In movies and TV series, Pen Medina is known as one of the country’s best character actors —an iron man who can climb trees, fight fearlessly, and face tough challenges . His on-screen presence has a weight and fortitude that brings each character he plays to life. But behind the camera , off the set , a dark and tragic scene unfolds that exposes his true humanity — a moment that nearly destroys his life and financial standing.

In an intimate and candid interview, Pen Medina reveals the full saga of his ordeal: the sudden attack of back pain that brought him down, the shocking admission that he was ‘destitute’ and in debt to his own children, and the extraordinary outpouring of support from ordinary citizens and famous personalities that he called a “miracle.”

The Agony That Began with a Twist

It all started with a seemingly simple twist of the body. While working, Pen Medina allegedly couldn’t pivot his lower body while twisting his upper body . At that moment, a sharp pain crept up his back. “It felt like a vein had been severed,” he described. At first, he thought it was just muscle pain , so he endured it and forced himself to eat and have dinner.

But the pain got worse as the night wore on. After he finished drawing, he tried to stand up, but the pain returned, accompanied by dizziness and a split-second loss of consciousness . He fell, and from then on, he could no longer stand on his own. By mid-morning, he was alone, unable to scream. He just sat on the floor, hunched over, because that position was more comfortable than a high chair, while the intense and unremitting pain pounded through his bones .

The event took an emotional toll on his family. His wife only realized the severity of the situation when she found him lying on the sofa sobbing the next morning. Throughout that day, and for the days that followed, Pen Medina remained bedridden. The once iconic actor became a burden (in his own opinion), needed assistance going to the bathroom, and sometimes crawled . Because of his condition, he had to neglect his beloved garden at home, which was an extension of his artistry , because he was no longer allowed to bend over.

The Threat of Paralysis and the Surrender to the Right

For almost a month, Pen stubbornly refused to go to the hospital or have surgery because of his hope of recovery and also because of the expense . The thought of being a burden on his family and the fear that the surgery might fail only intensified his anxiety .

His diagnosis revealed a serious problem with his spinal column : his bones were rubbing together, and some were already thin. His physical therapy seemed to have no effect, and the condition was getting worse. The only point that changed his mind and finally gave in to his stubborn pride was when the doctor told him of three conditions that awaited him: he would become incontinent (lose control of urination and bowel movements ) and, worst of all, he would no longer be able to stand up .

That’s when he got scared. “I told you, you need surgery, have it done right now,” he said dramatically. He had to undergo emergency surgery . The surgery resulted in the insertion of two titanium rods and screws into his spine, a testament to the severity of the injury he had suffered.

The Surprising Reality of “No Savings”

Physical illness comes with a much more severe financial burden . Pen Medina admitted a shocking truth that many would not have thought possible: he was broke . “Two, two [years] without a job,” he said. His savings were depleted because of the constant expenses, especially since his children were still in school and one needed medication for diabetes . It got to the point where he was in debt to his own children.

This confession sheds light on the reality of character actors in the Philippines, who , contrary to what many people think, are rich with big contracts . He explained that he is not paid on a contract or monthly basis like the main characters , but only per day . Sometimes, it takes a month to have two tapings . His status as a seasoned actor is not enough to avoid financial ruin. “You thought I was rich,” he laughed bitterly.

The Miracle of Helping: From Coins to Bulk

In the darkest part of his life, where his body and bank account had collapsed , a “miracle” occurred—an outpouring of help from various people.

What was most touching was the help from ordinary Filipinos, whom he did not know. They gave even just P3.00 or P10.00 through GCash. These people, who were probably even more disadvantaged in life, gave small amounts, saying “Sorry, this is all I have in my GCash.” This gesture brought tears to Pen Medina’s eyes. This kind of contribution proved the goodness of Filipinos, who are willing to sacrifice even when they have nothing.

Aside from public donations , help also came from his colleagues in industry and politics:

Senator Robin Padilla: One of the first to provide significant assistance, and he even personally called to confirm the arrangements .

Coco Martin: Coco’s help was the most surprising and biggest, according to Pen. Although they were not very close and it had been a long time since they last saw each other, Coco sent financial assistance that covered a large portion of his expenses. This gesture showed Coco’s big heart. Coco further intensified the help when he offered him a job at “Batang Quiapo” just to help him get back on his feet and have a source of income .

The Resurrection and the Art of Pretense

With the help of financial aid and prayer , Pen Medina was able to leave the hospital. Soon after, he joined the taping of “Batang Quiapo,” which was offered to him by Coco Martin.

Because he had not yet fully recovered—especially since he had to work and could not fully rest—his role was adjusted. His character was made lame and begging, requiring him to use a trolley to keep him from moving around too much. This role , which seemed to reflect his true condition, served as an artistic expression of his ordeal . Instead of acting, he used his acting skills to show the true weight of a person struggling in life.

However, behind the acting and agony , Pen Medina also showed an unseen dimension of his personality—his extraordinary talent in the visual arts . In his home, he displayed his works, drawings, and paintings from when he was a Fine Arts student at UST. His charcoal drawings , pastel works , and watercolors showed a super-masterly ability, which is said to have made him a famous artist long ago . Art serves as his outlet and therapy , a part of his soul that he continues to enrich.

Call and the Final Takeaway

As someone who has gone through a tough ordeal , Pen Medina gave advice to everyone, especially senior Filipinos. His advice was simple but crucial: don’t be complacent and get regular physical exams . His neglect of check-ups suddenly caught up with him. “I thought I was strong… But I’m not,” he said.

Second, and most importantly, trust in the Lord . He dedicated his healing and the miracle of help to God. His faith gave him the superpower to overcome everything.

Ultimately, Pen Medina’s story is not just about pain and hardship; it is about humanity and solidarity . His tears of gratitude are proof that an actor’s best performance is not on camera , but in his heartfelt gratitude to the people who lifted him up. He was given a lifeline by Filipinos, and his journey remains an important reminder to all that each of us, no matter how famous or powerful, needs compassion and help from others. Pen Medina’s legacy is not just in his acting skills, but in the fact that he was a Filipino who once fell, but was lifted up by the love and help of his people .