Dianne Medina gets real on celebrating son’s birthday while grieving dad’s death

Monday, September 15, 2025 at 1:38 PM

by Daniel Joseph Navalta

3 min read

• Dianne Medina celebrated her son Joaquin Ilustre’s 5th birthday with a kiddie party while mourning the recent death of her father Prisco Tito “Antoy” Verzosa Medina

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• She shared photos from the party and said that even while grieving she chose to be strong for her son and celebrate him with love and joy

• In another post she recalled Joaquin asking about his grandfather at the casket and wanting to kiss him while wondering if he was in heaven

• Family and friends expressed condolences and admired Dianne’s strength as she balanced being a grieving daughter and a devoted mother

Actress-host Dianne Medina recently shared a candid moment of joy and sorrow as she celebrated her son Joaquin Ilustre’s 5th birthday with a kiddie party, even while mourning the recent passing of her father, Prisco Tito “Antoy” Verzosa Medina, who died on September 5 at age 71.

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Despite carrying her grief, she posted photos from the fun-filled celebration with the heartfelt caption: “It’s so painful to lose my dad, and my heart is still mourning… but because I am a MOTHER, I know I have to be strong. Today is Joaquin’s birthday party, and even if I carry this grief, I will celebrate him with all the love and joy he deserves. For my son, I choose to be strong. Joaquin anak Happy Birthday! I love you!”

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In an earlier post, she shared a touching interaction between her and Joaquin at his birthday: “On your birthday, Anak, I carried you again to Papa Toy’s casket because you wanted to see him. Joaquin: Mommy, why is Papa Toy sleeping? And then softly— Joaquin: Is Papa Toy in heaven, Mommy? You held on to me and said, Mommy, help me… I want to kiss Papa Toy. Happy Birthday, Joaquin. Sorry Anak if this greeting comes with sadness — Someday you will understand, but for now, know that your Lolo Papa Toy loves you from heaven above!” The exchange showed just how deeply Joaquin is affected by his grandfather’s absence, while also demonstrating how Dianne is navigating motherhood amidst loss.

Family and friends flooded her comments with empathy, offering condolences for her father’s passing and admiration for her strength in celebrating her son’s milestone despite the emotional weight. Dianne’s dual roles as grieving daughter and devoted mother resonated with many, illustrating the often complex balance of life’s demands.

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Prisco Tito “Antoy” Verzosa Medina was a beloved figure in Dianne’s life, and his death has been widely mourned in their circle. His passing marked a solemn turn for Dianne, who is known for her open ways of expressing grief and faith in public.

Rodjun Cruz is an actor and dancer in the Philippines. He is married to Dianne Medina. They have a son named Rodolfo Joaquin Diego III and a daughter named Maria Isabella Elizabeth. His brother, Rayver Cruz, is a popular actor, singer, and dancer in the Philippines who works for the Kapuso network.

In a previous report by KAMI, Rodjun Cruz is grieving the loss of his father-in-law, Prisco Tito “Antoy” Verzosa Medina, the father of his wife, television host and actress Dianne Medina. The Kapuso actor and dancer took to Instagram to express his deep sorrow, sharing a heartfelt tribute alongside a carousel of family photos that captured memorable moments with his late father-in-law. In the caption, the actor recalled the memories, lessons, and closeness he shared with Antoy. The poignant tribute was met with widespread support from fans and colleagues.