Comedy King Dolphy received a standing ovation, thunderous applause, and even whistles from his guests as he entered the packed NBC Tent at The Fort, Taguig City on July 23 for the launching of his autobiographical book Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa. Big names in the entertainment industry and politics gathered to toast the man's more than 50 years in showbiz and 80 years of blessed life.
"Napakataba ng puso ko ngayong gabi," Dolphy began his thank-you speech. "Isa pong malaking karangalan sa akin ito ngayong gabi at nandito kayo. Marami akong inabot na sorpresa ngayong gabi."
The hardbound 229-page book chronicles Dolphy's career from starting out as an extra to becoming the Comedy King that Filipinos now love. The book, as told to actress-writer Bibeth Orteza, covers Dolphy's childhood, family, lovers, 18 children, and experiences as a Pinoy entertainer abroad.
His son Eric Quizon, the man behind the book's production, formally introduced the Dolphy Aid Para Sa Pinoy Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed to help educate underprivileged Filipinos.
GRAND TRIBUTE. Dolphy's home network ABS-CBN will also give grand tribute to the King of Comedy on July 31 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.
"We have invited everyone from the movie industry, from the television industry, our friends from advertising, our friends from the media, because were paying tribute to the one great Filipino comedian Dolphy," ABS-CBN lady president Charo Santos-Concio said to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal.) "With Tito Dolphy, there are no network lines to be drawn, as Kapamilyas, Kabarkadas, Kapusos unite to celebrate with the one and only King of Comedy."
"He always acknowledges where he came from," Charo said of Dolphy's continuous success. "He acknowledges the people who helped him along the way. That's what kept him grounded and, therefore, every role that he portrayed was able to essay what is human, what are the values that really matter in life. He was a picture of every person."
CANNOT ASK FOR MORE. Dolphy, who's turning his 80 today (July 25), said he couldn't ask for anything more in life. "Wala na para sa akin. Sa mga anak ko na lang, kina Zsa Zsa [Padilla, his life partner]," he said. "Simple lang ako. Malaki na 'yong celebration ko last year, e, meron pa ako sa Channel 2 na malaking tribute. Kaya simple na lang 'yong amin [celebration] ngayon, sa bahay na lang."
In a previous interview, fellow comedian Vic Sotto said his birthday wish for Dobol Trobol co-star and friend Dolphy is to share a double wedding him. To which Dolphy replied: "Sana nga. Ang problema 'yong sa akin, e. Sabi ko nga, ‘pag nakita mo 'yong passport ko, single pa, 18 na anak, single pa."
Dolphy's life partner Zsa Zsa wasn't able to come as she is currently doing a string of shows in Canada. But his sons Eric, Jeffrey, Vandolph, daughter Zia, and grandson Boy2 Quizon were there.
"Lahat parang meron na siya, e, so ang gusto lang namin is eternal happiness," wished his youngest son Vandolph for his dad.
The press people also asked Vandolph if his mom Alma Moreno would make an appearance that night. It was reported that Alma, current Parañaque 1st district councilor, refused to be interviewed about her past relationship with Dolphy for the book.
Vandolph said: "Wala namang friction o problemang nangyari, e. Nagkataon lang na hindi lang talaga puwede 'yong mom ko dahil siyempre konsehal na, ang daming inaayos sa Parañaque. I tried to call her, but she cannot be reached." And pointing to his wife, Jenny Salimao, he added smiling, "Kasama ko naman 'yong Alma Two e."