Google pays tribute to late 'King of Comedy' Dolphy on his birthday

MANILA - Google paid tribute to the late beloved comedian Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon on his birthday with a doodle, reminding Filipino viewers of the gift of laughter he shared for decades.

Dolphy, who would've turned 92 on Saturday, passed away in July 10, 2012 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The iconic superstar grew up in Manila, where he began his showbiz career as a dancer at the Avenue, Lyric and Orient theaters.

Dubbed the Philippines' "King of Comedy," the late veteran actor's career spanned over six decades, starring in more than 100 films and television series, mostly in the comedy genre.

He was recognized for his contribution in Film and Broadcast Arts.

Dolphy was awarded as Outstanding Manilan in 2010 and received the Diwa ng Lahi award in 2012, given by City Hall in celebration of the city’s founding anniversary.

He was posthumously recognized with the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), which is the highest honor given by the Culture Center of the Philippines (CCP).

news.abs-cbn.com

Dolphy properties up for auction

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC

MANILA - A public auction featuring over 30 real estate properties passed down by the late Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Quizon will be held on January, son Eric Quizon revealed.

In an interview on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" aired Friday, the younger Quizon explained that the decision to auction off the inherited properties was part of an initiative to raise funds for the planned museum honoring his father.

"We've been trying to liquidate some of the assets kasi nga kailangan din namin ng pera. Kung baga we have plans na i-develop 'yung mga properties pero siyempre kailangan namin ng magkaroon ng pera," he shared.

The Dolphy Aid para sa Pinoy Foundation is also set to receive part of proceeds, according to Quizon.

The Dolphy Estate Auction will be held live at the Dolphy Theater. It will be open to those who register before January 31.

Those interested will need to contact HMR Auctions.

Among the properties that will be sold off are those in Batangas, Antipolo, Cavite, Samar, Baguio, and Bulacan, among others.

Dolphy, whose body of work in the entertainment industry spans decades, succumbed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on July 10, 2012. He was 83.

source: ww.abs-cbnnews.com

Dolphy's family reunited in Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- A year after the passing of Philippine comedy king Dolphy, his children, along with the actor's long-time partner Zsa Zsa Padilla, were reunited once again. This time, in one of Pidol's favorite destination: the entertainment capital of the world.

"Love naman niya ang Vegas talaga. Masaya, memorable. Marami syempreng memories. The fact na nadito 'yung family ko gustong-gusto niya 'yung mga hotels kasi 24 hours bukas ang Vegas," Padilla saod.

Dolphy's son Eric Quizon said that although they see each other in Manila, "it's very rare that we see our brothers in Burbank and New Jersey na magkakasama-sama kami together."

Daughter Zia Quizon added: "We are spending a lot of time sa Padilla side namin dito sa Las Vegas so it's nice to see the Quizon din."

Padilla said Las Vegas was home to Dolphy. "Not only because of the neon lights but the best of the best in the world in terms of stage shows and the international far-fame notable restaurants and buffets are all Sin City," she said.

But the singer admitted that she also feels lonely when thinking about the placed they used to frequent in the Nevada city.

"Hindi ako pumupunta sa mga lugar na talagang favorite niya nakakalungkot eh," said.

Epi Quizon noted that Christmas 2012 was the first Christmas they spent without their father.

"Ngayong Christmas na ito, first Christmas ito na bumalik ang daddy ko. Virtual na nga lang so magkakasama ulit kami," he said.

When Padilla is asked about Dolphy's National Artist recognition, she said, "Nakaka proud naman pero sana nga mangyari maghintay na lang kami.”

Padilla, along with her two daughters Nicole and Zia, will be spending their holidays in Vegas, while the rest of the Quizon brothers will be spending it with their respective families in the US.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Quizons recall fond memories of Dolphy

MANILA – Exactly a year ago today, the showbiz industry and the country lost its Comedy King.

On Wednesday morning, a Mass was held at Dolphy's burial site at the Heritage Park in Taguig City to commemorate the comedian's first death anniversary.

Present during the Mass were members of the Quizon family including Dolphy’s long-time partner, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Also there were Doplhy’s daughters Nicole and Zia, as well as the comedian’s sons Vandolph, Eric, Ronnie and Epy.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Eric said he and the rest of his siblings can't believe that a year has already gone by since Dolphy died.

“Parang ang bilis lang ng mga araw. Hindi namin namalayan na isang taon na pala. Pero dahil araw-araw nasa isip namin siya, hindi namin napansin na ganun na pala siya katagal nawala,” Eric said, noting that there have been numerous occasions where Dolphy has appeared to them in dreams or has made his presence felt.

The actor-director said his father may be physically gone but he is still very vibrant in the hearts of so many.

“Just like anyone, siyempre isang importanteng tao ang nawala sa amin. We are all coping. Hindi mawawala ang pain, he said.

Meanwhile, Zia shared that she is still having a difficulty every time she feels Doplhy’s absence.

“It’s hard kasi we are still living in the same house so it feels like parang every day, parang nasa hospital lang siya. Parang flashback to those days,” she said.

But just like her other siblings, Zia said she is trying her best “to move on and fill our lives with positivity.”

Dolphy died of pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. - with a report from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dolphy monument to be unveiled this month

MANILA, Philippines -- A monument honoring the late comedian Dolphy will soon rise along Roxas Boulevard, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced on Tuesday.

The monument for the country's Comedy King is now being constructed in front of the Museo Pambata near the US Embassy, as well as the statue of another showbiz legend, action king Fernando Poe, Jr.

Lim, who inspected the site on Tuesday, is one of the closest friends of the well-loved actor who died last year.

In a statement, Lim said he believes "it is but fitting to honor him for his great contribution to the field of arts, particularly the movie and television industry and touching the lives of so many Filipinos when he was alive, through the countless movies and TV shows he made."

The mayor revealed that unknown to many, Dolphy helped numerous needy people without any fanfare, including the poor children of Manila.

City engineer Moises Alcantara said Dolphy’s statue is a seven-feet bronze hot cast antique finished and weighs about 300 kilos.

Alcantara said the statue, which is being made by famous sculptor Jonas Roces based on a photograph supplied and duly approved by Dolphy’s family, will be finished within the month.

Meanwhile, former Miss International Gemma Cruz-Araneta, deputy chairperson of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, explained that the Museo Pambata was a beneficiary of the RVQ Foundation which was established by Dolphy in 1966, which is the reason why it had been chosen as the site of his monument.

Araneta said the monument will all be at the personal expense of Lim, "just like the monument he built for FPJ."

Dolphy was awarded as Outstanding Manilan in 2010 and received the Diwa ng Lahi award in 2012, given by City Hall in celebration of the city’s founding anniversary.

Araneta also noted that Dolphy grew up in Manila, where he began his showbiz career as a dancer at the Avenue, Lyric and Orient theaters.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Sad Christmas for Zsa Zsa and Zia

MANILA, Philippines -- Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla admitted that it will be hard to celebrate Christmas this year with the absence of her long-time partner Dolphy.

The country's comedy king passed away in July this year.

Padilla and daughter Zia Quizon will be spending the holidays in Japan as they both continue to cope with Dolphy's death.

"Obviously it's medyo mahirap din kasi it's the first holiday season na wala 'yung daddy kaya we are trying to distract ourselves and have fun and spend time with friends and family din namin," Quizon said.

Padilla is also looking forward to 2013 as she will star in the upcoming series "Juan dela Cruz" with actor Coco Martin.

The singer is hopefull next year will be a "happier one" for her.

"I'm gonna be busy. Di ba 'yan din ang lunas din kapag malungkot ka?" she said. -- Report from ANC

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Zsa Zsa says she saw Dolphy on CCTV

MANILA, Philippines -- Only a week after he was finally laid to rest, the late film icon Dolphy made his presence felt to his partner of 23 years, singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Padilla said she recently had a "vision" of the late veteran actor, seemingly at her request.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, the singer said she saw an image of Dolphy when she reviewed the footage of a CCTV camera installed in their home in Marina Bay, Paranaque.

"First week we were home, sabi ko, 'Hindi ako titigil hanggang hindi kita makita.' Ganun ako ng ganun sa CCTV, kasi 10 'yung cameras namin. Ang tagal ah, until finally nag-side view akong ganun, ayon, okay, fine, nakita na kita," she narrated.

"Kahit trying hard, he has a vision. I took a picture of it. You have to try hard to see his profile, but then you see him there," she added.

Comforting presence

Dolphy's seeming presence in their home serves her comfort and calm, Padilla shared.

"It comforts me, whenever I'm home, that every little corner of my home I know that he's been there. Every corner of my house, I can imagine him there. I'm calm now, I feel better," she said.

Padilla, dubbed the country's "Divine Diva," admitted that there are still days when she longs for the company of Dolphy, who succumbed to his illness for six years on June 10.

"There are days -- today it's a little bit harder. I don't know. For some reason, I remember him. Always, pag-gising ko, naalala ko siya, because I always have coffee time with him.

"When I go to a little corner, I always talk to him, so whenever i feel like it, I do. I talk to him when I really miss him. I really miss him," Padilla said.

'I'll Be Seeing You'

In her quiet moments with Dolphy, Padilla said she listens to the song "I'll Be Seeing You," which she dedicates to her long-time partner.

"I was listening to music na I kept playing, 'I'll Be Seeing You.' Actually, song ko para sa kanya 'yun. The words siguro -- because 'I'll be seeing you, I'll be looking at the moon and I'll be seeing you, wherever you go," she said.

Two weeks since Dolphy was laid to rest at the Heritage Park in Taguig, Padilla said she manages to cope by surrounding herself with friends and busying herself with professional engagements.

"Sa lahat naman ng artista 'di ba, that's an old adage. We live by that rule -- 'The show must go on' -- no matter how hard it is. But for somebody like me, actually it's moving forward, so I welcome it," Padilla said.

'Show must go on'

In her first professional engagement since Dolphy's passing, Padilla resumed filming for "I Do Bidoo Bidoo" last Saturday. The company of her co-stars and colleagues serve to lighten her grief, Padilla shared.

"Masaya actually 'pag marami kang kasama, maraming kang kausap eh. Tapos tawag nga sa 'kin ni Eugene (Domingo), para raw akong radyo -- non-stop raw ang bibig ko. Nae-entertain siya sa 'kin," Padilla said.

Joining Padilla and Domingo in the cast of the "I Do" are Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Sam Concepcion and Tippy dos Santos.

Directed by Chris Martinez under Straight Shooters Media, the film musical opens on August 29 in theaters nationwide.

article source: abs-cbnnews.com

Dolphy's fans linger at Heritage Park even after burial

Diehard fans of the late Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon continued to linger at the Heritage Park in Taguig City early Monday, a day after the ace comedian was laid to rest.

While security remained tight at the memorial park Monday, the fans stayed overnight in hopes of a chance to approach Dolphy's grave, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

"Hinihingi ko ang tarpaulin pero sabi ng security guard, sa management ‘yan," said a female fan from Manaoag in Pangasinan who had spent six days in the area.

The 38-year-old fan said she even wore a Dolphy-themed shirt for the last six days just to show her devotion.

Another female fan, 48, said she came all the way from Balanga in Bataan, and stayed overnight.

She said she even spent her birthday Sunday outside the Heritage Park just to sympathize with the ace comedian's loved ones.

"Aalis kami mamaya kaunti, mamayang hapon. At least mamaya masulyapan," she said.

The dzBB report said the park remained closed to the public early Monday. It added some of Dolphy's fans left behind a mess at the premises.

Dolphy died last July 10 at the Makati Medical Center, two weeks before he was to turn 84.

According to a statement released by the hospital, he succumbed to "multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute renal failure."

He was buried at the Heritage Park Sunday afternoon, but his family allowed a public viewing of his remains for three days—the public viewing on the last day lasting until almost 11 p.m. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Nida Blanca's daughter says goodbye to Dolphy

MANILA, Philippines -- Kay Torres, the daughter of the late actress Nida Blanca, attended the requiem Mass for Comedy King Dolphy on Sunday morning.



The veteran actor considered Blanca, who played his wife in the long-running sitcom "John en Marsha," his favorite leading lady.

"'Di magkikita na sila uli ni Mommy, di ba? Ang saya nila siguro. I love you Tito Dolphy, nag-iisa ka talaga!" Torres said.

Also attending the Sunday Mass were showbiz stalwarts Eddie Garcia and Rosa Rosal.

Garcia, 83, said, "Mabuti siyang tao, walang kaaway."

The veteran actor and director also cracked a joke -- in keeping with Dolphy's wish for people to smile at his funeral.

"Kumpleto na sila 'dun, si FPJ ...pwede na silang mag-poker dun," he said. -- Report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Eric Quizon plans roast for Dolphy's birthday

MANILA, Philippines – From the time the country’s Comedy King Dolphy was rushed to the Makati Medical Center on June 9 and on to the the many tributes after the veteran actor passed away on Tuesday night, his son, Eric Quizon, had been a picture of strength and grace.

As the appointed spokesman for the popular comedian’s family, Quizon faced the cameras and the media with admirable calm.

“A source of grace and strength? I tried my best,” Quizon said. “After this 'di ko alam kung bibigay na ako, I had no time to mourn him so hindi ko alam how I will handle myself.”

And on Sunday, Quizon finally gave in to grief, as his father was brought to his final resting place at the Heritage Park in Taguig.

But Quizon’s job is far from over.

With Dolphy’s upcoming birthday on July 25 – he would have turned 84 – Quizon and the rest of his siblings are set to gather again – and hopefully the mood would be a lot lighter.

“I want it to be a roast, laughter,” Quizon said.

Quizon also said he would lead the Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, which aims to provide educational assistance to less fortunate children.

“That was our vision. Matagal na naming plinano ang adbokasiyang ito. Kaya kahit wala na siya, andyan pa rin ang legacy. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat na dumamay sa amin,” he said.

Quizon is also hoping that the benefit screening of his father’s old movies at the Ayala Cinemas and other theatres around the country would be a success. – Report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

source: abs-cbnnews.com

TV crew rushed to hospital after falling off genset

MANILA, Philippines – A crew member of a television station was rushed to the hospital after he fell on a generator set that was supposed to be used in their coverage for the burial of Comedy King Dolphy at The Heritage Park in Taguig City on Sunday.

Reports said a staff member from TV5, who was identified as Allen Trinidad, was pouring gasoline in the generator when he accidentally slipped and fell.

Trinidad’s condition is now being monitored at the Makati Medical Center. – from a report by Dennis Datu, dzMM

source: abs-cbnnews.com

TV5 to air Pidol's Wonderland at 5:30pm, 'Rosario' at 9:30pm

MANILA, Philippines - At 5:30 pm Sunday (July 15), Vic Sotto will host the Pidol's Wonderland special episode on TV5, the home network of Comedy King Dolphy who was laid to rest past 2 pm.

At 9:30pm also today (Sunday), TV5 will air the period film "Rosario," the critically acclaimed movie where Dolphy won an award for his sensitive portrayal as the narrator of the story of an incredible woman ahead of her time.

source: interaksyon.com

Dolphy scores one last blockbuster hit on Twitter

As the entire nation bade their final goodbyes to Dolphy on Sunday, the legendary comedian and longtime box-office king delivered one final blockbuster, this time in the social media networks of Twitter and Facebook.

On Twitter, the hash tags #PaalamDolphy and #SalamatDolphy continue to trend as fans and industry colleagues alike tweeted their thoughts as the Comedy King was buried on Sunday afternoon—with many of them simply quoting Zsa Zsa Padilla’s last message to her departed partner, “I love you, lovey ko, till we meet again.”




San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito tweeted, “Paalam Mang Dolphy! Salamat sa pagbigay ng kulay saya sa buhay ng mga Pilipino!”


Ruffa Gutierrez, the first to break the news about Dolphy’s demise Tuesday night, posted, “One’s death is the last chronicle of one’s journey in this world. Great men will be remembered…Farewell Ninong Dolphy! I know you’ll be smiling at us from heaven.”

Perci Intalan, TV5’s head of creative and entertainment production, recalled one of his earlier encounters with Dolphy with the tweet, “Was teary eyed to hear the Para Sa Iyo Kapatid theme in Game N Go’s tribute to Tito Dolphy. That station ID was our first shoot with him.”

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia tweeted, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. My heartfelt condolences.”


Matinee idol Enchong Dee kept it simple by just tweeting, “Thank you for painting a smile on our faces.”

Ditto for actor and Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano who posted, “Maraming salamat idol DOLPHY. MAHAL KITA. MAHAL KA NG LAHAT!”

Bianca Gonzalez, on the other hand, remembered the first time she saw Dolphy up close and personal, “i once met mang dolphy and i feel emotional today, what more his family. prayers for the quizon family and #SalamatDolphy for everything.”

Young comedienne Kiray Celis had a similar tweet, “Sabi ng mama ko, may picture daw ako dati with Sir dolphy nung 3yrs old ako. Karga karga daw ako ni sir! :( bye sir! Have a good rest po.”

Another comedian, Ramon Bautista said that Dolphy’s family does not end with his biological children, “Hindi lang 18 ang anak nya, lahat tayong pinasaya nya sa John en Marsha, Home Along.., saka mga sine nya. Paalam po at #SalamatDolphy.”

Former supermodel Tweetie De Leon Gonzalez was likewise touched, “feeling so emotional seeing the whole nation immortalize Dolphy through personal stories. a DAD to all. Blessed Somber Sunday.”

Mr. Fu insisted on putting a happy face amid all the sadness, “nakakaiyak ang bawat pamamaalam. let’s celebrate the life of the one and only Comedy King!”

The same sentiment was shared by Ogie Diaz with his post, “Every gising is a blessing! Thank you, Tito Dolphy, for d blessings of laughter! You will be missed!”

For her part, talent manager Angeli Pangilinan, a born-again Christian, quoted the Bible in her own tweet, “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven… …not built by human hands.”-1Corinthians5:1 May this Word comfort us today as we embace the fact that Dolphy is now with the Lord.”

Former actress Maila Gumila hailed him for a life well-lived in her Facebook post. “Thank you for all the lessons in life… and even after. Godspeed, Tito Dolphy ♥♥♥ You shall remain in our hearts forever… ‘Salute’ :-D ,” she added.

Twitter user Kat Bautista agreed with her post, “Di mo masasabing sayang si Dolphy. It was just about time. He alrdy gave so much. All we can say is Thank You.”

And singer-comedian Ogie Alcasid, who just the night before paid tribute to Dolphy at the finals night of the PhilPOP Music Festival, was more to the point with the tweet, “Farewell Mang Dolphy…”

source: interaksyon.com

Erap gives Dolphy ‘People’s Artist Award’, says they had a common vice

Former President Joseph Estrada gave Dolphy a “People’s Artist Award” during the necrological service for the fallen comedian on Friday night at the Heritage Park chapel in Taguig.

Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dolphy’s partner for the last 23 years, received the award from Estrada, who had called for the conferment of the National Artist award on Dolphy in the weeks leading up to the latter’s death on Tuesday.

Estrada said he gave the award on behalf of the non-profit group Dakilang Lahi Foundation to compensate for the present administration’s failure to honor Dolphy with the National Artist award.

“The National Artist award for Dolphy is long overdue. Nalungkot ako nang hindi naibigay ‘yon sa kanya habang buhay siya,” he told reporters.

Estrada joined Dolphy’s colleagues from Sampaguita Pictures and the sitcom “John en Marsha” in paying tribute to the Comedy King.

Like Dolphy, Estrada began his acting career in the 1950s, although he was a contract star of Sampaguita’s rival studio, LVN Pictures.

In his eulogy, he joked that he and Dolphy shared one vice, meaning their weakness for beautiful women.

Naturally, it drew laughs from the crowd of celebrity mourners that included Susan Roces, Robert Arevalo, Barbara Perez, Eddie Gutierrez, Bella Flores, Celia Rodriguez, and German Moreno.

Moreno praised Dolphy’s portrayals of gay characters in movies like “Jack en Jill”, “Facifica Falayfay”, and “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay” and said they helped Filipinos accept homosexuality.

Kaye Torres spoke on behalf of her late mother Nida Blanca, Dolphy’s leading lady in “John en Marsha”. She said she is happy that Dolphy, whom she considered her second father, and Nida are now together in heaven.

Meanwhile, Eric Quizon has announced that his father’s burial on Sunday will be a private affair and only relatives and friends of the family will be let inside Heritage Park. He advised the public to just watch the event live on television.

Dolphy’s casket will be transported on a horse-drawn carriage to his tomb inside the memorial park, some 100 meters away from the chapel.

source: interaksyon.com

Gloria Romero emotionally recalls her 'wonderful times' with Dolphy

Agad na mababakas sa mukha ng beteranang aktres na si Gloria Romero ang lungkot at sakit sa pagpanaw ng kanyang “kumpadre" na si Dolphy.

Dumating si Gloria nitong Huwebes, Hulyo 12, sa Heritage Memorial Park sa Taguig City, bandang ala-sais ng gabi, at hindi kaagad na nagpaunlak ng panayam sa press.

Pagpasok sa viewing room, hindi na napigilan ng aktres na maluha nang makita ang pamilya ng Comedy King, at ang kabaong na pinaglalagakan ng mga labi nito.

Bago siya umuwi ay saka nagpaunlak ng maikling panayam si Gloria sa PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang entertainment press.

Kanyang ibinahagi sa amin ang isang insidente kung saan nakita niya kung gaano kamahal ng Comedy King ang kanyang trabaho, at kung gaano niya kagustong maghatid ng saya sa bawat manonood.

“It’s like what he said one time, ‘Kapag ako’y ipanganak ulit, ang pipiliin ko, pag-aartista pa rin.’

“That’s how much he loves his job.

“Kaya kita n'yo naman, nagluluksa ang buong industriya sa pagkawala… sa pagpanaw niya."

THE BEST MEMORIES. Halos magkasabay na pumasok sa industriya ng showbiz sina Dolphy at Gloria.

Marami rin silang pinagsamahan na mga proyekto tulad na lamang ng Kurdapya (1954), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Despatsadora (1955), Hindi Basta-Basta (1955), Hootsy Kootsy (1955), Vacacionista (1956), at Pagoda (1958).

Kahit pa raw gusto ni Gloria na dalawin si Dolphy sa ospital noon ay hindi niya ginawa, dahil ayaw niyang makita ito na mahina at walang sigla.

Kuwento ng veteran actress, “Alam mo, masayang-masaya ako in a way na nabisita pa namin si Pareng Dolphy no’ng bago pa siya na-ICU.

"Ako, si Marichu [Vera-Perez] at si Ms. Butch Anson-Roa, we went there to visit him.

“Nagtatawanan pa nga kami, nag-iistorya pa nga kami about the days ng Sampaguita—and that is my most memorable moment with him.

“Hindi ako nagpunta sa ICU, ayaw ko siyang makita na gano’n."

Ngunit bigla naman nagkaroon ng sigla at hindi nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ng beteranang aktres habang ikinukuwento sa amin ang ilang alaala niya na kasama ang Hari ng Komedya.

“Oh, we have so many wonderful times together!" bulalas niya.

“Kasi I made more than a dozen movies that time.

“I call him my kumpadre kasi inaanak ko si Salud, and inaanak niya rin si Maritess.

“Si Dolphy kasi hindi ma-dialogue ‘yan, e, he has personalities one on the camera and one off [the camera].

“Kapag sinabi na ng ‘action’ ang director, ay, mame-mesmerize ka talaga.

“He’s such a great actor.

“He made people happy, he made people laugh, hindi mapantayan ang kanyang kagalingan sa comedy.

“At hindi lang alam ng mga kabataan that Dolphy, puwede mo ipares sa isang Hollywood actor, as one of the best dancers that we ever had.

“Tuwing mayro’n siyang dance sequence sa Sampaguita, lahat kami tumatakbo para panoorin namin siya.

“The memories I have with him is the fun we had together. When we made Hong Kong Holidays, sa Hong Kong talaga ‘yon.

“‘Yong mga dull moments namin, nagkukuwentuhan kami about life, and he doesn’t talk much about himself, we never heard him bragging or talking about his experience."

ALWAYS REMEMBERED. Tanging magaganda at masasayang salita at alaala ang namumutawi sa mga labi ni Gloria tungkol kay Dolphy.

At nang unti-unting bumabalik ang alaala niya kasama ang Hari ng Komedya ay hindi na mapigilan nito na mangilid ang kanyang mga luha.

Inilarawan niya si Dolphy na isang “sweet, lovable, sincere friend."

Pero ang pagiging “humble" daw ng kanyang kumpadre ang hinding-hindi matatawaran na katangian nito.

“Napaka-humble [niya]. Sana ‘yon ang pamarisan ng mga kabataan, na maging simpleng tao.

“That’s why he was loved by people, kasi madali siyang mahalin, e.

“In one word, he’s a gentleman."

Kaya naman ang mensahe ng pamamaalam ni Gloria sa kanyang katrabaho, kaibigan, at kumpadre: “I will miss him.

“Rest in peace, we all love you.

“We love him, as of now, goodbye, kumpadre." -- Joyce Jimenez, PEP

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy the OFW: A ‘DH’ and Japayuki in the ’50s

Dolphy was a “DH” (dancer in Hong Kong) and a Japayuki in the 1950s. His legendary career as an entertainer included stints as an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) in Hong Kong and Japan after World War II.

The King of Comedy recounted this experience in detail in his 2008 biography “Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa”, written by Bibeth Orteza.

Dolphy said it was either 1950 or 1951 when he joined a group of Filipinos who worked as nightclub performers in Hong Kong.

“Entertainers ang isa sa mga unang pangkat ng overseas foreign workers. Kami na siguro ang sumunod sa mga nagtanim ng pinya sa Hawaii,” he said.

Dolphy was recruited by his vaudeville colleague Bayani Casimiro, who led their group composed of two dancers (Bayani and Dolphy), four female chorus dancers, and a band of musicians.

They performed two one-hour shows a night with daily rehearsals and no day off. They changed their revue every two weeks.

“One year ang contract pero pinapayagan kaming umuwi, pa-ten days, ten days, during which time kumukuha si Bayani ng pinch-hitter,” Dolphy recalled.

His salary was P1,050 a week, but he only got P200 from Bayani, who took the lion’s share of P850 as commission. He didn’t mind the huge disparity because he felt indebted to his friend.

Somehow, he still ended up making P800 a week, which was a considerable sum in those days when the exchange rate was P1 to HK$2.80. He could buy an English wool ready-made suit for P15.

The money came handy for Dolphy in his early twenties, who was starting to a raise a family with Engracita “Gracia” Dominguez.

His first child, Manuel “Boy” Quizon, would be born on December 3, 1951. Gracia would give him five more children that decade.

After Hong Kong, Dolphy tried his luck in Japan, to where he would sneak away on six-month stints even after he had already begun his acting career as a contract star for Sampaguita Pictures in 1952.

The atrocities committed by Japanese soldiers during World War II were still fresh in his mind, and his resentments got the better of him when a Japanese man was assigned to become his group’s assistant.

Dolphy gave the assistant a thorough tongue-lashing in Tagalog. The man named Joaquin replied, “Huwag mo naman akong murahin!”

It turned out Joaquin had lived for 30 years in the Philippines and spoke fluent Tagalog and Visayan.

Being away from home also afforded Dolphy plenty of amorous adventures. “Walang problema sa sex life doon. Kung sex lang, ha? Ikaw pa ang susuko,” he said of his Hong Kong stay.

Dolphy was also quite the Romeo in post-war Japan.

“Sa dami ng babaeng naka-fling ko sa Japan, naisip ko pang baka naubos na kasi ng giyera ang lalaki. Japanese women, meron ding mga puti. May mga US bases din kasi do’n marami ring mga Kano. Dumating ako sa puntong nag-ii-schedule na ako ng ilang dates in one day,” he confessed.

He believed he impressed the ladies with his dancing skills. “Mostly mga fling ko, sa sayaw nagsimula…Malakas ang arrive mo kapagka may talent ka,” he said.

His OFW experience also gave him a first-hand experience of the factionalism and lack of unity that would often hamper Filipino communities abroad.

Decades later, at a Filipino gathering in the West Coast, Dolphy would rail against the practice of Filipino-Americans ratting out undocumented compatriots to immigration authorities.

“Pinagsalita ako. ‘Kako, ‘Ang mga Chinese sa Chinatown, ang mga Hapon sa Japanese village, at ang mga Koreano sa Korean town, nagtutulungan. Hindi ba natin kayang gawin ‘yon?’… Matuto tayong magbuklod-buklod.’ Palakpakan sila. Ako lang daw ang nagsalita ng gano’n doon.”

In 2008, Dolphy showed how much he cared for OFWs with the creation of the Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation. The non-stock, non-profit organization grants scholarships to deserving children of OFWs. It is the beneficiary of proceeds from the sales of “Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa”.

On Wednesday, one day after Dolphy’s death, his son Ronnie Quizon said that donations to the foundation would be preferred over flowers.

source: interaksyon.com

Boy 2 gets his first Dolphy tattoo

MANILA, Philippines - Just like a number of his relatives, actor Boy 2 Quizon has immortalized Comedy King Dolphy on his skin.

Quizon, who used to celebrate his birthday with his grandfather every July 25, said he may spend their special day at Heritage Park.

"Every time na magbi-birthday ako, before I do my own celebration, I would always go to him first. From there, 'yung mga bisita ko ini-invite ko na doon para libre ang pagkain at beer. Normally, we will just eat. Ang talagang mami-miss ko ay 'yung eating, kwento siya with all our lolos," he said.

"Ang lolo ko mahilig sa fireworks so kung papayagan kami ng Heritage na magpa-fireworks sa birthday niya at birthday ko," he said.

Dolphy died on Tuesday night after a five-year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83.

Earlier, Dolphy's sons Vandolph, and Dino showed their tattoos featuring the Comedy King's face.

Other members of the Quizon family are planning to follow suit.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Maricel Soriano to Dolphy: Daddy I love you so much, I’ll see you soon

MANILA, Philippines - Veteran actress Maricel Soriano, who played Dolphy's on-screen daughter on the popular TV show John en Marsha, said the late actor was the only person who made her feel like she did not come from a broken family.

"Nine years old pa lang ako alam ko I was hopeless. Ang gusto ko ipaalam sa lahat, I may be a product of a broken family in real life but isa at nag-iisa lang yung Dolphy na nakapagparamdam sa akin na ... hindi ka pwedeng product ng isang broken family dahil meron kang Mommy, meron kang Daddy (When I was only nine years old I knew I was hopeless. This, I want to tell everybody, I may be a product of a broken family in real life but Dolphy was the only one who made me feel that … I was not a product of a broken family because I had a Mommy, I had a Daddy)," Soriano said in tears.

She said that Dolphy served as her father both in television and in real life.

When Nida Blanca died, Soriano said she remembered Dolphy consoling her saying, "Iniwan na tayo ng Mommy mo (Your Mommy has left us)."

"Ngayon, walang pwedeng magsabi sa akin na 'Wala na ang Daddy mo (Now, no one can tell me that 'Your Daddy is gone),'" Soriano said.

"Daddy I love you so much and I’ll see you soon," she said.

source: interaksyon.com

Sharon Cuneta tweets lengthy tribute to Dolphy

Once again, the 140-character limit was simply not enough to convey the complete thoughts of Sharon Cuneta upon learning of Dolphy’s passing.

This time, the Megastar tweeted 13 consecutive posts that when pieced together revealed how she learned of the sad news from the New Bilibid prisons where she was taping an episode of her TV5 afternoon talk show, “Sharon, Kasama Mo, Kapatid.”

Here’s the tweets in full and in their correct sequence:

“I didn’t know that there was no signal for cellphones or wi-fi inside the New Bilibid Prison. I was there since after lunch and…”

“…just finished taping. I was so happy because I was inside maximum security and EVERYONE was so warm & not”

“…not one person/inmate made me bastos even from afar. In fact, mas nakaramdam ako ng pagmamahal at respeto mula sa…”

“…mula sa kanila kesa sa ibang tao sa labas. And then I got inside my bus, answered KC’s call on my phone & while we were…”

“…talking, my Exec. Producer Crissy came to me and very gently told me na “Wala na siya…” My Tito Dolphy. The King…”

“…King of Comedy. A good father. Loving & devoted to Zsa Zsa. Extended help to whoever needed it, and…”

“…QUIETLY. God brought him home not just to release him from his pain & suffering, but because He had lent Tito Dolphy to us for…”

“…too long a time and wanted him home. I’m sure the Lord missed him. As I am sure we all will, from now on… Rest in peace,…”

“…my beloved Tito Dolphy. I will continue to do my best to follow the beautiful example you set for all of us, even when you didn’t…”

“…know it. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I miss you sooooo very much already. Showbiz has again lost one of its…”

“…its handful of truly talented and most decent members. You left us with so few who are like you. Your leaving has just made…”

“…us all realize all the more how much we love you. We will never forget you. Rest in God now, Tito. Pls say ‘hi’ to my…”

“…to my Daddy and my two babies when you see them. I love you.”

source: interaksyon.com

Smoking to blame for Dolphy's COPD

MANILA, Philippines - Smoking is the main cause of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that Comedy King Dolphy battled for six to eight years before finally succumbing Tuesday at 83.

Eric Quizon, Dolphy’s son, admitted in an interview that his father used to smoke.

In an emotional necrological service, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dolphy’s long-time partner, said they initially could not understand why the comedian constantly felt sick even if he showed no outward symptoms like fever.

Eventually, from yearly medical checkups, he had to be make regular hospital visits, “hanggang (until) two-and-a half years ago, sinabi na sa amin ng doctor na Stage 4 na siya ng COPD. Kinailangang kausapin ang lahat ng mga anak niya (the doctor said he already had Stage 4 COPD. It became necessary to talk to all his children),” Padilla said.

Persons suffering COPD experience breathlessness, abnormal sputum characterized by a mix of saliva and mucus, and chronic cough. And as the condition worsens, normal activities like walking up short flights of stairs or carrying a suitcase can be very difficult.

Aside from smoking, pollution - both indoor and outdoor - can also cause COPD, the World Health Organization said in its website.

It is not known how many Filipinos suffer from COPD but the Department of Health lists it as the seventh in the top 10 causes of mortality in the country.

And in 2000, a workshop covering the Asia-Pacific region estimated that at least 6.3 percent of the Philippine population is suffering from COPD.

Not surprising in a country where there are at least 17 million smokers.

But the DOH website stressed that these are “misleading figures because COPD is under-diagnosed and often not listed either as primary or contributory cause of death.”

Second-hand smokers, including children, are also at risk for COPD.

An estimated 10 people die every hour in the Philippines because of tobacco use, causing a humongous health burden of about P300 billion a year.

Other factors that cause COPD include indoor and outdoor pollution, according to the World Health Organization website.

The WHO estimates that 64 million suffered from COPD in 2004, with more than three million dying of the disease in 2005, equivalent to five percent of all deaths in the world that year.

Ninety-percent of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines where the use of tobacco is high.

Without interventions to cut the risks and better tobacco-control management, deaths from COPD are projected to increase by more than 30 percent over the next 10 years, the WHO warned.

Because symptoms develop slowly, COPD goes mostly undiagnosed although the WHO said people normally diagnosed with the disease are aged 40 or older.

The disease is diagnosed through a test called spirometry that measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale and how fast oxygen passes through the lungs.

There is no cure for COPD, but risk of it can be avoided or lowered by refraining from, or quitting, smoking.

source: interaksyon.com