The lifetime recognition of the country’s comedy king, Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera Quizon Sr., last November 8 is a reminder of how the legendary actor touched lives of every Filipino whether it may be on or off screen.
The Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart was presented to Dolphy at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang. It marked the comedy king’s lifetime achievement as a local performer who brought joy to every Filipino for over 60 years. At the same time, it was a recognition of his philantrophy. His charity, the Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, grants scholarships to deserving children of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Established in 1954 by former President Ramon Magsaysay, the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart is considered the highest civilian honor to be given to an individual “who has rendered distinguished services or given noteworthy monetary or other material aid,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte noted.
In addition, it is given to those who give “encouragement to the campaign for the amelioration and improvement of the moral, social, and economic conditions of the Filipino masses, and for volunteerism in the service of the Filipino masses.”
Valte also told listeners of a local radio station that Dolphy’s predecessor was the blind humanitarian, writer, and lecturer, Helen Keller, who accepted the medal in May 1955. Keller was awarded for her dedication in helping the less fortunate especially the deaf-blind persons in different countries that included the Philippines.
Being funny became second nature to Dolphy having started as a stage performer during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. He later on started to act in comedy films and rose to stardom as a part of the Dolphy-Panchito duo in the 1950s.
Perhaps that is why even while he was receiving his award at Malacañang, Dolphy could not help but let slip some of his humorous gestures as he appeared to faint before the President whilst the latter put the gold medal upon his shoulders.
In the course of his acceptance speech, he even confusingly addressed the chief executive as “President Noynoy Corazon Aquino” which drew laughter from the crowd.
Despite his endorsement of President Aquino’s prominent competitor—Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar last May, Dolphy said before the press that he did not realize that the “President was such a good man” until the latter decided to honor him with the award.
“I threw stones at (Aquino) last election, (but) now he gave me bread—this award, for which I will always be thankful,” the actor said.
Dolphy’s tone turned earnest when he expressed heart-felt gratitude towards the President on behalf of his family and friends. He also said that it was his first time to receive such a coveted award, and he will treasure it until his “memorial park.”
Aside from being a famous performer, Dolphy is also known for having many children. Among those escorting the comedy king during the simple ceremony held at the Malacañang were his daughter Zia, and his sons Van Dolph, Rolly, and Epi Quizon. His longtime partner, Zsa Zsa Padilla was also beside him as he received his award.
At 83, the comedy king still believes it is never too late to give back and continue to entertain his supporters and embark on different things aside from acting.
On July 25, 2008, the king of comedy launched his book, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa (Dolphy, I Didn’t Get Here All By Myself) in time for his birthday.
This year, Dolphy marked his returns via an album launch at the television concert show, ASAP XV where he sang You’re Just In Love with his daughter Zia, followed by his rendition of the song Handog which he sang together with Zsa Zsa. During the show, the multi-awarded comedian-turned-singer dedicated his album, “Hindi Naman Ako Umalis (I Never Left)” to his family, fans, and the station ABS-CBN, for being there for him after all these years.
Aside from launching an album, Dolphy also announced during the show that he will be doing a movie called Father Jejemon, which is a heart-warming comedy film where he will portray the role of a hip priest. Co-starred by Cherrie Gil, Maja Salvador, Ejay Falcon and a lot more, Father Jejemon is an official entry to the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival in December.
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