Pen Medina Explained

Pen Medina
Birth Name:Crispin Parungao Medina Sr.
Birth Date:27 August 1950
Birth Place:Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines
Nationality:Filipino
Years Active:1977–present
Known For:Hagorn in Encantadia
Children:7 (including Ping and Alex)
Awards:Full list

Crispin "Pen" Parungao Medina Sr. (born August 27, 1950, in Arayat, Pampanga[1]) is an actor from the Philippines who started acting in theater plays in his youth.[2] He eventually played versatile roles on the big screen and in various television shows.[3] He became well-known after getting the role of the villainous Hagorn in the 2005 fantasy television series Encantadia.[4] He has won the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award during the 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies, 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[5] [6] as well as a model[7] and painter.[8] He is also an activist who joins rallies against those in power as well as participates in anti-vaccination and anti-mask protests amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal life

Pen Medina was born to Eliseo Medina Sr. and Trinidad Parungao in Arayat, Pampanga on August 27, 1950. He graduated high school at Arayat Institute of Pampanga and went to different schools in colleges, which include the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and the University of the East. He usually took up fine arts, premed, and other courses with a bachelor of arts degree but he later dropped out and pursued an acting career.

He is married to Victoria Aquino Chupungco and he is the father of Karl Medina, Crispin "Ping" Medina II, Alex Vincent Medina, Japs Medina,[9] Victor Medina, Zeth Medina[10] and JL Medina. His sons Ping and Alex, whom both had their roots in indie films, are active on local television.[11] [12] His other sons Karl and Victor have followed suit by taking on acting roles in other indie films as well.[13] [14] Pen also has a two sons with actress Tess Antonio.[15]

Health

In July 2022, his family announced that he has a degenerative disc disease and has been bedridden in a hospital for several weeks.[16] He has undergone spinal surgery to treat the disease.[17] [18]

Career

Theater

Medina started as a theater actor and appeared in productions by Teatro Kabataan such as Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio (The Trial of Old Serapio, 1977) and Nang Pista sa Aming Bayan (During Our Town's Feast, 1978).[1] He portrayed various characters in the Cultural Center of the Philippines plays,[19] which include Andres Bonifacio (1980) as Emilio Jacinto, Kanser (Cancer) in 1981 as Kapitan Tiago, and appeared again in 1993 as Elias, Gregorio Aglipay (1982) as Fr. Brillantes, Makinig Kayong Mabuti (Listen Carefully, 1986) as Gen. Henry Baltazar, and Ginuntuang Bayan (Shūsaku Endō's Golden Country, 1990) as Fr. Ferreira.[15] He also appeared in stage plays at the University of the Philippines[20] such as Patay Na si Sizwe Banzi (Athol Fugard's Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, 1986) as Styles, Tatalon (1987) as the Jeepney Driver; and Supremo (Supreme Chief, 1991) as Andres Bonifacio.[1] [15]

He also acted in the Metropolitan Theater appearing in plays such as Gironiere (1985) as Alila, and El Filibusterismo (Subversion, 1991, an adaptation of Jose Rizal's second novel) as Simoun. He also portrayed Rizal/Crisostomo Ibarra in Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not, 1986, an adaptation of Rizal's first novel) at Puerta Real. Other theaters that he performed for include Teatro Pilipino,[21] Tanghalang Pilipino,[22] and Bulwagang Gantimpala[23] as well as for independent theater groups or on campus.

Film

It was in the early 1980s when Medina crossed over to films.[24] In 1982, he starred in his first film, Himala, which was headlined by Nora Aunor. He subsequently appeared in other Filipino films in the 1980s such as Karnal (Of the Flesh, 1983), Sister Stella L. (1984), Scorpio Nights (1985), Virgin Forest (1985), and Unfaithful Wife (1986). He also has several acting credits in foreign films, most notably, the 1988 Australian television film Dangerous Life, where he plays Col. Eduardo Doromal, a fictionalized character based on a historical figure during the People Power Revolution.[25]

In the 1990s, Medina continued his film career starring in historical films and films with social relevance. He starred in the 1993 film Sakay as Lucio de Vega, a historical figure who, together with Macario Sakay, were revolutionaries fighting the Americans, and were later outlawed and hanged in 1907.[26] In the 1998 film José Rizal, he played Paciano Mercado, the older brother of Jose Rizal. He also played Jose Rizal in the documentary film entitled Jose Rizal: Ang Buhay ng Isang Bayani (Jose Rizal: A Hero’s Life, 1996), which was produced by Ateneo de Manila University. The other films in the 1990s that Pen starred in include Mumbaki (Shaman, 1996), Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin (They Call Me Joy, 1997), and Sa Pusod ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea, 1998).

In the Marilou Diaz-Abaya film Muro Ami (1999), Medina got his first acting award as he won Best Supporting Actor given during the 25th Metro Manila Film Festival. The film tells a story about a cruel captain named Fredo (Cesar Montano's character) who employs children for his illegal fishing business. Pen played Dado, the father of Fredo. After a year, he became one of the cast of the Joel Lamangan film Deathrow playing a booty bandit inmate named Gabino.[27] His role earned him another Best Supporting Actor award given by the Film Academy of the Philippines in 2001. He starred as an ex-convict in another prison-themed film, Layang Bilanggo (2010), in which he garnered a Best Actor award from the 6th Cinema One Originals Film Festival.

In the 2012 film Kamera Obskura, Medina got to play the main role of Juan, a character from a lost silent film.[28] Pen also co-wrote the script of the film.[29]

Television

After starring in stage plays and films, Medina entered television and appeared in the political satire television show Sic O'Clock News in the late 1980s.[30] He continued to guest in other television programs, which include Goin' Bananas, and Batibot. He is also part of the cast of the television series Villa Quintana,[31] Tabing Ilog, and Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka. In 2005, he starred in the fantasy series Encantadia as the main villain Hagorn, which is his most well-known television role.[32] His other television acting credits include Joaquin Bordado, E-Boy, Be Careful With My Heart, and Aso ni San Roque.

Activism

Medina is also known as an activist who joined rallies including calling for then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation,[33] [34] protesting against the burial of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos,[35] and protesting against the meddling of foreign governments, particularly the United States and China, over Philippine affairs. He also attended a rally against then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and urged protesters to love and enlighten supporters of the Duterte administration.[36] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, he also joined anti-vaccination and anti-mask protests[37] [38] saying that the COVID-19 virus "can go through any mask"[39] and challenged critics, particularly television personality Kiko Rustia, to a debate.[40] Rustia declined the debate because he is not a doctor and he "support(s) vaccines and the science behind it."[41]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Source
1982 HimalaPilo [42]
1985 Virgin Forest Macabebes member [43]
Scorpio Nights Pen
1986 Unfaithful Wife Detective Crispin Medina
1988 Hiwaga sa Balete Drive Gary
1989 Fight for Us Chief Sparrow
1990 Fatal Vacation Leader of military
1991 Shake, Rattle & Roll III Fr. Salazar
1992 Shake, Rattle & Roll IV NGO member
1993 Sakay Col. Lucio De Vega [44]
1994 Col. Billy Bibit, RAMDatu Kiram
Mars Ravelo's Darna! Ang Pagbabalik Barangay captain
1996 Dead Sure Pepe Moreno
1997 Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin Tikyo
1998 Sa Pusod ng Dagat Gusting
José Rizal Paciano Rizal[45]
1999 Muro-Ami Dado [46]
2000 Deathrow Gabino
2003 Till There Was You Frank Boborol
2004 Naglalayag Pacio Garcia
Evolution of a Filipino Family Kadyo
Bcuz of U Tatay
2005 Baryoke
2007 Ang Cute ng Ina Mo!
2008 Banal Manalo
I.T.A.L.Y.Gary Pinlac
2009 Mangatyanan Danilo Marquez
2010 Layang Bilanggo Paul
Noy Nick
2012 Kamera Obskura Juan[47] [48]
2013 10,000 Hours Sebastian Jago [49]
2014 Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak Erning
Gangster Lolo [50]
2016 Fruits N' Vegetables: Mga Bulakboleros Janitor at the U.P. Campus-Diliman
2017 Mang Kepweng ReturnsIngkong Kapiz

Television

Year Title Role Network Source
1987 Sic O'Clock News Various characters
1988 A Dangerous Life Col. Eduardo Doromal
1993 Noli Me Tangere Sisa's husband
1995 Bayani Datu Inong Awe
Villa Quintana Felix Samonte [51]
2000 Tabing Ilog Epifanio "Panyong" Delos Santos
2001 Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka Abner Araman
2005 Ang Mahiwagang Baul

Ang Alamat ng Kawayan

Ermitanyo
Encantadia Hagorn
2006 [52]
Atlantika Dr. Naval
2007 Fantastic Man Singkit
Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang Hari
Mga Mata ni Anghelita Father Joseph
2008 E.S.P. Bestre
Morgan Peralta
Obra
Joaquin Bordado Jilco
Dr. Tagimoro
2009 Sine Novela

Ngayon at Kailanman

Venor Torres

Tiagong Akyat

Castro "Kastrong Bato" Mananquil
May Bukas Pa Totoy
2010 Rod Santiago's Agua Bendita Padre Guido
Carlo J. Caparas' Panday Kids Tasyo
Star Confessions Joseph's father
Ilumina Francisco
2011 Pablo S. Gomez's Mutya Haring Merrick [53]
Guns and Roses Philip "Tsong" Marasigan
100 Days to Heaven Tagasundo
Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig Gabriel
2012 E-Boy Tatang
Aso ni San Roque Ben "Mother Ben" Asino [54]
2013 Little Champ Elmer
Bayan Ko Governor Antonio Rubio [55]
Carlo J. Caparas' Dugong Buhay Armando "Amang" Bernabe
Lolo Gimo
Magkano Ba ang Pag-ibig? Andoy Aguirre
2014 My BFF Gerry
2015 Oh My G! G
Imbestigador: Kokey Fernando "Nading" Guevarra
Alamat: Alamat ng Bayabas Haring Barabas (voice)
Beautiful Strangers Levi Rodriguez
Pasión de Amor Maryo
2016 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Fernan
A1 Ko Sa 'Yo Dom Domingo
Karelasyon: Tenant Greg
Dear Uge: Acting Dyowa Daddy
Ika-6 na Utos Noel
2017 Tsuperhero Lolo Pikoy / Piccololo
2018 The Cure Rigor
Wish Ko Lang!: Mistaken Identity Indo
Victor Magtanggol Mr. Alcala
Ngayon at Kailanman Lodi
2019 SahayaPanglima Alari
2020 24/7 Dado Narvaez [56]
La Vida Lena Francisco "Kiko" Cabrera
2022 Love You Stranger Mayor Harry [57]
2023-present FPJ's Batang Quiapo Marciano "Marsing" Dimaculangan

Awards

YearAward-giving bodyCategoryWorkResult
199341st FAMAS AwardsBest Supporting ActorSakay[58]
199418th Gawad Urian AwardsBest Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)Sakay[59]
199925th Metro Manila Film FestivalBest Supporting ActorMuro Ami
2001Film Academy of the PhilippinesBest Supporting ActorDeathrow
20106th Cinema One Originals Film FestivalBest ActorLayang Bilanggo[60]
201339th Metro Manila Film FestivalBest Supporting Actor10,000 Hours[61]
2014Best Supporting Actor10,000 Hours[62]
2017Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement AwardN/A[63]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Medina, Pen . 2022-07-13 . CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. registration. Malu. Maniquis. Lorelie. Legisniana. 2020-11-18. Cultural Center of the Philippines.
  2. Jocelyn. Valle . A Few Good Men Acting Now . . Philippines . . October 2017 . 0119-7991 .
  3. Web site: Breaking Bad: The 7 Baddest Villains in Local Cinema. Esquire. January 5, 2017. August 3, 2020.
  4. Web site: Pulumbarit . Oliver M. . 2011-12-27 . Truth seeker plays sharpshooter . 2022-07-13 . INQUIRER.net . . en.
  5. Web site: Pen Medina wraps it up for a new action-packed role, er, roll. InterAksyon. August 10, 2017. August 3, 2020.
  6. News: Pedrasa . Ira P. . The Filipino colonel is coming to town . 4 August 2020 . INQUIRER.net . 24 December 2017 . en.
  7. Web site: Severo . Jan Milo . 2019-04-11 . Pen, Ping Medina launched as new faces of Comme des Garcons . 2022-07-19 . Philstar.com.
  8. Web site: Cordero . KC . 2022-04-28 . Pen Medina: Bukod sa pagiging mahusay na aktor, isa ring pintor! . 2022-07-19 . PEP.ph . en.
  9. Web site: Arceo . Therese . 2022-07-16 . Pen Medina sasailalim sa surgery, pamilya humingi ng tulong para sa pagpapagamot ng aktor . 2022-07-19 . INQUIRER.net . Bandera . tl.
  10. Web site: Cruz . Marinel . 2022-08-27 . Pen Medina hoping to get back to work after successful spine surgery . 2023-04-18 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  11. Web site: Garcia . Rose . 2009-08-03 . Ping Medina says the most daring he has done in a movie was "nipple exposure" . 2022-08-24 . PEP.ph . en.
  12. Web site: Carvajal . Dolly Anne . 2016-03-14 . Alex Medina: Acting is about truth and reaction . 2022-08-24 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  13. Web site: A Few Good Men Acting Now. Magzter. October 2017. August 3, 2020.
  14. Web site: Pen, Ping Medina launched as new faces of Comme des Garcons. The Philippine Star. April 11, 2019. August 3, 2020.
  15. Book: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Philippine theater . 1994 . Cultural Center of the Philippines . 978-971-8546-41-3 . 351 . en.
  16. Web site: Pasajol . Anne . 2022-07-18 . Pen Medina bedridden in hospital days before surgery; family continues call for support . 2022-07-19 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  17. Web site: Bernardino . Stephani . 2022-07-24 . Pen Medina, kids thank supporters . 2022-08-23 . Manila Bulletin . en-US.
  18. Web site: Severo . Jan Milo . 2022-07-25 . Pen Medina asks for prayers after successful spine surgery . 2022-08-24 . Philstar.com.
  19. Web site: Tariman . Pablo A. . 2011-01-07 . Vibrant theater scene gives rise to second-generation actors . 2022-08-23 . VERA Files . en-US.
  20. Web site: Dulaang UP - iskomunidad . 2022-08-23 . iskomunidad.upd.edu.ph . September 26, 2012 . en.
  21. Web site: Llamas . Cora . 2013-11-22 . How theater transformed Angeli Bayani into the toast of Cannes . 2022-08-23 . Inquirer Lifestyle . en-US.
  22. Web site: 2021-10-25 . UP College of Masscom names 7 Glory awardees . 2022-08-23 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  23. Web site: 2002-07-06 . Actors gather to mark Gantimpala Theater's 25th year . 2022-08-23 . Philstar.com.
  24. Web site: 2017-08-13 . The 8 Memorable Roles of Veteran Actor Pen Medina . 2022-09-19 . 8List.ph . en-US.
  25. Web site: 2014-02-13 . EDSA Day 1: February 22, 1986 . 2022-09-19 . Inquirer.net . en.
  26. Web site: 2011-09-13 . Macario Sakay was hanged September 13, 1907 . 2022-09-19 . The Kahimyang Project . en.
  27. Web site: Harvey . Dennis . 2001-12-22 . Deathrow . 2022-09-20 . . en-US.
  28. News: Cinemalaya review: Out of the 'Kamera,' into the world. ABS-CBN News. 2012-07-23. Francis Joseph. Cruz. 2022-09-20.
  29. Web site: Kuipers . Richard . 2012-08-13 . Kamera Obskura . 2022-09-20 . Variety . en-US.
  30. Web site: Cruz . Marinel . 2022-04-03 . I think, therefore I laugh: What now for Pinoy satire? . 2022-10-11 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  31. Web site: November 5, 2013. Villa Quintana: The Original vs. The Remake GMA Entertainment. October 11, 2022. www.gmanetwork.com.
  32. Web site: 2017-09-17 . Bad Guys of Philippine Showbiz . 2022-10-11 . PEP.ph . . en.
  33. Web site: Ellao . Janess Ann J. . 2019-06-17 . Actor Pen Medina calls for unity amid US, China intervention . 2022-07-19 . Bulatlat . en-US.
  34. Web site: Astudillo . Romina . 2017-01-08 . Top 10 celebrities who supported people's issues . 2022-07-19 . Manila Today . en.
  35. Web site: 2016-11-26 . IN PHOTOS: Stars rally, speak out against #MarcosBurial . 2022-07-19 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  36. Web site: Ballaran . Jhoanna . 2017-09-21 . Pen Medina to protesters: Love and don't hate the people we call 'Dutertards' . 2022-07-19 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  37. Web site: Malasig . Jeline . 2021-11-18 . Pen Medina among group dispersed for holding anti-COVID rally with elderlies . 2022-07-19 . Interaksyon . en-US.
  38. Web site: Actor Ping Medina's anti-mask, anti-vax sentiments got undeserved airtime Coconuts . 2022-07-19 . Coconuts Manila . en-US.
  39. Web site: 2021-09-03 . VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Actor Pen Medina's claim that COVID-19 virus can get into 'any mask' needs context . 2022-07-19 . VERA Files . en-US.
  40. Web site: Bernardino . Stephanie . 2021-08-29 . Pen Medina challenges critics to debate over ineffective use of face mask vs COVID-19 . 2022-07-19 . Manila Bulletin . en-US.
  41. Web site: Malasig . Jeline . 2021-09-23 . 'I support science behind vax': How Kiko Rustia rejected Pen Medina's debate offer . 2022-07-19 . Interaksyon . en-US.
  42. Web site: Plaridel: Vol. 10. 2013. Office of Research and Publication, University of the Philippines. August 3, 2020. Google Books.
  43. Book: Arts Monthly . 1982 . Cultural Center of the Philippines . August 8, 2020 . en.
  44. Web site: History as Cinema. The Philippine Star. November 30, 2018. August 3, 2020.
  45. News: Screening of award–winning 'Jose Rizal' to mark hero's martyrdom, Dec. 29. Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 28, 2018. August 3, 2020.
  46. Web site: Muro-Ami 10 years after. The Philippine Star. February 22, 2010. August 3, 2020.
  47. Web site: Cinemalaya review: Out of the 'Kamera,' into the world. ABS CBN News. July 23, 2012. August 4, 2020.
  48. Web site: KAMERA OBSKURA. Cinemalaya. August 4, 2020.
  49. Web site: Pen Medina plays an ex-convict in Cinema One entry Layang Bilanggo. Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 6, 2010. August 3, 2020.
  50. News: Expendables Filipino style. September 1, 2023. Philstar.com. Philstar Global Corp.. November 15, 2014. Manila, Philippines.
  51. News: Raymart Santiago, bukas pa kayang makipag-ayos kay Claudine Barretto?. GMA News. September 27, 2013 . August 4, 2020.
  52. News: Anarcon. James Patrick. GMA teleseryes that featured resurrected characters. August 4, 2020. PEP.ph. October 27, 2019. en.
  53. News: Throwback: Mutya (2011) . ABS-CBN Entertainment. April 21, 2020. August 4, 2020.
  54. News: Lo . Ricky . Playing a gay is not new to Pen Medina . 4 August 2020 . philstar.com . 10 September 2012.
  55. Web site: Bayan Ko second episode, 'Corruption,' airs on March 17. GMA Network. March 12, 2013. August 3, 2020.
  56. Web site: Meet the cast of Julia Montes' comeback series '24/7'. ABS-CBN News. January 27, 2020. August 3, 2020.
  57. Web site: Eusebio. Aaron Brennt. March 18, 2021. ON THE SET: Gabbi Garcia-Khalil Ramos mystery-romance miniseries 'Love You Stranger' GMA Entertainment. August 24, 2022. www.gmanetwork.com.
  58. Web site: FAMAS Awards (1994). IMDb. August 3, 2020.
  59. Web site: Gawad Urian Awards (1994). IMDb. August 3, 2020.
  60. Web site: Layang Bilanggo reaps four major awards in 6th Cinema One Originals; Lav Diaz and Celso Ad. Castillo honored. Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 15, 2010. August 3, 2020.
  61. Web site: '10,000 Hours' is runaway winner at 39th MMFF. ABS-CBN News. December 29, 2013. August 3, 2020.
  62. News: Dimaculangan. Jocelyn. KC Concepcion and ER Ejercito win top acting honors in 62nd FAMAS Awards. August 3, 2020. GMA News Online. July 14, 2014.
  63. News: FULL LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2017. August 3, 2020. Rappler. September 4, 2017. en.