Afternoon well spent: Liza Diño, Nadia Montenegro visit, help out John Regala

MANILA, Philippines — Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) president Liza Diño and veteran actress Nadia Montenegro recently visited ailing character actor John Regala, days after reports surfaced about his health issues.

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In Diño’s Facebook post on Thursday, she said she received a call from another veteran actor, Reb Belleza, who asked her to visit Regala.

“I got a call from kuya Reb Belleza to ask me to see Mr. John Regala so yesterday I visited him at his place to check on his condition and extend our support,” Diño said in her post.

According to her, John has been under the care of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) since 2015.

Veteran entertainment writer Aster Amoyo  likewise joined Dino and Montengro in checking on the condition of John.

“I was also told that Chuckie Dreyfus helped in gathering support for Kuya John,” Diño said.

“It’s so incredible to see industry people come together to help one another in times like these. Kahit may kanya-kanyang priorities, basta sa panahon ng krisis, nandyan tayo para sa isa’t isa (Even if we have different priorities,  we’re still there for one another during difficult times.)

John was also seen by a  doctor during Diño’ and Montenegro’s visit.

“Arrangements were made to address his immediate needs, which includes regular visits by the doctor to provide him with IV fluids to keep him hydrated and nourished since his liver problem makes him lose his appetite,” the FDCP president said in her post.

The outpouring of support for John, known for his antagonist roles in films and TV series, came after  social media posts showed the actor looking sick and weak in Pasay City and being assisted and attended to by a food delivery driver.
Regala later disclosed that he is suffering from liver cirrhosis, and is no longer in touch with other relatives after his mother died.

Montenegro, Amoyo, and Dreyfus have set up a “Gava Gives Assistance Account” for Regala.

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