Dolphy laid to rest

MANILA (2nd Update, 2:50 p.m.) -- Comedy King Rodolfo Vera “Dolphy” Quizon Sr. was laid to rest Sunday afternoon at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Dolphy's remains left the chapel at 2 p.m. and the interment rites led by Rev. Fr. Larry Paraon followed.

The comedian's gold coffin was carried by his friends to his tomb. Among those who carried the casket was Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

The comedy king was buried at his jet black granite niche, which sits at 39 square meters lot projected to be worth P3 million. His resting place was decorated by white lilies, daisies and anturiums. Photos of Dolphy were placed in the area.

Dolphy’s tomb is located along Heritage drive in the western part of the cemetery.

Photos taken by Virgil Lopez and Glaiza Jarloc

During the funeral, Dolphy’s sons Vandolph, Ronnie, Epi and Eric were seen hugging each other, while Maricel Soriano seated beside the director.

Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dolphy’s partner for 23 years, was seated beside daughters Zia and Nicole. Her oldest daughter Karylle also attended the funeral and showed her support to her mother and the whole Quizon clan. Karylle’s dad is Zsa Zsa’s first husband Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari.

Zsa Zsa, in her short message delivered before the crowd, thanked all those who showed love and support to the Comedy King and their entire family.

Her message to Dolphy was: "We love you. I love you Lovey. Until we meet again."

At the end of the service, confetti and white doves were released at the memorial park.

The whole Quizon family wore white clothes except for Zsa Zsa, who wore a black dress.

Dolphy's friends in the industry also attended the interment. Among those spotted were television host Vhong Navarro, Bibet Orteza, Angeli Pangilinan, Ricky Davao, Nova Villa, Eddie Garcia, and Ronald Singson.

During the necrological service on Sunday morning, Edu Manzano, actress Carmi Martin, showbiz couple Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez paid their last respects to the comedy king.

Veteran actress Susan Roces and daughter Grace Poe-Llamansares were also present during the mass. The Poes are very close to Dolphy as the latter is a staunch supporter of the late Fernando Poe Jr.

During the burial, fans were barred from entering the cemetery premises as requested by the family, as the Quizons wanted to spend their last moments with their patriarch.

More than 80 policemen were deployed in the area by the Taguig National Police. Security personnel from the Heritage Park were also around to help secure the cemetery.

Dolphy passed away at 8:34 p.m. of July 10 after his long battle with progressive illness Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Before his passing, the comedian was confined at the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center for one month.

During his four-day wake, friends from the entertainment industry, government and his supporters flock to the cemetery.

The three major television networks – ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5 -- also sponsored necrological services and eulogy for the comedy king.

Last Wednesday, Dolphy’s remains were brought to ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City where a mass and a special tribute took place.

The event was attended by station's Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, President Charo Santos-Concio and other top honchos.

Talents of ABS-CBN also paid their last respects to Dolphy. The eulogy was led by Toni Gonzaga, Ted Failon and Kris Aquino. The wake was attended by Vina Morales, Diether Ocampo, Sam Milby, Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, Randy and Rowell Santiago, Maricel Soriano, and Angelica Panganiban, among others.

On Thursday night, TV5 also gave Dolphy a fitting tribute for a King. The event was led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Bobby Barriero, Perci Intalan and other TV5 executives.

On Friday morning, GMA-7 President Atty. Felipe Gozon recognized the contributions of Dolphy during his eulogy at the Heritage Park.

Dolphy will celebrate his 84th birthday this July 25, exactly 15 days after his passing. (Sunnex)