Cast of “Home Along da Riles Da Movie” —PHOTO COURTESY OF FDCP
“Comedy helps us cope with tough times,” said veteran comedian Nova Villa, who was among those who attended the special screening of the movie version of the popular 1993 hit sitcom “Home Along da Riles” during the weekend.
Nova highlighted the significance that laughter and comedy play in our culture. “Today, let us recall the 13 years that we were entertained by Kevin and the Cosme family. The stories of the time we were still doing ‘Home Along da Riles’ remain fresh in people’s minds up to now. That’s what comedy does to us. It is very much a part of Filipino culture. It helps us deal with life’s hardships, with our grievances,” said the actress who played Azon, wife of Dolphy’s Kevin, in the series.
The special screening marked the opening of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM), which began on Sept. 1. Also present were the actors who played Kevin’s children, namely Claudine Barretto, Smokey Manaloto and Gio Alvarez, as well as Vandolph Quizon (Dolphy’s real-life son with Alma Moreno) and Boy2 Quizon (grandson). They were joined by cast members Maybelyn dela Cruz and Dang Cruz.
The 2023 PFIM, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, carries the theme, “Tuloy pa rin ang Tawanan.” It pays tribute to the late Dolphy and other iconic Filipino comedians such as TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon), Eugene Domingo, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Michael V and Vice Ganda.
Other comedy classics restored by ABS-CBN under its Sagip Pelikula program that are also part of the PFIM’s lineup are “Here Comes the Bride” (Sept. 13), “Ang Tanging Ina” (Sept. 26), and “Daddy O, Baby O!” (Sept. 28). INQ