‘Talentadong Pidol’

Dolphy and Ryan Agoncillo

The first time Dolphy met Ryan Agoncillo, the Comedy King told the TV host: “We have the same nose … parang torotot (like a horn).” Thus, the ice was broken when Ryan interviewed Dolphy for the latter’s 83rd birthday special, “Talentadong Pidol”—to be aired on TV5 on July 24. In a revealing exchange, Dolphy recalled that he was paid kropek (shrimp crackers) as a budding radio talent. Ryan told Inquirer, “I grew up watching him as John Puruntong. It’s a great privilege to listen to the stories that made the man behind the legend. Dolphy is charisma personified. I was drawn to him—a self-made man, a good man.” Held at the Unitel studios in Makati, the interview made use of high technology, a “virtual set.” While they sat down in a studio with chroma/green screen, viewers will see a set decorated with the King’s portraits.

Text and photo by Bayani San Diego Jr.