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MANILA, Philippines – “Huwag kang matakot.” (Do not be afraid.)
The late Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon Sr died with these reassuring words from one of his children, Jeffrey “Epi” Quizon, who recounted his father’s last moments Thursday, July 12.
It was the first day of the public viewing of Dolphy’s remains at Heritage Park, Taguig City.
Epi told Dolphy, whose blood pressure was then slowly dropping, to “just go for it.” “Baka makita mo pa diyan si Mamang at si Papang, si Tito Ading, si Tito Panch, si Tito Babs,” Epi said. (You might even si Mom and Dad, Uncle Ading, Uncle Panch, and Uncle Babs.)
He was referring to deceased family members and famous showbiz colleagues who died ahead of Dolphy, like scriptwriter Ading Fernando and actors Panchito Alba and Babalu. He described them as people close to Dolphy’s heart.
“He wanted them around him, and most of them are there,” Epi said. (Watch more in the video below.)
“Sabi ko, “Dad, pagbukas ng puting ilaw na ‘yan, sisilip sila ro’n. Kung makita mo sila, sumama ka, baka may pelikula sa yo si Tito Ading.’” Dolphy’s son said. (I told him, “Dad, once you see that white light, you will also see them peeping. Once you see them, go with them. Tito Ading might have a movie for you.)
Epi described his father’s final hours as “light,” explaining he didn’t want to say goodbye to Dolphy. “He’ll be forever with me.”
Public viewing
Like Dolphy’s last moments, light was the mood during Thursday’s wake.
Jovial music played in the background, with some soundtracks sung by the late Comedy King himself. Beside Dolphy’s casket was a huge portrait of him in his trademark smile.
Fans came in small batches, but it is estimated that hundreds visited the wake throughout the day. Most came at 8 a.m., with a number of Filipinos having waited outside Heritage Park since as early as 3 a.m.
High-profile guests also joined the public viewing.
Senator Lito Lapid, among them, came before noon to visit his kumpare (close friend) and colleague in the movie industry. “Parang kapatid ko na rin ‘yan eh,” Lapid told reporters. (He’s like a brother to me.)
Showbiz legend Rosa Rosal, governor of the Philippine National Red Cross, also came to visit.
Asked about Dolphy’s biggest contribution to the movie industry, Rosal said: “Well, Dolphy is Dolphy. I think all of us know Dolphy. Even perhaps in the next generation, we will not have another Dolphy.”
President Benigno Aquino III is also expected to visit Dolphy’s wake.
The public viewing of his casket is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Saturday. Dolphy’s burial is set on Sunday. — Rappler.com
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