Celebrities of local show business joined the one-time sports event called "One Last Short for Daboy" in tribute to the late actor Rudy Fernandez, who died of periampullary cancer in June. The sportsfest was held last Saturday, October 18, at the Marikina Sports Complex.
It was Rudy Fernandez who initiated this sports break for movie and television personalities when he was still the president of the Actor's Guild. The brainchild of Rudy was called Star Olympics.
Although he passed away, his intention to build strong unity among the people in show business remains. This was what his close friends—Senator Jinngoy Estrada, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, and Tirso Cruz III—wanted to continue. And so they organized this "One Last Shot for Daboy" and gathered the local celebrities.
"Well, basically it's an industry idea," said Tirso, who acted as the commissioner of the event. "The people behind are the two senators, si Senator Jinggoy at si Senator Bong, Philip, LT [Lorna Toelntino], kami. Of course, with the help of Airtime Marketing. So, we came up with this ‘One Last Shot for Daboy.'"
Tirso said that this is different from the annual Star Olympics, which has not yet happened this year.
He explained, "We could have done Star Olympics in memory of Daboy kaya lang hindi na-program. So, somebody came up with the idea na talagang exclusive na the event will be for Daboy, talagang exclusively in memory of Daboy."
The games official related to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that they did not have any problem in gathering all the celebrities because they were all very willing to support the event.
"Well, siguro sa tulong na rin ng iniwang memory ni Rudy," he said. "When we asked them if they could play para nga sa ano ni Daboy, we didn't have problems with them. Kasi, at one time or another most of these people have had the chance to work with Daboy. If not working with him, nakasalubong o nakasama na nila sa gatherings. They have always known him to be an okay guy, walang naging problema sa imbitasyon."
Of course, present at the event was Rudy's wife of 25 years, Lorna Tolentino, and their eldest son Ralphe. Senator Bong was also there to give assistance, while Senator Jinggoy was represented by his wife Precy.
Other big stars spotted by PEP were Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Christopher de Leon, Amy Perez, Ricky Davao, and movie director Chito Roño, who came just in time during the offering mass for Daboy.
Returning actor Gabby Concepcion stayed during the first half of the day as he hosted the program for the taped telecast, which will be aired on Friday, October 24. It will replace the weekly showing of old Rudy Fernandez's films, which are shown every Friday after Kahit Isang Saglit.
This very meaningful event does not only aim to unite showbiz people but also to help cancer patients.
In an interview with Lorna, she said, "'Yong proceeds nito mapuputa sa Rudy Fernandez Cancer Foundation. 'Yon naman ay para sa [mga tao sa] movie and television industry who suffer and battle cancer."
WHOLE DAY SPORTS ACTIVITY. The event started as early as 8:00 in the morning and ended late the evening. Four teams were assembled, each represented by their respective managers. The teams were Wings White managed by Richard Gomez; Unipak Blue, by Phillip; Growee Light Blue, by Sen.Jinggoy; and Sun Cellular Yellow, by Sen. Bong.
