José Ramón Arellano, widely known across Chile’s Bío Bío region as the beloved children’s entertainer Tony Pulguita, is facing a delicate health situation, BioBioChile reported, prompting his family and friends to organize a benefit bingo in Concepción to help cover his medical and travel expenses.
Charity Bingo Funds Medical Treatments for Arellano
- The Event: A charity bingo will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 14:30 to 21:00 hours at Pub La Oficina in Concepción.
- The Cause: Proceeds will fund frequent medical trips, treatments, and associated costs for Arellano, who travels between Concepción and Santiago.
- How to Help: Tickets cost $5,000 CLP and include game cards, available via Instagram at @tonypulguita, while prize donations are accepted until November 13.
The Legacy of Tony Pulguita
Behind the red nose and makeup is an artist originally from Lota whose humor, songs, and warmth captured the hearts of generations. José Ramón Arellano solidified his regional stardom in 1993 when he joined Canal 9 Bío-Bío Televisión to star in the children’s program A la ronda ronda alongside the late Tía Sandra. Through television screens, schools, and kindergartens, he became a fixture of childhood in the region, using educational tunes like Dile no a las drogas to teach young audiences.
That decades-long impact was formally recognized just months ago. In August 2026, the commune of Coronel honored Arellano as a Distinguished Citizen for his artistic trajectory and vital contribution to the community.
Tony Pulguita revela delicado estado de salud: Familia organiza bingo para costear tratamiento médico https://t.co/eAPFyKsfSN
Organizing the Benefit in Concepción
With the beloved entertainer requiring ongoing medical treatment in Santiago, his family has stepped up to manage the financial logistics. His son, Ignacio Arellano, explained through a public statement that the frequent journeys involve substantial costs for care, transit, and meals.
“Como familia estamos acompañándolo y, junto a sus amigos, organizamos un bingo solidario para ayudar a cubrir los gastos médicos, de traslado y alimentación asociados a este proceso”
While the family has chosen to keep the specifics of the diagnosis private for now, they have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of affection from fans who remember the entertainer’s classic television days and live shows.
Pub La Oficina Hosts Bingo with Limited Tickets
The upcoming charity event is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026, running from 14:30 to 21:00 hours at Pub La Oficina, situated at Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 769 in Concepción. The afternoon and evening will feature live music, guest artists, food sales, and various prizes.
Organizers have limited ticket sales to 350 available passes. Priced at $5,000 CLP, each ticket includes a game card valid for all rounds. Supporters can secure entries by sending a direct message to the official Instagram account @tonypulguita or by coordinating directly with the organizing committee. Community members looking to contribute physical prizes can drop them off until Friday, November 13, 2026.
“Cada entrada, premio y publicación compartida es una ayuda concreta. Gracias por acompañar a nuestro papá y a nuestra familia,” Ignacio Arellano concluded in the statement.
