TV5, Dolphy’s last home, joins nation in mourning

TV5, Dolphy’s last home network, commiserated with the Filipino people on Wednesday on the death of the revered comedian.

“The management and staff of TV5 join the whole nation in mourning the passing of our most cherished colleague and one of showbiz’s most revered icons, Dolphy.

“For us in TV5, Mang Dolphy forever lives as the symbol of the indomitable joyful spirit of the Filipino. May the legacy of his laughter sustain us through our trials and triumphs as a people,” the network said in an official statement.

In early 2010, Dolphy joined TV5 where he starred in the sitcom “Pidol’s Wonderland”.

“I think ABS-CBN felt bad about it. But I just wanted to work. I’ve been waiting for a job for the past three years. I love ABS-CBN, but I need to move on,” he explained to the media.

For Dolphy, the transfer to TV5 represented a chance to work with his sons and old colleagues once again and be directed by his son, Eric Quizon.

For TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, it represented an opportunity to be associated with a legend he had long admired.

“I find Dolphy especially outstanding in two things—a Filipino in the truest sense, and, at bottom, a kind and generous man,” Pangilinan said in his note to Dolphy’s biography, “Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa”.

In December 2010, Dolphy played the narrator in TV5’s first film venture, “Rosario”, a well-crafted period drama about the life of Pangilinan’s grandmother.

The role won for him the best supporting actor honors at the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival, a welcome bonus to the best actor trophy he bagged for his other MMFF entry, “Father Jejemon”, the last entry in his long filmography.

On July 24, 2011, TV5 celebrated Dolphy’s 83rd birthday with a two-hour special called “Talentadong Pidol”.

Dolphy also co-hosted a special segment of “Talentadong Pinoy” with Ryan Agoncillo.

source: interaksyon.com

Dolphy passes away at 83

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' undisputed Comedy King, Rodolfo 'Dolphy' Quizon, passed away shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, his family announced that evening.

"My Dad is now with his Creator," Dolphy's son, the actor-director Eric Quizon, said. The elder Quizon had been confined at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) since June 9. He would have turned 84 on July 25. Dolphy is survived by partner Zsa Zsa Padilla and his 18 children.

Just over a week ago, it was reported that Dolphy's health condition had improved considerably. In fact, Quizon said last June 29 that his father already wanted to go home. "Uwi, uwi na tayo [Let's go home]," the already lucid Dolphy mouthed to his family. The veteran actor even asked for orange juice, Quizon said.

A few days ago, Dolphy's family said that the veteran actor's pneumonia was under control. He had underwent another round of dialysis and blood transfusion to boost his immune system.

In its medical bulletin Tuesday night, the MMC said Dolphy died at 8:34 p.m. due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and acute renal failure.

"We join the entire Filipino Community in praying for the soul of Mr. Quizon and his dearly beloved family and friends. To the Quizon Family, we extend our deepest condolences," the MMC said.

Dolphy's COPD - an illness that results in breathing difficulty and worsens over time - was diagnosed five years ago. According to Quizon, his father's COPD had progressed to Stage IV.

"Five years ago, sinabihan na siya na stage four 'yong sakit niya na 'yon. When you say stage four in cancer terms, very critical na 'yon," Quizon said in an interview with a television program last June 20.

Most people suffering from COPD are smokers or used to smoke. About 600 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, according to the World Health Organization. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, which has more than 12 million people diagnosed with the disease.

News of Dolphy's death trended on Twitter on Tuesday evening, as Filipinos from all over the world paid tribute to a man for whom their universal reverence was matchless. That his deteriorating health and ultimate passing held Filipinos riveted to social media over the past weeks spoke volumes about how Dolphy's impact on Philippine culture transcended generations.

His career started from the days of on-stage vaudeville to radio, the advent of television, the spread of movies, and finally the full blooming of the Internet.

As Dolphy grew weaker, clamor grew for President Aquino to confer upon him the title of National Artist. While there are questions as to whether or not that may yet be conferred posthumously, President Aquino did give recognition to the artist with the highest medal Malacanang can bestow upon a private citizen.

Dolphy - father to 18 children by different women - left behind enduring images of the struggling but ever hopeful, ever optimistic, Filipino father. On television he was best known to generations as John Puruntong or Kevin Cosme: simple, faithful, working class fathers who made ends meet, somehow providing for his children while disarming enemies and surmounting challenges with kindness and humor.

source: interaksyon.com

'Dolphy more active, more ticklish' - Makati Med bulletin

MANILA - Comedy King Dolphy has become more active, responsive, and even ticklish, with his physical senses stronger, according to the latest bulletin of Makati Medical Center.

Based on his physical expressions and body movements, Dolphy also appear to be able to feel pain, a good sign according to the doctors.

While his platelet count improved, blood transfusion will continue.

He will also undergo dialysis today.

Meanwhile, the hospital enforced stricter security measures and visiting guidelines after a tabloid reporter tried to take pictures of the Comedy King in the ICU.

The doctors also recommended stricter visitation privileges as Dolphy's immue system is still weak and prone to infections.

Visitors are required to get a clearance from Dolphy's family.

source: interaksyon.com