Mely Tagasa a.k.a. ‘Miss Tapia’ in coma, ‘weaned off her respirator’

Mely Tagasa a.k.a Miss Tapia. Photo by Richard A. Reyes

Veteran actress Mely Tagasa, more popularly known as “Miss Tapia” in the hit ‘70s sitcom “Iskul Bukol,” is currently in coma and has been “weaned off her respirator.”

In a statement posted on Facebook by her daughter Gina Marissa Tagasa, a film and television script writer, she informed the public about the condition of her mother.

“It was a tough and painful decision to make since she has been quite dependent on this machine. She is still in Comatose stage but displays some pain and discomfort as she slightly jerks and squirms because of the intubation,” she wrote.

“She now breathes with the help of an Oxygen tank,” she added.

Battling for her life at 82, the family still fights with her. However, they are already prepared if things would turn out for the worst.

“We continue to monitor her condition – her vital signs fluctuate every hour so I can’t say everything is OK. At this point, we leave everything to the good LORD. If He wills her to continue enjoying a quality life at 83 (her Bday is on the 16th of April), then a miracle is bound to happen. If He decides to take Mommy home with Him, Eternal Life in Heaven awaits. We accept. Our Faith will see us through,” Gina said.

She then ended her statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support to their family, especially to their mom, at this challenging time.

Mely Tagasa’s portrayal as Miss Tapia – the old maid, love-starved, ill-tempered professor in the fictional Wanbol University where the equally iconic trio of Victorio Ungasis and the Escalera brothers played by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon studied – was so remarkable that it remained in pop culture consciousness for many years.

She first made a guest appearance in Iskul Bukol in 1977, and thereafter became a mainstay until the show ceased in 1992. /kga