Family, friends bid Dolphy goodbye
The family and friends of Comedy King Dolphy bid him a touching farewell on Sunday, July 15 the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Security was tight and areas were designated for print, broadcast and online media.
The day started with a Mass at the Heritage Park chapel, where family and friends, mostly dressed in white, Dolphy’s favorite color, came.
Dolphy’s son, Ronnie Quizon, recalled the good times he had with his dad. He shared how weekends were precious for them because it was the only time the family could spend time together.
Ronnie admitted he was sometimes not around on those weekends when Dolphy would play Santa Claus and go from house to house to visit his family.
“Ngayon, ikaw naman ang wala na,” said Ronnie. He announced that friends and family could have one final viewing of his father’s remains before he is brought to his final resting place.
Basil Valdez sang while Fr. Tito Caluag officiated the funeral Mass.
At 2 PM, Dolphy's casket was brought from the chapel to the burial site. Dolphy's long-time partner Zsa Zsa Padilla wore a black dress and walked slowly behind the casket with daughters Zia and Nicole.
Dolphy's children were emotional and crying as they took their last glimpse at their patriarch. His sons, Vandolph, Eric, Ronnie and Epi hugged each other and went to Zsa Zsa's side to comfort her and their sisters.
Maricel Soriano controlled her tears. Van Dolph wept on his dad’s casket. Zsa Zsa hugged the casket and wiped her tears on the glass top as Nicole and Zia stood silently behind their mom.
White flowers and large photos of Dolphy surrounded his black granite tomb, which sits on a 39 square meter lot.
Zsa Zsa gave her final message to Dolphy and those who came to the interment.
“Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal na binigay mo sa amin at sa buong Pilipino. We love you. I love you Lovey ko. Till we meet again," she added.
Light blue circular fans, with Dolphy's face imprinted on them, were given away.
Small pieces of colored paper fell like confetti. The priest asked everyone to smile at the person them to them since this is what Dolphy wanted. The people also applauded for the Comedy King as their final salute to a well-loved man.
Present during the burial rites were Susan Roces, Maricel Soriano, Eddie Garcia, Carmi Martin, Roderick Paulate, Edu Manzano, Grace Poe Llamanzares, Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, Bibeth Orteza, Ricky Davao, Nova Villa, Bembol Roco and Madame Auring.
