Pumanaw na ang film and TV director na si Monti Parungao ngayong Martes, September 1, 2026.
Siya ay 58.
Inanunsiyo ng pamilya ni Direk Monti ang malungkot na balita sa pamamagitan ng social media.
Nakasaad dito: "It is with great sadness that the Parungao family announces the passing of EDGARDO PUNO PARUNGAO III (Direk Monti) on September 1, 2026. Details of a service to celebrate and honor his life will follow.
"The family is grateful for your prayers, love and support"
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MONTI PARUNGAO'S BATTLE WITH COLON CANCER
Mga kumplikasyon dulot ng colon cancer ang ikinamatay ni Monti.
Natuklasan niya ang kanyang malubhang sakit noong Oktubre 12, 2024.
Ibinahagi ni Monti ang kanyang kondisyon sa pamamagitan ng isang vlog noong Oktubre 2025.
Saad niya: “I remember that I wasn’t really much surprised or shocked.
"It was my sister who was speechless so I decided to speak to the doctor about it by myself and he mentioned to me that my life expectancy is one year.
“That was confirmed again by another doctor around three months after. Today is October 10, 2025, almost a year after.
"I’m strong, I don’t feel it.
"I wouldn’t be perfectly honest if I’d say that I am not scared.I am.
“I am more scared about the people I will leave behind in case I leave.”
Sinabi rin ni Monti ang mga bucket list niya, tulad ng kanyang kagustuhan muling paggawa ng mga pelikula, teleserye, at pagpunta sa Paris at Brazil.
“But of course, if that doesn’t happen, I’d still be grateful. I am grateful of the life I’ve had and beautiful life I had,” sabi ni Monti.
Noong February 2026, bago siya sumailalim sa isang operasyon, ay ibinahagi ni Monti ang kanyang saloobin sa pamamagitan ng isang open letter na ipinost niya sa social media.
Nakasaad dito:
"To all of you—and Audrey,
"Today I’m being admitted for my surgery, and I need to say this plainly: I’m scared.
"Not in an abstract way, but in the quiet, heavy way that settles in when you realize your life will be in other people’s hands, and you can’t control what happens next.
"I’m not trying to sound brave. I’m just walking forward because stopping would mean letting fear decide for me.
"I’m holding on to God, and to the hope that I still have more time. Time to remain present.
"Time to share more precious moments with Audrey, who is the reason I continue to face this illness at all. Time to sit beside you, to laugh when it comes naturally, and to notice the small things I once overlooked.
"I don’t feel strong today. I feel small, and very human. All I can do is love fully, feel everything, and trust that it’s enough.
"If I’m quiet for a while, please know I’m carrying you with me. I believe I’ll wake up. I believe I’ll see you again. And when I do, I’ll come back softer, grateful, and more aware of how precious you are to me.
"Love,
"Monti"
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MONTI PARUNGAO'S FILM AND TV CAREER
Kilala si Monti bilang direktor ng BL movies, drama series, reality shows, at music videos.
Ang mga ginawa niyang BL movies ay Sagwan (2009), Brothers in Law (2009), Santuaryo (2010), Pulupot (2010), Kape Barako (2011), at The Escort (2011).
Kabilang sa mga idinirek niyang reality shows sa GMA-7 ay Survivor: Philippines (2008-2010) at StarStruck Season 7 (2019).
Ilan naman sa mga ginawa niyang teleserye ay Misibis Bay (2013), Calle Siete (2016), Inday Will Always Love You (2018), Dear Uge (2018-2019), TODA One I Love (2019), Madrasta (2019-2020), I Can See You (2020), The Lost Recipe (2021), at Las Hermanas (2021-2022).
Kabilang sa artists na idinirek niya sa music videos ay sina Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Princess Velasco, at Vice Ganda.