The MARIAN
people
SIXTY-FOUR YEARS OF LAUGHTER by Vanessa de Guzman,,Sol Cielo Nuesca and Denmark Lorenzo
L
ooking younger than his real age of 83, Rodolfo Vera Quizon, a.k.a Dolphy a.k.a Mang Pidol and p.k.a (popularly known as) “The Comedy King,” lived long enough to make a color, if not totally paint it, in our lives from our toddler years until nowadays by making us laugh unendingly and still leaving us with a smile. Who would forget a fellow like him? A man who would go beyond measure by portraying roles that other artists would decline to perform just to set off the audience with a good laugh. Who would forget the guy who set “Puruntong” as a fashion statement? And extraordinarily, who would forget that gentleman who made us laugh, giggle, snort and chuckle a hundred times in a single movie sitting?
Pinoy’s Every Man Despite his renowned success, Mang Dolphy kept his feet firmly on the ground and never dared to turn his back to where he came from. At the young age of 13 and being the second child of ten, this Tondo boy started working in a blue-collar job to give a hand to his parents, who were discharged from their works during the Japanese occupation. Not being lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in the mouth nor showbiz icon parents for a background, he was likened to a typical Juan dela Cruz who dreams of building a better future for his family. With his personal background, most people relate with him
and see him as a symbol of a hardworking Filipino who remains humble and kind enough to share his strokes of luck to many. Showbiz Entrance Air raid, bomb explosions and hiding at the orchestra section with the viewers served as a commercial break when 17-year old Dolphy started performing on stage as a chorus dancer. It was never easy for him but regardless of all the undertakings during that time, this didn’t lessen his urge to perform; rather, it stirred the passion within him even more, thus, paving the way to his first movie break which, in one way or another, opened
LAKING TONDO Before stepping into the spotlight, Dolphy’s first roles in real life were a shoeshine boy, a stevedore at the pier and a driver of a calesa. He took on these lowly jobs in the midst of the anarchic World War II. When he was a young boy, Dolphy sold peanuts and watermelons outside a nearby theater. Born in Tondo, Manila on July 25, 1928, Rodolfo “Dolphy”
32 The MARIAN
September 2012
Vera Quizon came from a humble beginning. Before hitting the silver screen, the impressive talent of this notable clown was first discovered over the radio and on stage. His nickname was not “Dolphy” yet, rather, he started off as “Golay” when he first tried out as a dancer and a chorus boy at the Avenue and Lyrics Theaters.
more doors leading to his subsequent movies.
Dolphy was shown, displaying a man of silence and seriousness.
Split-Personality
A Dolphy-Signatured Comedy
In all honesty, Mang Dolphy was not an innate comic but rather learned to be one as he aged in making films. The natural humor we see in him was mugged up with his interactions with below average people, crew and staff, and remarkably from children. On the contrary, we view Mang Dolphy as a man who was jolly, an open personality in media, a person who perceived things half-heartedly, and carefree but when the cameras stopped rolling and the limelight was not on him anymore, the real personality of Mang
While everywhere, a new comedian or entertainer keeps popping out like a mushroom and aiming to put a smile on our faces, Mang Dolphy’s humor was exceptionally exceptional. Described as safe, and family-oriented, Mang Dolphy’s jestings touched the heart of every audience, imbuing them with values one can carry to their daily lives. Whereas, the newbie comedian can be labeled as belittling social satirists, making the public laugh by criticizing one or two. Yes, the majority will laugh, but how about the
30 PESOS, CHICHARON, AND HAIR GEL AS TALENT FEES “Golay” transformed into “Dolphy” when he became “big time” as he entered the Grand Opera House. His pay rose from 30 pesos a week to 30 pesos a day. Then he joined forces with Paquito Bolero, and they toured the whole country. In an interview, Dolphy shared his experience wherein they would
get down from a truck because if they didn’t, they’d get lumps on the head because they were travelling on really bad roads, including deep puddles where carabaos liked to lounge. He also went on to do radio, warmly accepting even his “small” talent fees like chicharon, hair gel and the like. Photos from the internet