Dolphy, the musical

MANILA, Philippines – Actress and writer Bibeth Orteza visited Dolphy at the Makati Medical Center on July 5; she is also his biographer.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Orteza said that there are plans to stage a musical about the king of comedy’s life. 

“He’s fighting another kind of pneumonia, but his heart is so strong,” she added. “His heart is really fighting.” 

In 2008, Orteza completed the book Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-Isa (Dolphy, I Didn’t Get Here All by Myself). It was launched on July 25 of the same year, coinciding with the king of comedy’s 80th birthday.

At the same time, a non-profit, non-stock organization called Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, Inc. was also formed.

“In preparation for his birthday (on July 25) we are planning a musical about his life,” said Orteza, saying the project will be full of dance and joy.

“I’m sure it’s going to be marvelous,” she added.

Manny Boy and Mariquita

For the first time since they arrived from the US, Dolphy’s kids Manny Boy and Mariquita faced the camera to talk about their father’s condition. Both work in the medical field, and they admit to being “hands-on” about the medical procedures done on their father now.

“I’m happy with the improvement in dad’s condition,” said Manny Boy, father of Boy2, Dolphy’s grandson who is also an actor.

“When we tell him we love him, he mouths back ‘love you too’.”

Mariquita shared that Dolphy is now often asleep due to pneumonia medication, compared to the past days when he would be awake most of the time.

“He is responsive and his vital signs are stable,” she told ABS-CBN. “He wakes up when I call him. And when I tell him ‘I love you’ he answers by pouting his lips.”

Manny Boy is a medical operations and supply manager, while Mariquita is a dialysis technician. 

“We ask the doctors what shouldn’t be done, and what can help our dad,” she said.

Although sad about the circumstance that brought their family together, the elder Quizon kids say they are making the most of their “reunion.”

As Dolphy’s birthday approaches (July 25), they said they haven’t decided how to celebrate.

“What’s important is that we’re together,” said Mariquita. – Rappler.com