kool Ka Lang’ and later became a familiar face to younger audiences as a regular cast member of the ABS-CBN children’s sketch comedy show ‘Goin’ Bulilit’.
