By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbn.NEWS.com

The country's King of Comedy Dolphy shed tears  when his mother network ABS-CBN honored his legendary contribution to the Philippines' showbiz by renaming its premier venue, Studio 1, to "Dolphy Theatre". 

The dedication ceremony and the unveiling of the Dolphy Theater happened Monday afternoon, July 28. It is also one of the network's gifts for for the legendary comedian's 80th birthday.

The unveiling of the Dolphy Theater was meant to be a surprise--Dolphy himself had no idea, and so, upon the unveiling, he could not help but shed tears when ABS-CBN, through host Edu Manzano, announced that the Studio 1 would from thereon be called the Dolphy Theatre.

ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and network president Charo Santos-Concio led in the unveiling of the Dolphy Theater's marker.

"Mark this day July 28, 2008, Studio 1 of ABS-CBN is now officially known as the Dolphy Theatre," Manzano said.

After he wiped his tears, the comedy actor said that he is overwhelmed with the new blessing he recieved.

"Itong mga huling araw na ito sobrang mga sorpresa e baka ma-bypss ako nito," Dolphy joked.

"Tumaba ng tumaba ang puso ko sobrang sobra na magmula pa ng isang linggo patuloy pa din, isang malaking karangalan ito talagang nakatatak na ako sa ABS-CBN... ito daanan ng tao ito kapag may kakain diyan makikita na ako diyan," he added.

The Comedy King reiterated his loyalty to the network and said that he's happy that he will  leave a legacy that the future will be able to see especially inside the network's compound.

"Ngayon at least mayroon akong sinasabing legacy na iiwan dito sa Studio  na ito, pumanaw man ako mayroon ako nito, maraming salamat Gaby, Charo sobrang sobrang pinataba niyo ang puso ko itong araw na ito," Dolphy said.

In a statement given by the network's chairman Eugenio Lopez III, he shared that the renaming of Studio is the company's way to repay Dolphy for his loyalty and contribution not only to the network but to the world of showbiz.

"Mang Dolphy inisip namin what can we give you on your 80th birthday for a man who has everything, who has experienced everything who is 80 year-old and it at the pinnacle of his  career ano ang dapat ibigay namin sa kanya? So we thought that we have to give you something that is as enduring as your career has been.

"Kasi po ang ABS-CBN and Mang Dolphy we'd been together since 1952 or 1948 anyway it's been over 50 years at sa radio pa nag-umpisa, so 50s yon anyway we felt that to do honor to you Mang Dolphy we had to give you a give that would endure as long as your legacy has endure, something that even your children and grand children will look and say that yan po si Mang Dolphy. So we hope that this gift that we give to you today will be worthy of your honor... Happy Birthday Mang Dolphy," Lopez said.

The once and lifetime event was witnessed by Dolphy's children Dolphy Jr., Sally, Epy Quizon and Vandolph Quizon.

The King who made as laugh while crying and made us cry while laughing also headed his guests to Dolphy Theatre's Lobby and also took time to look at the photo exhibit prepared by the network with the help of his son Erik Quizon.

Also present during the event were company's bigwigz like Cory Vidanes, Malou Santos, Linggit Tan, Corporate Communication head Bong Osorio and ABS-CBN subsidiary head Paulo Pineda.

Dolphy's birthday

Dolphy or Rodolfo Vera Quizon in real life shared that he will never forget this year since he received a lot of blessings -- from the success of his book launching entitled "Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-Isa," his foundation and now his own studio at ABS-CBN -- The Dolphy Theatre.

"Ito malaki itong kuwan after noong kay Erik na successful ang book launching na may standing ovation pa sa akin tapos sumujnod na ito parang ako ang nagpagawa nitong haligi na ito," Dolphy said.

Dolphy shared that his caricature engraved at the marker of the new renamed studio took from an event in early 80s when he was given an honor by Manila Press Club.

"Lahat ng editor doon gumawa ng caricature ng mukha ko kaya doon nila  kinuha ito, marami din sila... ito ang napili nila ni Erik," he added.

The veteran actor said he could not wish for anything more since he almost have everything. He said he is so blessed by God especially in terms of his career.

"Wala na akong mahihiling pa sa mga  anak ko na lang  ibigay niya at saka kay Zsa Zsa."

Dolphy shared that as a way to thank God he always pray and pray tries to communicate with his  creator and continue to ask for guidance and enlightenment.

Dolphy  who turned 80 last July 25, Friday just finished shooting his film "Dobol Trobol" with the Prince of Comedy Vic Sotto.

A special tribute of Kapamilya network for Dolphy's birthday  titled “The King of Comedy at 80”  to be held at Meralco Theatre  is also set to air this coming August 3 on Sunday's Best.