By BOY VILLASANTA

abs-cbnNEWS.com
 
The Philippines' King of Comedy Dolphy has launched his memoirs as
part of the celebration of his eightieth birthday, a book entitled
“Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa” published by Kaizz Ventures.

When Dolphy arrived Wednesday evening at the launch venue, the NBC Tent at the Fort, son Eric Quizon fetched him from the car to usher him to the main hall where friends, colleagues and kin were gathered to welcome him.

Earlier, a special video presentation was flashed on the giant screen tracing Dolphy’s personal and professional journey to date.

Jeffrey Quizon emceed the event providing introductions to all the people who talked about his father.

ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio wrapped up Dolphy’s role as comedian in one line: “Nagbigay siya ng mga ngiti at halakhak sa gitna ng mga problema.”

The making of the book

Eric, who was the brains behind the biography, talked about his struggles in bringing forth a very significant project he has undertaken all his life.

The actor is already based in Hong Kong as director of live entertainment in many of the former Crown Colony’s cultural houses.

He shared an anecdote about his friend Bibeth Orteza, who was commissioned to help him with the completion of the biography.

“When we were in the thick of things (preparing for the book), I turned on the TV set... and there was Bibeth on camera, talking about her love for the country when she was nabbed during the Manila Peninsula rally. Sabi niya, hindi siya mamamatay sa cancer kundi sa bala dahil sa pagmamahal sa bayan.

“Pagkatapos no’n, nag-text ako sa kanya. Sabi ko, inuuna pa niya ang bayan kaysa sa libro. But of course, I was just joking. Then afterwards, tuluy-tuloy na ang trabaho namin,” said Eric.

Orteza, on her part, was overwhelmed by her participation in the book.

“Hindi ako ang author ng libro. Hindi ako ang writer. Isinulat ko lang ang mga sinasabi ni Tito Dolphy. Para lang akong susi na nagbukas ng sasakyan at sinamahan ko siya sa paglalakbay sa kanyang nakaraan,” she said.

Orteza was with husband-director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna and children, all of them grown-ups, Aya and Rafael Siguion-Reyna.

Orteza informed abs-cbnNEWS.com that she spent a total of six months doing the largest part of the book— interviews and jotting down what Dolphy had told her.

The women of Dolphy's past

All the people involved with the ace comic were interviewed, including the women in his past.

Dolphy went through the manuscript before it was finally printed.

According to Orteza, Dolphy did not want to mention two women in his life to avoid misinterpretation.

“Tapos, ‘yong dahilan ng paghihiwalay nila ni Alma Moreno, ayaw nang ipalagay ni Tito Dolphy and definitely, I had to respect that,” she added.

During his speech, Dolphy jokingly said he got mad at himself when he read through parts of the book which mentioned the women romantically linked to him.

“Nasuklam ako sa aking sarili,” he laughingly said .

“Pero ipinagkumpisal ko na ‘yon. Ayaw kong gayahin ‘yon ng mga kabataan lalo na ng mga mahal ko sa buhay. Hindi maganda ‘yon. At kung iisa-isahin ko pa ang mga ‘yon, hindi matatapos ang buong araw,” he added, still laughing.

“Nang tanungin ako ni Bibeth kung sino ang first love ko, sabi ko, her name was Aida. So kumpleto na pala ako, A to Z,” he interjected again in his usual jolly mood.  

Dolphy's partner Zsa Zsa Padilla could not make it to the launch because she is busy doing shows abroad.

His ex Alma Moreno was invited especially by Vandolph, Dolphy’s son by her, but she was unable to come as wel.

“Tinatawagan ko siya bago ako pumunta rito sa The Fort pero cannot be reached,” said Vandolph.

“Marami kasing ginagawa si Mama sa council ng Parañaque. Siya pa ang vice-president ng councillors’ league sa buong Pilipinas kaya ang dami commitments,” informed the newlywed who came in with wife Jenny Salalima.

Dolphy's colorful career

“Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa” is a chronicle of the comedian’s life told in the first person.

It contains rare photos of the actor during his entire acting career that spans 64 years. Professor Randy David wrote the foreword.

“Tama lang ang sinabi ni Professor David, tungkol sa pamilya ang kanyang tinumbok sa foreword, ang pinaghugutan ko ng inspirasyon sa buhay,” said Dolphy.

The launch also coincided with the official announcement of the creation of Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, non-stock organization which embodies Dolphy’s gratitude and good will towards the Filipino.