Just days after he was checked in for hospitalization at the
Makati Medical Center (MMC), and after a flurry of news updates, finally last
night, the evening news carried the breaking story of his demise.
Shall we say that Dolphy’s career has come to this
culminating end? That I think is highly debatable. As an unparalleled icon in
local cinema, his legend will live on and on, the countless movies he made will
continue to pervade our television and even our theaters. Such is the sort of popularity
that Dolphy had achieved in his lifetime, one that is very difficult to
emulate.
His work speaks for itself. As one commentary made by actor
Richard Gomez, he made films with so much passion and dedication that with
every film he makes, he made sure that the fans and movie-goers would be delighted
to no end. And I am certainly in agreement with that observation for I have
seen several of his works and truth to be told, none had been a disappointment.
I would not have realized this if Mr. Gomez had not stated this. For me, this
is enough achievement that should install him as an unparalleled icon in
Philippine cinema, and of course, in Philippine culture as a whole.
That he was not awarded the National Artist award in his
lifetime is surely one of great debate. Perhaps the main reason is that the award
or its nature does not altogether embraces the cinema as an acceptd art form,
this modern form of exhibition so unlike painting and the crafting of words in
literature. Otherwise, it would be lesser of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP) that a distinguishable artist like Dolphy is not one that is
among its roster of awardees.
If I am ask to make a comment or statement in memorial of
Dolphy’s death, I would simply say that Philippine cinema is about one-fourth
Dolphy and that I wpould just be speaking of him in the same breathe as one knowledgeable
American cinema patron of Charlie Chaplin.
21 Comments
Through FB, I've learned that Philippine comedy idol, Dolphy passed away. I thought it was a joke again. But later, it was confirmed. So sad but it's time for him to go. Yes, I think he deserves the National Artist award!
ReplyDeleteYes Ric; even though almost everyone know the inevitable for him, it still so sad to hear about his passing. Like some vacuum occurred in our society.But I bet he and his legacy would continue to live within us...
ReplyDeleteRip Dolphy..thank you for the many years of laughter you brought to us Filipinos!
ReplyDeleteNational artist or not. He is an icon of movies A comedian who can make us both cry and laugh by his very realistic portrayals. His mass appeal stems from the fact that he epitomizes the regular Filipino on his characters in tv or the big screen.
ReplyDeleteI agree Lipstick Chopsticks; we as a people have a lot to thank for with all the laughters and memories he had shared with us :-)
ReplyDeleteIndeed Franc; according to those who is close to him, what makes him more endearing is that the 'small people' are important to him, he always makes a way to see how they're doing...he could have been a very good and honest politician... :-)
ReplyDeleteDolphy will always have a place in our hearts. He will never be replaced. RIP DOLPHY
ReplyDeleteDolphy is a great actor.. I remember on one of his interviews he said that his colleagues were all in the heaven and he is the "kulang" in their group.
ReplyDeleteRIP Dolphy
He is really a good actor. No doubting it.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's depressing with our country is its fond of giving awards to those who already has passed away.
We may not give him something back (National Artist award), but he now knows the appreciation that Pinoys give him. That's better, eh?
i really like his comedy but his dramatic moments are what really moved me when i watch his movies. he will be missed but i'm glad he is finally at rest after a fruitful life :)
ReplyDeletehe deserves more than the award... the admiration of the filipino people... it's sad news, but its sadder to knowing his suffering with his ailment... glad he rest in peace now. Yahweh bless.
ReplyDeleteFarewell to the King! Thanks thanks to the many laughter!
ReplyDeleteAnother sad news. He made a lot of Filipino happy. He is the only Comedy King who brought joy and happiness in each Filipino's heart. Sana maging masaya na rin sya sa heaven. :)
ReplyDeleteHe was and will always be an icon of entertainment. With the national artist crown or not, his name will be remembered much like FPF.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we are all in agreement, about how great this man was and is still is. Dolphy's shoes would be so difficult to fill.
ReplyDeleteHear Hear! We've truly lost a great Filipino icon, one that we should be really proud of having in the film industry. And yes.. I would've wished the same about Dolphy being given the title of National Artist. Being able to act and make people's lives better through humor and laughter should be a talent worth recognizing.
ReplyDeleteHe has established a legacy of his own, something which not everybody is able to accomplish before leaving this world.
ReplyDeleteDolphy will be truly missed by the Filipino people. His movies and TV shows will remain a classic.
ReplyDeleteI'm really when I found out about it! since we don't have tFC here in our house I'm not so updated with the showbiz news or whats really happening in the philippines. Condolences to the family xx
ReplyDeleteI really got sad after seeing the breaking news. Dolphy is someone who will never be forgotten. Anyway, he's happier and better with God now.
ReplyDelete@ Mai : Indeed, what an icon he is ; @ Teresa : His legacy would never die; @ Badet : He would sorely be missed, there's just no one like him around; @ Mary Jane : We all grieved his passing ; @ Lily : I wish his soul well also, may he be in the good company of the Lord :-)
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