In an exclusive interview with Gossip Girl, Kat Medina, daughter of veteran actor Pen Medina, reports that the spine operation of her father scheduled on, Tuesday, July 19,  has been moved upon detecting an “irregular heartbeat” from her father’s medical tests.

Last week, Manila Bulletin writer Stephanie Bernardino posted an article about the sons of the multi-awarded actor, Ping and Alex, seeking help from their father’s relatives, friends and co-workers by posting "Call for Charity for Pen Medina."

“Our dad, 71-year-old actor Pen Medina, has been in the hospital for three weeks now and currently cannot sit or stand up due to degenarative disc disease (DDD). Due to the pandemic, our dad scarcely had any work, which siphoned his savings over the past two years. We are trying to help him as best as we can, but it will be a long road to sufficient recovery for him. We humbly appeal for your charitable help and prayers as our family navigates through helping him get back on his feet – literally and figuratively.”

Kat adds: “We are deeply grateful for the financial help we are getting from dad’s co-actors. But we are still seeking help for his post-operation expenses. After his operation, it will take time for my dad to be able to go back to work. Your help and prayers will truly be helpful.”

According to Web MD, DDD is when normal changes that take place in the disks of your spine cause pain. Spinal disks are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine. They help your back stay flexible, so you can bend and twist. As you get older, they can show signs of wear and tear. They begin to break down and may not work as well. Nearly everyone's disks break down over time, but not everyone feels pain. If worn-out spinal disks are the reason you're hurting, you have degenerative disk disease. After Pen’s spinal operation, it will take months for him to be able to walk normally and go back to acting. 

Several stars namely Albert Martinez, Marissa Sanchez, Lovely Rivero, and others have reposted “A Call for Charity for Pen Medina."

According to Kat, a number of stars have already given financial help to Pen, but the cost of the surgery, medications and post-operation care for his father is very steep.

Reviewing Pen’s past projects, should all these actors be aware of his situation, they will definitely help the Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Awardee. Coco Martin has worked with Pen for the longest time in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano as Fernan. Alden Richards, Dingdong Dantes, Gerald Anderson, Julia Barreto, Iza Calzado, and Jennilyn Mercado are some of the notable artists that Pen has worked with. Rising matinee idol Joshua Garcia admits that Pen’s acting workshop has helped hone his acting skills. We are all hoping that the entire showbiz industry will unite and help such an amazing talent. Aside from being the recipient of the  Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award during the 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies, Pen also won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 62nd FAMAS Awards and the Best Actor Award at the 6th Cinema One Originals Film Festival. He is also the second KFC Filipino Colonel.