MANILA, Philippines – Aside from bidding farewell, former President Joseph Estrada visited the wake of his good friend, Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon Friday, July 13, to present a special award to the late Comedy King for his contributions to Filipinos while he was still alive.

Estrada presented Dolphy with the “People’s Artist Award” from Dakilang Lahi Foundation, which was scheduled to be awarded to the late entertainer two days ago on July 11. Dolphy died a day before, on Tuesday, July 10.

The foundation said they told Dolphy he was a recipient of the award when he was ill at the hospital, which reportedly made him smile.

The former actor also shared his fondest memories of Dolphy, saying they had never had any misunderstandings and that he will never forget Dolphy’s love for his children.

He added that he will be most remembered for the joy he gave the Filipinos.

“Napaligaya niya ang ating mga kapus-palad na kababayan na naiiyak sa hirap sa kanilang bahay, sa kanilang tahananan,na pagpasaok sa sinehan pag nakikita si Dolphy, nakakalimutan nila ang paghihirap nila,” Estrada said. “Yan ay isang malaking tulong ni Dolphy.”

(He was able to make our less fortunate countrymen happy. Our countrymen who were crying of poverty but would enter a movie house and upon seeing Dolphy, would forget their problems. That is one of the biggest contributions of Dolphy).

Thanks to PNoy

Dolphy’s family members thanked President Benigno Aquino III for declaring today, July 13, as National Day of Remembrance and July 10 as Dolphy Day.

His son Epi Quizon said the support has been incredible and overwhelming, and has helped the family cope with their loss.

Dolphy Jr., the late comedian’s other son, expressed his thanks as well.

“Natututuwa ako sa nagbibigay ng ganito para sa father ko,” he said. “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi hindi man niya nakuha yung National Artist [meron namang National Day of Remembrance].”

(I’m happy that my father has been given all this. I’m grateful because even if he didn’t get the National Artist award, he has a National Day of Remembrance).

Many more fans came to bid their idol goodbye on the National Day of Remembrance for Dolphy compared to past days.

The huge number of supporters led the family to consider delaying the wake to give the public more time to see Dolphy, but after discussions, Epi Quizon said they are likely to push through with original plans of having it on Sunday afternoon, July 15.

Intimate goodbyes

Various visitors from different points in Dolphy’s life came to pay their respects to the Comedy King as well.

One of Dolphy’s ex-partners, Alma Moreno, visited the veteran actor’s wake for the first time. Dolphy and Moreno had a son together, Vandolph.

Moreno remembered Dolphy’s kindness to all those around and thanked him for loving their son Vandolph.

“Lahat binigay mo kay Vandolph (You gave everything to Vandolph),” she said, addressing Dolphy with teary eyes.

She also recounted the last time she had seen him, having visited Dolphy in the hospital where she squeezed his hand and promised him she would care for their son.

Carina Mujer, a co-star of Dolphy in the 1960s, also came to see her friend for the last time. Mujer acted alongside Dolphy in three movies.

She clutched photos of them together from their filming days, and even danced for Dolphy which she says he taught her — leading her to break into tears.

At around 6:45 pm, RPN 9 — the network that aired Dolphy’s popular show “John en Marsha,” which gained him widespread popularity — held a mass for their old star.

It was followed by a necrological service that was opened with Kyla’s singing of “Smile,” by Nat King Cole, and highlighted by eulogies from his “John en Marsha” family, who shared their fondest memories of the late comedian, as well as the awarding of his People’s Artist Award.

Others who were spotted at the wake were actors Edu Manzano, Joel Torre, Gretchen and Marjorie Barretto, Lucky Manzano and girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado, KC Concepcion, Maricel Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache, basketball player Benjie Paras, and politicians Richard Gordon and Herbert Bautista. – Rappler.com