GLENDALE, California – Upon learning of Comedy King Dolphy’s death, some Los Angeles-based members of the Filipino entertainment industry gathered at a local restaurant to grieve and remember the passing of one of their most beloved colleagues.
“I was devastated. It’s so final because, in a sense, Dolphy is immortal. His ceasing to be here physically does not end his presence for all Filipinos. He’s part of our collective memory as Filipinos,” said actor, singer and former co-star Bernardo Bernardo.
Perhaps no other living LA based-Filipino has worked more with Dolphy than Bernardo.
Bernardo spent 10 years on the Dolphy sitcom “Home Along da Riles” in the 1990s and was a frequent guest on “John and Marsha,” another top-rating sitcom in the '70s and '80s.
Bernardo, who is now an acting coach, said he passes on his experience with Dolphy to his pupils.
“What I remember especially is that (Dolphy) doesn’t want to shine on his own. He wants to make sure every single person in the cast is able to contribute something. He gives little tricks of the trade, little punch lines to make others shine,” he recalled.
Bernardo said the local Filipino community is planning to hold a tribute concert for the comedy king with the proceeds going to the Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation.
Some of Dolphy’s Los Angeles-based friends and family members will also hold masses and prayers in his honor throughout the week.
Doplhy’s last wish granted
In the Philippines, friends and family of Dolphy came together to celebrate and remember the life and career of the Philippine Comedy King and granted his last wish – to go home.
Dolphy’s remains were brought to his house at Marina Bay subdivision in Parañaque City before he was returned to Quezon City.
Dolphy also returned to his old home television network ABS-CBN on Wednesday, where his family, friends, and former colleagues in the media offered a necrological service for the late kind of comedy.
Dolphy’s long-time partner, Zsa Zsa Padilla, said the whole family came together, while he was still in the hospital.
“Posible naman pala na kahit ang mga anak ni Dolphy galing sa iba’t ibang nanay, pwede naman palang magkaisa,” said Padilla. “Hindi naging madali pero he was worth it.”
The Dolphy Theater at ABS-CBN was opened for public viewing on Wednesday in Manila.
His remains were brought back to the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig for further public viewing till Saturday.
His internment will be on Sunday.
Last month Dolphy fell gravely ill and was admitted to Makati Medical Center. He passed away Tuesday night in the Philippines due to complication with pneumonia. He was 83.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
