Comedy King Dolphy laid to rest

It was both a tearful farewell and a celebration of a laughter-filled life.

Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon Sr., known as the Philippines’ “King of Comedy,” was laid to rest at past 2 p.m. Sunday at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Dolphy died on Tuesday night at the Makati Medical Center, two weeks before what would have been his 84th birthday.

Before the burial, friends and relatives attended the memorial mass for Dolphy at the chapel of the Heritage Park.

Dolphy's casket was then wheeled toward his final resting place since the white horse that should have been used for the carriage to carry the casket passed away, according to reports.

Mayor Alfredo Lim of Manila, Dolphy’s home city, was among those who wheeled the veteran comedian’s casket to the burial site.

Although the funeral procession was earlier planned to be a private affair, some of Dolphy’s fans still managed to join the solemn march to the Comedy King’s final resting place.






Final applause for Dolphy

During the funeral rites led by Fr. Larry Faraon, Dolphy’s family, friends and fans were able to honor the actor-comedian for the last time.

Tearful family members were able to have a last look at the Comedy King's remains right before the coffin was placed inside the tomb.

Dolphy’s partner, singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, was calm and composed when she approached the Comedy King’s casket. Padilla was the only person who wore black during the funeral, while other attendees were clad in white.

Dolphy’s children, including Eric Quizon and Vandolph Quizon, were seen consoling other family members and close friends through hugs as they approached the casket.

Mayor Lim, a retired police general, meanwhile gave Dolphy a final salute before the veteran comedian’s casket was closed.

As Dolphy's casket was being pushed into the tomb, family members and friends clapped their hands in honor of the Comedy King.

His family and friends then placed white flowers one by one inside the tomb before it was sealed.

'I love you, lovey ko'

After the burial, Fr. Faraon enjoined all the attendees to smile and celebrate Dolphy’s life.

“Mang Dolphy, masaya kami na na kay Lord ka na,” the priest said.

A confetti shower and the flight of white doves also marked the end of the interment.

The song "Seasons of Love" from the Broadway musical "Rent" was also played after Dolphy's burial. The song is about how one's life should be measured "in love."

To end the funeral rites, Padilla expressed her gratitude and love for Dolphy.

“Mahal na mahal ka ng sambayanan, Dolphy. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng katatawanan na ibinigay mo sa lahat ng Pilipino,” she said.

"I love you, lovey ko. Until we meet again,” she added. –With report from Mac Macapendeg/KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy fans gather at Heritage Park, public viewing starts Thursday

Fans of the late Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon started gathering at the Heritage Park in Taguig City to pay their respects to him.

However, they had to content themselves with waiting outside as they were not yet allowed inside as of Wednesday morning, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported.

The report added some fans started going home when they were told the public viewing of Dolphy's remains would not be until Thursday, although many still stayed as of 7 a.m.

Taguig City police were deployed to help secure the Heritage Park.

According to the report, many fans started gathering at the Heritage Park as early as Tuesday night, when they learned the Comedy King's remains would be brought there.

Some of the fans came all the way from Pasig City. Some of them were children, the report said.

Dolphy died at the Makati Medical Center before 9 p.m. Tuesday. He was 83, and would have turned 84 on July 25.

As of early Wednesday, only family members were allowed in the chapel where his remains were brought.

The report said family members seen there as of 5 a. m. Wednesday included Dolphy's sons Eric and Epi Quizon, partner Zsa Zsa Padilla, and daughter Karylle. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Curtains down for Dolphy at 83

The Comedy King is dead.

Dolphy, or Rodolfo Quizon Sr., passed away Tuesday at 8:34 p.m., at the Makati Medical Center, thus ending one of the longest and most colorful lives and careers in Philippine show business history. He was 83 and about to turn 84 on July 25.

Dolphy starred in over 100 movies, including several reprising his lovable lead character in John en Marsha, a popular, long-running television show.

He is survived by 18 children by six different women.

After a flurry of confusing tweets Tuesday evening, his death was finally confirmed by a close family member, according to GMA News' State of the Nation.

The Makati Medical Center, in a statement issued to news media gathered outside the hospital, said that Dolphy succumbed to "multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic cbstructive pulmonary disease, and acute renal failure."

Dolphy was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday, June 9, after complaining of difficulty in breathing. His potassium level had also dropped.

The Philippines' Comedy King underwent several dialysis treatments while in the hospital. He also had at least two bouts of pneumonia, with the last one occurring only recently.

Because of his age, Dolphy’s immune system had weakened.

A vaudeville beginning

Before entering the movies, Dolphy first made a name for himself during the World War II years as a vaudeville dancer along with the late Bayani Casimiro.

From dancing, Dolphy got his break as an actor when he landed the role of a Chinese court witness in a theater play.

Dolphy’s antics in the play were a big hit and he became known as “Golay” – his first screen name.

In 1948, Dolphy was billed as Rodolfo Quizon in the movie “Dugo ng Bayan” (Nation’s Blood). He made a “guest appearance” in the movie which starred Fernando Poe Sr.

Dolphy’s big movie break came when Pancho Magalona brought him over to Sampaguita Pictures for the 1953 movie “Isang Sulyap Mo Tita” (A Single Glimps of you Tita).

In this movie, the name “Golay” was discarded for “Dolphy” which became a household name to this day.

From Tondo

Dolphy was born in Tondo, Manila on July 25, 1928. He was the eldest of 10 children: Corazon, Josefina (Josie), Melencio Jr. "Junior," Laura, Aurora (Auring), Jorge (Georgie), Jaime (Jimmy), Teresita and Jaime.

His father was Melencio Espinosa-Quizon, a ship mechanic, and his mother was Salud Vera Quizon.

The “puruntong shorts” (shorts with comically long pant-legs) were made famous by Dolphy’s character, John Puruntong, in the hit TV sitcom “John en Marsha.”

Dolphy (with Casimiro) worked as a dancer in Hong Kong and Japan, signing six-month contracts for the jobs. Dolphy saw himself as one of the first overseas Filipino workers.

Dolphy had 18 children by six different women: Six children with Grace Dominguez, four with Gloria Smith, four with Baby Smith, one with Vangie Tagulao, one with Alma Moreno, and two – of which one was adopted – with Zsa Zsa Padilla. Several of his children entered show business themselves, including actor-director Eric Quizon who was the most visible child in the last several weeks as the family spokesperson on Dolphy's condition.

Dolphy never married any of the women he was with, which he said was one of his life’s frustrations.

Dolphy and Zsa Zsa had planned to marry, but the plan fell through as Zsa Zsa’s annulment proceedings with her first husband were taking too long.

The producer

It was in the 1960’s when Dolphy established his production company, RVQ Productions. Its first project was a film adaptation of the hit TV sitcom “Buhay Artista” (An Actor’s Life).

Dolphy’s last movie was entered in the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Father Jejemon.” He had a “special appearance” in “Rosario,” another 2010 MMFF entry.

On his 80th birthday in 2008, his biography “Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa” (Dolphy, I Didn’t Get Here On My Own) was launched. Proceeds from the book were given to a foundation that assists OFWs.

In 2008 Dolphy and Vic Sotto, known as the Comedy Prince, did a movie together called “Dobol Trobol.”

Dolphy is also famous for playing gay characters in movies like “Facifica Falayfay” (1969), “Fefita Fofongay, Sarhento Fofongay” (1973), “A... Ewan” (Oh…I Don’t Know) (1974), “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay” (My Dad The Mom) (1978), and “Markova: Comfort Gay” (2001).

Dolphy received his FAMAS Best Actor award in 1978 for his role in the movie “Omeng Satanasia,” which was produced by RVQ Productions.

For their roles in “Markova: Comfort Gay”, Dolphy and his children Eric and Jeffrey Quizon received the Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation award – the equivalent of a Best Actor Award – in Brussels, Belgium.

Controversy over National Artist debate

In the weeks before his death, there was intense lobbying by influential supporters for Dolphy to be conferred the title of National Artist, usually the result of an arduous government-sponsored process by a committee of experts.

Controversy ensued after National Artist for Theater Cecile Guidote-Alvarez revealed that a previous effort in 2009 to honor Dolphy with the title was blocked by Nicanor Tiongson, former president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Tiongson struck back in a letter to the editor in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday, denouncing Alvarez for violating the confidentiality of the deliberations and denying that he was a decisive factor. But he acknowledged that he had opposed the recognition for Dolphy.

“I believed that the two icons he created for film and TV – the screaming gay and the happy-go-lucky poor man – have, in the majority of his movies, equated gayness with abnormality and mindless frivolity on the one hand, and romanticized or deodorized poverty on the other,” Tiongson, a respected cultural scholar, said in his letter.

For millions of others, Dolphy was simply a man who made them laugh and made many a heavy day so much lighter.

In 2010, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III awarded Dolphy the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart – the highest civilian award that a President can give – for his contributions to the entertainment industry and for his humanitarian efforts. — Fidel Jimenez and Amanda Fernandez/Amanda Lago/KG/DVM/VS/ELR/HS, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy passes away, says partner Zsa Zsa Padilla

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actor-comedian Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon passed away Tuesday evening, his common-law-wife Zsa Zsa Padilla confirmed to ABS-CBN.

Dolphy died a few days before he would have celebrated his 84th birthday on July 25.

Dolphy was taken to the Makati Medical Center last June 9 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been confined since then at the intensive care unit.

Dolphy’s children, grandchildren, and other relatives stayed with Dolphy until his very last.

Among his visitors were co-stars Maricel Soriano, Nova Villa, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Nora Aunor, Charo Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Bentong, Smokey Manaloto, as well as healing priest Fr. Sonny Ramirez, who offered prayers.

Dolphy’s career in entertainment as a comedian–on stage, radio, television, and movies–lasted for more than six decades. He is survived by Padilla and his 18 children.

article source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net

Dolphy's condition continues to improve; Palace heartened to learn of improvement

The condition of Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon continued to improve as he greeted visitors with facial reactions.

Former child actor Niño Muhlach was among the latest visitors who got a positive response from Dolphy when he visited him at the Makati Medical Center before dawn Monday.

Muhlach narrated Dolphy was conscious when he visited him at the hospital's intensive care unit, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported.

He said that when he waved at the Comedy King, the veteran actor responded by raising an eyebrow and made a "facial reaction."

The former child actor said he was happy Dolphy's condition was improving, especially as his 84th birthday on July 25 nears.

The report also quoted Dolphy's son Eric Quizon as saying they are just waiting for the result of blood tests on Dolphy to see if he can be moved from the ICU to a regular room.

Palace hopes for Dolphy's full recovery

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Sunday said it was heartened to learn of the improved condition of Dolphy.

“We are heartened to hear Mang Dolphy is in better condition. Umaasa kami sa kanyang speedy and full recovery,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

Last Friday, Eric said the Comedy King has been responding to them through some gestures.

He was quoted as saying the veteran actor also tried to talk to them without sound as he still has a tube on his neck due tracheotomy.

Eric said his father may be transferred to a regular room from the intensive care unit at the Makati Medical Center sometime this week.

“Like I said, it's all good news from now and of course the family's ecstatic about the development,” he was quoted as saying.

Dolphy had been confined at the hospital in past weeks due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His condition prompted many Filipinos to offer prayers for his recovery.

He underwent several procedures including blood transfusion, dialysis, and tracheotomy. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy's family appeals for privacy as tabloid reporter caught near ICU

Relatives of Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon appealed to media early Tuesday to respect their privacy after a tabloid reporter was allegedly caught snooping inside the Makati City hospital where he is confined.

Dolphy's son Ronnie Quizon said their patriarch needs some privacy because of his condition, radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported.

The veteran comedian's condition had slightly improved but remained critical. He had been confined at the Makati Medical Center since June 9.

Several of the celebrity's friends, relatives and even politician friends had been going to the hospital in past days to visit him.

The younger Quizon was quoted in the report as saying a female tabloid reporter-photographer managed to enter the hospital and get to the ICU area where Dolphy was confined.

She was allegedly accosted and asked to leave but argued with the security personnel and some of the Comedy King's family members.

Following the incident, the younger Quizon was quoted in the report as asking media to be more understanding of what the family is going through.

He said they need their privacy especially given Dolphy's condition. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy to undergo a three-day dialysis procedure — son Eric

The next three days will be a critical time for the Philippine comedy king Dolphy (Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life) as he will be undergoing a dialysis procedure, which a day ago was dismissed as an option for the ailing actor, one of his sons said Friday.

In an interview with GMA News' Raffy Tima, Dolphy's son Eric Quizon also said their father's condition has stabilized enough to warrant a dialysis, but doctors still maintain Dolphy is still in a "critical status."





"Sabi ng mga duktor three days gagawin ang dialysis... kahapon (Thursday), ginawa ito pero 'di ko alam ang intervals... medyo magkasunod kasi," Eric said.

Last Thursday, Eric said, his father's condition stabilized, which he said was a good sign.

"But, of course, 'di pa siya tinatanggal sa critical status kasi biglang nagpa-fluctuate e. Minsan okay na, minsan hindi. Naghihintay kami ng resulta sa kanyang blood tests," he said.

Asked if Dolphy could endure a three-day dialysis procedure, Eric said his dad maybe able bear it.

"When I gave my statement Wednesday, we were told that even the option for a dialysis was discounted. The mere fact na ngayon ay ibinigay yung option na iyon, ibig sabihin nakakita ang mga duktor ng signs na baka kayanin ng dad ko," he said.

"So far, kinakaya niya. Natutuwa nga 'yong mga duktor and they said 'how can we give up if the patient is not giving up?'," Eric said, adding that doctors are doing everything they can.

Power of prayer

"When I announced last Wednesday that may dad was in a very critical condition, humingi kami ng dasal at, overnight, bumubuti ang kanyang kalagayan at lalo siyang lumalaban. I'm sure narandman ang ating mga dasal; nadidinig 'yung ating mga dasal," Eric said.

"Natutuwa kami, lalo na ang isang family tulad namin na may pinagdadaanan, na kahit katiting na pag-asa na makikita ay ikinatutuwa na natin," he added.

Eric also said two of his brothers (Dino and Edwin) have already arrived from abroad. "Sila na ang nagbabantay ngayon sa ospital. Paparating na rin ang dalawa pa naming mga kapatid sina Marikita at Kuya Manny Boy."

He also said their dad briefly opened his eyes shortly before and after the first dialysis procedure.

"We were so happy that he was responsive and followed simple commands. Kung makakapiling namin siya, gusto namin na makakausap siya... kaya ginagawa namin lahat," he said.

Asked for comments on the National Artist issue, he said "that is the least of our concerns."

Some sectors are pushing that Dolphy be given National Artist Award.

"Mas maganda kung matatanggap at matatamasa niya ang award at matutuwa siya... nonetheless hindi namin pinag-iisipan 'yan sa ngayon," Eric said.

Moreover, he said, "Hindi naman kami ang humihiling nito kundi ang mga kababayan na nagmamahal sa kanya. Kaya kami natutuwa. Pero sa ngayon, we want our father to get well."

As for the love and concerns that poured out for the comedy king, Eric said: "I never doubted the fact na maraming magmamahal sa kanya because ang daddy ko has a very good heart and generous. He is not a selfish person."


"Siya ay mapagmahal at maaasahan and he is the type of person na kapag hingan mo ng tulong he will be there for you, he will listen to you, pangangaralan ka niya. He will take time out to listen to you," Eric said. — LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy undergoes dialysis, opens eyes for first time –Eric Quizon

Veteran actor-comedian Dolphy underwent dialysis on Thursday and opened his eyes for the first time in three or four days while undergoing the procedure, his son Eric Quizon said.

The ailing icon of Philippine movies underwent dialysis to help cleanse Dolphy’s body of excess fluids and toxins and support his kidney functions.

It was “during dialysis” when he opened his eyes, Quizon noted in a text message to GMA News Online.

“Somehow nagmulat ang kanyang mata for a while at tumingin siya sa paligid. Siyempre natuwa ang mga kapatid ko, kaming lahat dahil alam naming na nadidinig niya kami ng time na yun and I knew he was trying to communicate with us,” said Quizon during a press conference at the Makati Medical Center.

His brother Junior and sisters Sally and Donna were the first ones to see their father’s eyes open.

“Tamang tama, yun na… Kumakatok ako dun sa salamin at sinabi ng kapatid ko na [nakamulat si Daddy]. So pumasok na ako sa loob, pumasok si Vandolph, pumasok si Epi,” he said, referring to his other siblings.

“Lahat kami nagsunuran na pumasok. Pero, of course, hindi pa rin kami pwede pumasok nang sabay sabay,” he added.

Susceptible to bleeding

“As of 2:40 this afternoon, we allowed our doctors to administer dialysis because that option was given to us because his vitals overnight were okay,” Quizon told reporters.

Quizon said his father’s platelet count is very low, making him susceptible to hemorrhaging.

“As of now he’s still positive for hemorrhaging, so merong bleeding sa loob… So, inaalam namin kung saan nanggagaling yung bleeding na ‘to. ‘Yan lang yung downside,’ he said, explaining that Dolphy continues to receive blood transfusions.

“Somehow nagkaroon ng hope yung family namin sa pag-a-administer ng dialysis. So nakapagdesisyon ang pamilya na ituloy lang ang dialysis kung hanggang kailan kaya,” he said.

He said that the dialysis has given their family a “glimmer of hope.”

“There’s no panic. Somehow mayroong konting katuwaan, kasiyahan, dahil nga nagkaron ng opportunity yung ilan sa mga kapatid naming na makita siya na magmulat yung mata,” Quizon said.

Dolphy’s other children are expected to arrive in Manila from abroad. Among them are Edwin and Dino, who will arrive Friday.

Also, Marikita is arriving Saturday, and Manny Boy either Saturday or Sunday.

Quizon said in a statement Wednesday that Dolphy is suffering from toxic metabolic encephalopathy, a condition that causes spasms and weakened his kidneys. —VS, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Dolphy in critical condition

Comedy king Dolphy’s health continues to deteriorate, his son Eric Quizon told reporters Wednesday evening at the Makati Medical Center where the veteran actor is currently confined.

Dolphy was rushed to the intensive care unit of the hospital last June 9 for complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to Quizon, his father is suffering from toxic metabolic encephalopathy, a complication of COPD which causes weakness and spasms.

Quizon said that because of his father’s condition, Dolphy’s kidneys are no longer functioning properly, so they are unable to process medications.

He also said that according to doctors, Dolphy’s condition is “very critical.”

“They didn’t really give us a specific window [of time]. It can happen anytime,” he explained.

“Right now he’s in and out of consciousness…sa sobrang pag inom ng gamot, he’s kind of groggy, pero he responds ‘pag tinatawag namin siyang ‘Daddy,’” he added.

Despite the showbiz veteran’s worsening condition, Quizon said that their family continues to hope for his healing.

“Like I said, he’s very critical but we’re still hoping na makakasama pa namin siya nang matagal pa,” he said.

“We’re hoping for a miracle. But at the same time, our family will accept kung ano man ang mangyari sa kanya,” he added.

Earlier, Quizon said in a text message to GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo that Dolphy's hemoglobin was low. "He needs B+ blood. Kidney has complications,” he said in the text message Aguinaldo.

Dolphy was brought to the Makati Medical Center last Saturday, June 9, after he had difficulty breathing.

Quizon declined a request for a phone patch or on-cam interview, but promised to give an update on his father’s condition. —KG/VS, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com