BY RONALD CONSTANTINO
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John Regala is seriously sick and he’s surviving on the kindness and generosity of strangers and friends. He’s afflicted with cirrhosis of the liver, among other ailments.
Total strangers helped John as collapsed and wandered around the streets. The latest is Grab driver Carl Marti Clariza, who saw John in a waiting shed in Cavite. John said he was waiting for a friend, a nurse, who’d bring him medicine for gout.
Friends helping John get by are led by colleague Aster Amoyo, who tapped other actors. First to respond was Coco Martin. Much earlier, when John was well enough to act, Coco cast him in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” on ABS-CBN.
Others responded to Aster’s appeal on behalf of John, included Rez Cortez, Sen. Bong Revilla. Phillip Salvador, Nadia Montenegro, Chuckie Dreyfuss, former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
When John’s mother, former actress Ruby Regala, died a few months ago, former President Joseph Estrada sent John a substantial amount.
John said his family has abandoned him. He’s staying in a Quezon City condo provided by the Iglesia Ni Cristo, which has been helping him from way back.
Not many people know that John Regala belongs to the Padilla clan. His late father, Mel Francisco was a first cousin of Rudy Fernandez and Robin Padilla. Mel, who used to appear in movies, had German and Spanish blood. John’s mother, Ruby, had French and American blood. John’s parents separated when he was young and he grew up with his mother.
John excelled in contravida roles, “the guy you love to hate.” But his most memorable role was a sympathetic one, in Mario O’Hara’s “Fatima Buen.” He played a policeman hopelessly in love with Fatima (Kris Aquino).
Hopefully, more help will come John’s way.
