Dagul, emosyonal na binalikan ang aktor na nagbago ng takbo ng buhay niya

• Dagul recalled how a simple trip to Manila in 1998 unexpectedly launched his showbiz career
• He revealed that Randy Santiago was the one who noticed him and encouraged him to become an actor
• The comedian shared that he originally traveled from Bacolod just to buy goods for their business
• Dagul also revealed that former GMA executive Redgie Magno gave him the screen name that made him famous

Comedian Dagul, whose real name is Romeo Pastrana, looked back on the unexpected series of events that led him to become part of the entertainment industry after what was supposed to be an ordinary trip to Manila.

During his guest appearance on "Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs," Dagul shared that he traveled from Bacolod to Manila in 1998 with a simple goal in mind—to buy merchandise from Baclaran that he could bring back to their province for business.

However, the trip took an unexpected turn after he and his wife decided to watch a noontime television program while they were in the city.

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"So accidentally, nagyayaan na manood ng noontime show. Pagkatapos, nu’ng bumaba kami, ang nakita namin, mga artista, picture-picture agad."

Dagul recalled first spotting Willie Revillame and asking for a souvenir photo before being directed to another dressing room where Randy Santiago and Ara Mina were.

"Nakita ko du’n si Sir Willie (Revillame) sa kabilang dressing room. Sabi ko, ‘Puwede magpa-picture?’ Nag-picture kami."

"Tapos sabi niya, ‘Oy, si Randy (Santiago). Randy, nandiyan sa kabilang dressing room.’ Pagsilip ko, nandu’n si Ara Mina saka si Sir Randy. Tapos sabi ko, ‘Sir, puwede magpa-picture?’ Ayun, nagpa-picture kami."

According to Dagul, the encounter did not end there. As Randy Santiago was leaving the venue, he unexpectedly returned and approached him with a life-changing offer.

"Umalis na si Sir Randy. Pag-alis niya, biglang bumalik. Sabi niya, ‘Gusto mong mag-artista?’ Ayun!"

Dagul said Randy later suggested that he join the cast of "Kool Ka Lang," a GMA sitcom starring Raymart Santiago, Randy's younger brother.

"Sabi niya, ‘Puwede ka kay Raymart (kapatid ni Randy). Puwede ka du’n.’ Pero doon ka, sa GMA ka."

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The comedian eventually became part of the sitcom, which also featured Joey Marquez, Gloria Diaz, Bonel Balingit, and Blakdyak.

Dagul also shared how he received the screen name that would later become synonymous with his career. He credited former GMA executive Redgie Magno for giving him the nickname upon his arrival at the taping.

"Pagdating ko kasi (sa taping), sabi ni Ma’am Redgie, ‘O, paano yan? Kukunin ka na. Ang pangalan mo dito, ‘Dagul.’ Sabi ko, ‘Sige po. Opo.’"

Looking back, Dagul admitted he never imagined that a routine buying trip would eventually transform his life and open the doors to a successful career in Philippine television.

"Excited din ako, eh. Biro mo ha, Ma’am, hindi ko naisip ‘yun. Sa isang daan na isipin mo, hindi ko naisip ‘yan. Kahit isa lang na magiging ganiyan ako."

Romeo "Dagul" Pastrana is a veteran Filipino comedian and actor, best known for his long-running role as the resident adult host and mainstay on the popular children's gag show Goin' Bulilit. First scouted in the late 1990s, he built a memorable career across various TV series and films while also serving his local community as a barangay official.

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In another report, Dagul expressed gratitude for the kindness shown to him by celebrity friends Benjie Paras, Long Mejia, and Manny Pacquiao during difficult periods in his life. Speaking on Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs, the comedian shared that they have always been willing to extend help whenever he sincerely asks for assistance. However, Dagul emphasized that he does not want to abuse their generosity or rely on them for everything. He said he only reaches out when he has exhausted all other options and truly needs support.

Meanwhile, Dagul made a heartfelt appeal to his former Goin’ Bulilit co-stars, including Julia Montes, asking them to remember him if work opportunities become available. During his appearance on Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs, he said he would gladly accept any acting role, even a small one, if it meant returning to work. The veteran comedian explained that his priority is providing for his family and earning an honest living, expressing hope that former colleagues might one day extend a helping hand.

Source: KAMI.com.gh