With the recent mournful death of Comedy King Dolphy, this writer can’t help but recollect the lasting impressions he left on me in our long years of friendship. We were brought together for I had worked with three of his closest showbiz chums then Amalia Fuentes, the late Fernando Poe Jr. and Nida Blanca as their publicist.
During Dolphy’s bonding moments with them, at one time or another his hidden goodness struck me. At the time Amalia offered Dolphy to co-star with her for her own movie outfit, despite his stature, professional fee didn’t count. Dolphy told Amalia.
“OK lang, walang problema sa pera. Basta papayag ka after we we do a pic, you’d allow your daughter Liezl to co-star with me also for my RVQ company. Pare ke pa tayong magkaibigan if money will be an issue.”
That time Liezl was a box office child star out of the success of her solo starrers Poor Little Rich Girl and Liezl and the Seven Hoods. At that, after Dolphy and Amalia’s team up in Good Morning Titser, he did Pinokyo and Little Snow White with Liezl, both smasheroos at the tills. Truly, Dolphy had no sign of a materialistic individual.
In the case of Ronnie Poe, many times did the duo join hands to spearhead projects to financially support the needy showbiz people. Their willingness to share blessings with others blended beautifully. So, countless occasions Dolphy and Ronnie had no glean of being a tightwad, even to those in need of financial assistance all over the country. Dolphy’s generosity speaks well why he’s well loved by the masa.
A confidante who would never turn his back to you, especially when perturbed by emotional stress that was the exact words of Nida about Dolphy. Paired for almost two decades in the hit TV sitcom John en Marsha, Nida confided to me Dolphy was like a big brother, giving the best advices to her at taping if he noticed she was in trouble.
“Marami ang mga kaibigan pero ang katulad ni Dolphy ay one of a kind. I’m blessed to be his close friend.”
True to Nida’s words, Dolphy was one of those who did shed tears unabashedly during her wake. Since then every time we bumped into each other. Dolphy lamented the fact her murder’s still unsolved.”Whoever did it won’t elude God’s punishment.” Dolphy sighed.
Personally, I can attest to Dolphy’s forgiving nature. One time, he came across my column item on his son Vandolph, about 5-year-old then. My info came from the kid’s own mom Alma Moreno, not knowing Dolphy would be deeply hurt and too sensitive.
In anguish, Dolphy revealed to our mutual friends. “Kung iba ang sumulat I’d not be hurt. Pero si Nap pa eh close pal ko. That’s painful.” Later, I got enough courage to face Dolphy for an apology, with the anticipation that he would snub me. Much to my surprise, Dolphy hugged me.
“Pinalipas ko lang sama ng loob ko sa iyo. Wala na yun lalo ngayong ikaw mismo ang lumapit sa akin.” Weeks later I realized Dolphy had completely forgotten his grievance when he himself recommended me to be the pro of his new film for Lea Productions titled Haw Haw Da Karabaw.
As the line of the famous poem goes, nothing can bring back the glory, splendor of the past but not the memories you left behind. Definitely, your legacy remains to be cherished for keeps by your loved ones and countless people who adore you. Farewell my friend. For sure, you’re happy, peaceful in God’s Kingdom.
Juday Goes Offbeat
Since her child actress years, Judy Ann Santos epitomized the sweet, sentimental and comical roles in TV and movies. She’s always the bida, so to speak. Months back Juday was in a quandary if she would accept an offbeat role, that of a kontrabida in the Indie pic Mga Mumunting Lihim.
However, the offer came from her close, favorite megger Joey Reyes so she gave her nod. Admittedly, Juday had misgivings and quite apprehensive. But when the movie finally was shown, from its premiere night to its regular showing Juday got raves from her followers, movie critics alike, saying a new Juday emerged.
“I was touched by the public’s response. And I truly appreciated the film. It’s something rare at iba ang pagka-villainess ko dahil may rason at pathetic ang character ko. I’m thankful to direk Joey. No regrets I did it.” Juday intimated to her writer-chums.
Gretchen, Nadia Reconcile
After the irascible, unbecoming actuations of Annabelle Rama against writer-manager Chito Alcid at the wake of Dolphy which marred the tranquil scenario, something positive ensued. That was when long time foes Gretchen Barretto and Nadia Montenegro kissed, made up.
Mutual friends who were there heaved a sigh of relief that the duo embraced each other amid their chance meeting. Up there, Dolphy would definitely smile seeing the reconciliation.
Alma Backs out
Despite Alma Moreno was all prepped up to run for senator, last minute she quit in the Senate race. Her confidante did hush-hush she heeded the pleadings of her children, particularly Vandolph. They’re concerned about her health that might not cope with the demands of the campaign trail.
Others have opined that it could be out of Vandolph’s condition lately. Allegedly, alma senses that he’s too emotionally depressed out of his dad Dolphy’s demise. That Alma would spend most of her time taking care of Vandolph as Dolphy would often remind her then.
Incidentally, got info that two years ago Dolphy had already prepared his last will and testament which equally distributed his properties, finances to all his children and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Showing his inherent love for them.
Gov. Vi Still in Quandary
Many have presumed that Gov. Vilma Santos would definitely run for senator next election, especially in the survey she’s one of the front runners. On the contrary, Vi’s intimate divulged that she’s still in quandary. For she reportedly craves for another term as Batangas governor. As her chum claimed. “Ate Vi has unfinished works in her province. Kaya balak mag-run uli dun.”
But my source added that probably another reason could be because of her son Luis (Manzano).
“Kung tatakbo si Luis bilang Lipa City mayor ay gusto ni Gov. Vi na malalayan at matutukan nang husto ang kandidatura ng anak that’s why.” So that’s it.
Ogie Says Yes to Regine’s TV Comeback
Ogie Alcasid dispelled talks he wouldn’t allow Regine Velasquez to stage a TV comeback. This August Regine hosts GMA-7 talk show Hot TV which replaces Showbiz Central. She’ll be in her element and jaunty as a showbiz host. A challenge too for Regine to be pitted with Kapamilya’s boy Abunda in his The Buzz program.
Regine will be joined by Roderick Paulate and Jennylyn Mercado as co-hosts.
Anne’s Sis Back in Australia
Did Anne Curtis’s sis Jasmine leave the Philippines, showbiz career for good? You see, Jasmine’s now back in Australia. Reportedly, she’s bent to finish her college degree there. Not due to the niggling talks she was downhearted due to her failure to match Anna’s fame.
Truth to tell, Jasmine has been vocal of being proud of her sis. And she doesn’t have illusion to reach her stature. Meanwhile, TV 5 bosses have mapped out an assignment for Jasmine in her return.
Hot Items: Could it be true that Pia Guanio plans to get ex-bf Vic Sotto as a godfather in the baptism of her child to be? If ever, will Vic accept it?
That Phillip Salvador and Bulacan vice gov. Daniel Fernando are bad mouthing one another for the former will run against him in the next election? I doubt it, knowing the duo’s likeable nature.
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