Remembering Dolphy: A legacy of laughter and love

Thirteen years may have passed, but the memory of Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera Quizon Sr. remains vivid — etched into the heart of Filipino showbiz and held dearly by those who knew him best. On 10 July, under a sky softened by remembrance and surrounded by white blossoms, Zsa Zsa Padilla once again honored the late King of Comedy in the most heartfelt of ways: with silence, sincerity, and enduring love.

A quiet visit, a loud legacy

Dressed in understated grace, the OPM icon arrived at Dolphy’s mausoleum with familiar devotion. She personally arranged fresh white flowers and cleaned the resting place herself, a yearly ritual that speaks volumes not just of loss — but of lasting love.

“Thank you for the laughter, the love, and all the beautiful memories you’ve left behind,” Zsa Zsa wrote in a touching tribute posted online. The caption, though simple, captured what Dolphy had always been in her life — not just a legendary comedian, but a partner, a father, and a gentle soul who brought joy even in the quietest moments.

A family remembers

Joining Zsa Zsa were members of the Quizon family, including Eric Quizon, one of Dolphy’s children and a devoted custodian of his father’s artistic legacy. The gathering was intimate but far from solemn. There were smiles, stories, laughter — and even a marionette doll of Dolphy, a playful touch that reminded everyone that joy was always at the heart of Dolphy’s world.

Eric, ever the witty storyteller, shared snippets of the day on social media, joking, “Zsa Zsa wants the open mausoleum camera-ready” — a lighthearted remark that Dolphy himself would have chuckled at. After all, even in rest, the Comedy King never lost his charm.

The king who never left

Dolphy passed away on 10 July 2012, leaving behind over six decades of unforgettable work — from John en Marsha to Home Along Da Riles, and a filmography that defined generations of Filipino humor. But his impact extends far beyond screens and stages. It lives in the timing of a punchline, the tenderness of a family photo, the laughter that rings louder than grief.

“You live on in our hearts and in the joy you brought to millions,” Zsa Zsa added in her reflection.