Dagul is the screen name of Romeo Pastrana, a Filipino midget actor, comedian and a politician. He was born on October 5, 1958 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental and is married with three children namely John Rojen, John Clef and John Jehro. His eldest son appeared in the Purefoods Star Hot Dog commercial showing Dagul carried onto his shoulders. He stands only 2 feet and 60 cm tall, a small man but had a big heart in public service.
It was Randy “Shades” Santiago that convinced Dagul to join Philippine showbiz. He was doing small roles in various films such as “Ispiritik, Walastik Kung Pumitik,” “Juan and Ted: Wanted-Chuck,” and “Kool Ka Lang.” with Long Mejia. After these appearances, he became visible on television shows such as the defunct comedy show, “OK Fine Whatever.” Currently, he is one of the regular talents of the children’s gag show, “Going Bulilit,” over ABS-CBN.
Back at GMA days of Dagul, he was teamed up with Long Mejia in “Long and Dagul,” before Long decided to transfer in ABS-CBN to co-host in a noontime show “Masayang Tanghali Bayan,” with Willie Revillame. Dagul also followed suit and started to do some guest appearances. When they disbanded, they began to be busy attending to different TV programs and shows.
In October of 2010, Dagul tried his luck in the political arena and run for the Barangay Kagawad position in which he topped the list into the number one. He garnered the highest number of votes and emerged the big winner in San Jose Rodriguez, Rizal. Even though he appears to be small, he owns a big heart to be a public servant. He was successful with his mission in establishing day care centers and providing additional medical personnel in the areas where it is most needed in their barangay.
Dagul even shares his golden rules to little children “Drink your milk, eat more vegetables, sleep early, study well and always obey your parents,” he advises. Indeed, Dagul maybe small, but his ideas, intentions and dreams of other people are big.
Today, Dagul is happy in his life, spending time with his family, wife and children, and doing everything he can to provide for them. He is thankful that despite his physical condition, he had shown that he can still do more in regards to public service. He continues to excel in his movie and TV career, and does whatever he thinks is best for everyone.
He continues to be committed to his fellow kabarangay and thinks of ways and means to improve the quality of life they have. Dagul is truly a small man with a big heart, as what he wants to impart.
He can still be seen in ABS-CBN’s “Goin Bulilit,” which is a child –oriented show and gives his share of comedy antics. He is well loved by these little children who works with him, and his family is really proud of him. Dagul will continue to live his legacy to the showbiz world and political field, and he believes God made him an instrument to be an inspiration to other people.
