Kapamilya network honors Dolphy

"Mang Dolphy is more than just a comedian. He exemplified in many ways the best in Filipino."

Thus spoke ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez at the arrival honors for the late Comedy King Dolphy Quizon at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theatre on Wednesday, July 11.

The place was abloom with white flowers and Dolphy’s photos – especially vintage ones when he was many years younger – adorned the entrance to Dolphy Theatre and the stage itself.

President Noynoy Aquino’s giant spray of white flowers stood beside Dolphy’s bronze casket.

A red carpet served as fitting welcome to the Comedy King, who worked for the Kapamilya network for more than 40 years.  His first ABS-CBN show was the highly-popular "Buhay Artista" in the `60s. The younger generation knows Dolphy best as Kevin Cosme in the sitcom "Home Along da Riles."

Original crime stopper

"If people today marvel at how time stands still when (Manny) Pacquiao has a fight, "Buhay Artista" was the original traffic crime stopper as the whole nation stopped and watched Dolphy and Panchito, and ever since that show, Mang Dolphy has been part of the public limelight," Gabby Lopez said.

He added that the Comedy King was “an extraordinary person who became a symbol for the ordinary Filipino.”

“He is an inspiration to all of us in the broadcast business with his humility his talent and above all his ability to constantly reinvent himself to live and fight another day. Paalam Mang Dolphy, to all of us here at ABS-CBN, you will always be a kapamilya,” Lopez went on.

The Comedy King’s remains was transferred from Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig to  Dolphy Theatre, where a necrological Mass will be held at 6:30 pm on July 11.

Dolphy's son Epi Quizon, Kapamilya stars Vhong Navarro, Ryan Bang, Jhong Hilario, Gio Alvarez and Isabel Granada and ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal and Johnny Manahan were present at the tribute to the Comedy King.