Dolphy fans pay homage to the ‘Comedy King’

MANILA, Philippines— A public viewing of Comedy King Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon’s remains started Thursday morning at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

Hundreds of Dolphy fans came to the memorial park to see their idol one last time.

Carmen Tabangay, a 60 year-old from Quezon City, said she went to the park at 4 a.m. to make sure that she would be one of the firsts in line.

“Kahit maaga okay lang, basta makita ko ng huling beses si Dolphy (Even if it’s early, it’s OK, all I want is to see Dolphy for the last time),” Tabangay said.

She said Dolphy made her laugh with the shows “Home Along Da Riles” and “John and Marsha.” She said she decided to close her shop in Quezon City so that she could see Dolphy.

The public viewing was scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

John Quizon, son of Freddie Quizon and one of Dolphy’s grandsons, described the mood at the memorial as lively and not too emotional, with songs sang by Dolphy like his version of folk musician Florante’s “Handog” being played.

John said he had fond memories of his grandfather, and that he believed himself lucky to be one of Dolphy’s grandsons.

“Napakaswerte ko na sa milyon milyong bata sa mundo, ako ay naging apo niya (I feel luckier than millions of children in the world because I one of Dolphy’s gransons,” he said.

He said he would miss Dolphy when the family would be having reunions, but he would always remember the joy brought by his “lolo.”

He said he had a tattoo made as a gift for Dolphy during Dolphy’s birthday last year. The tattoo featured Dolphy’s face and a Philippine flag.

“Yung tattoo ay sumisimbolo sa buhay ng Pilipino, sa saya ng Pilipino. Proud ako sa lolo ko,” he said.

“Iba yung pakiramdam na lagi ko siyang kasama, nakadikit na sa balat ko, habang buhay na hanggang sa ikamatay ko,” he added.

John and other members of the family wore personally designed shirts showing Dolphy’s face and a crown to show their love for Dolphy.

When asked about the concept for his design of the shirt, John said “pag Dolphy kasi dapat unique eh tsaka dapat all white tapos may king.”

He said for Dolphy, white was a symbol for cleanliness and purity.

“Kasi pag white walang bahid, napakabait napakalinis na tao ng lolo ko,” he said.

He said the greatest lesson he had from Dolphy was the lesson of humility.

“Sabi ni lolo dapat lagi nakatapak paa mo sa lupa, huwag lalaki ulo mo dahil yun ang ikakabagsak mo,” he said.

Vendors selling T-shirts

Vendors selling t-shirts bearing pictures of Dolphy and words like “We love you Comedy King Dolphy” and “Salamat Tito Dolphy” also flocked in front of the park. The prices of shirts ranged from P130 to P180, and were available in different colors.

They also sold pins and posters bearing pictures of Dolphy in his past movies.

The Philippine Red Cross and staff members of Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano also set-up help desks in front of the park.

Ronald Onting, Team Leader from the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) of Taguig City said that two teams of fourteen persons each from POSO were deployed for security at the entrance and exit gates of the memorial park.

Originally posted at 08:31 am | Thursday, July 12, 2012