I was brushing my teeth when I heard the news.
“So nagamit na yung report niyo?” my brother said. I did not respond because honestly, I did not hear what he said prior to that question. “Ano? Ano’ng sabi mo?” I asked him. “Patay na si Dolphy,” he replied.
“Ha???” I immediately went in front of the television.
It was only then that I completely grasped what my brother was saying. It was confirmed – the Philippines’ King of Comedy passed away.
According to the medical bulletin of MMC, Rodolfo Quizon, or Dolphy as he was fondly called, died due to “multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and acute renal failure.” He passed away on July 10 at 8:34 p.m. He would have turned 84 on July 25.
I would say that Dolphy became an important part of my childhood. I grew up watching Home Along Da Riles where he played the role of Kevin Cosme – a loving and diligent father of five children, one of whom was adopted. Being a widower did not stop him from providing his children the love and care that they need. Mang Kevin showed them that he could be a father and a mother at the same time.
Even if I am in my early 20s today, I still know the chorus of Home Along Da Riles, the official soundtrack of the sitcom. I am actually singing that part right now.
Home along da riles, home along da riles
Ito ang aming home, sweet home
Umuuga, lumilindol!
Kumapit ka, kumapit ka kung ayaw mong magkabukol!
Dolphy proved that laughter is indeed the best medicine – not only for the illness of the body, but also for the illness of the society. By making his fellow Filipinos laugh through his punchlines and comedic acts, Dolphy gave us the chance to forget all our worries and problems. He showed that life is great despite the many troubles and challenges and that we should always put a smile on our face and never give up.
Despite being called the country’s “King of Comedy,” Dolphy kept his feet on the ground. Many Filipino actors have now been sharing their stories about how kind and generous the king was. In fact, his adopted daughter Nicole was just given to him by an American woman while he was eating in his favorite restaurant along Ermita, Manila.
No doubt, Dolphy had lived a meaningful life. This could be seen through the countless stories shared by his friends, relatives, and even ordinary people who have been touched by Dolphy.
No one can ever replace an icon and a king. His physical presence may not be here anymore, but his legacy will forever remain in the hearts of the Filipinos. I agree with what Director Eric Quizon, son of Dolphy, said – “Heaven is a happier place with him there.”
Dolphy may have suffered pain due to to his illness, but his death is surely just the beginning of his eternal happiness in heaven.
Thank you Dolphy. We love you! Please hug my Lolo Bob and Tito Pompong, and our dog Yshin!
Dito po sa Pinas 