'Filipiñana' actress Jorrybell Agoto in critical care as she battles cancer - GMA Network

Jorrybell Agoto, the star of the film “Filipiñana,” has been confined at the hospital as she battles lymphoma.

In a collaborative Instagram post by her loved ones, it was revealed that Jorrybell is currently admitted to the Critical Care Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital, “bravely fighting through a difficult chapter in her battle against cancer.”

“At present, her lungs are filling with fluid in the pleural area, making it difficult for her to breathe. She currently has a Blake drain to help manage the fluid and support her condition,” the post said.

“This is a heartbreaking and challenging time for Jorrybell. Her treatment, hospital stay, procedures, medications, and other medical needs continue to bring significant expenses,” it added.

A QR code was provided for donations to help Jorrybell. The post said that donating any amount and sharing the post will make a meaningful difference in helping out the actress.

Lymphoma, according to Mayo Clinic, is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is “made up of organs, glands, tubelike vessels and clusters of cells called lymph nodes.”

“It's part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and other tissues throughout the body, such as in the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, bones or skin,” Mayo Clinic said.

“Filipiñana” is the Philippines’ official entry to the Oscars.

Directed by Rafael Manuel, "Filipiñana" previously won the special jury award at the Sundance Film Festival in February.

The film follows a golf-tee girl named Isabel at a Philippine country club, who is strangely drawn to Dr. Palanca, the president of the club. Isabel soon discovers the violence in the club and their connection from the past.

"Filipiñana" had its world premiere in 2020 at the Berlinale International Film Festival as part of the shorts competition. It won the Silver Bear Short Film Jury Prize at the festival.

It was also awarded the Grand Prix nod from Encounters Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Festival Du Nouveau Cinema De Montreal, Best British Short Film at the British Independent Film Awards, Best Student Short Film at Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival, and the Best Film in the Asia International Competition and the George Lucas Grand Prix for Best of Show at Short Shorts Film Festival Asia.

It served as the closing film of this year's Cinemalaya Film Festival and was followed by a release in cinemas.