Dolphy: An Icon of Philippine Cinema

Unlike other actors in the movie industry, Dolphy has experienced a lot of hardships and hard work before he reached his current status.  At the age of thirteen, Dolphy became a shoeshine boy, button attacher at a pants manufacturing.  At the same time, he became a bottle arranger, stevedore at the pier, and a horse and buggy driver.  Subsequently, he worked inside the theaters by selling peanuts and watermelon seeds.  Fortunately, he was discovered to become a stage dancer and stage actor.  Then, he gradually recognized as radio performer, TV actor and movie actor.    His first radio talent fee was P250 – P300 per radio program.  Then, after that, he joined in television with initial income of P 500 per TV program.  Afterward, he was given a break in films.  And his first talent fee was P 1000 per movie.  From then on, he has been able to do a lot of movies. He has been able to raise himself from rugs to riches.  Until the time, that he acquired tremendous income, growing assets and various investments in different industries.  He established his own production outfit RVQ Productions in 1965.  He also did a lot of comedy TV shows; and the most loved TV series was   John En Marsha.  As a matter of fact, I grew up with this family oriented comedy TV series.   Next was Home along Da Riles. Furthermore, he has gotten countless acting awards in the Philippine entertainment industry and even in the international giving award bodies. 

In November 2010, President Benigno Aquino III awarded him the Order of the Golden Heart to Dolphy.  This is the highest award given by the President of the Philippines for his contributions to the movie industry.   In the same fashion, for his charitable works to numerous foundations in the country. 

On the other hand, Dolphy has a very colorful personal life.  He never married to different women who got involved with him and whom he got children.  And, his current relationship is with

singer actress and model Zsa Zsa Padilla for more than twenty years now; with which he has two daughters.   Most compelling evidence,    that Dolphy is the Comedy King in the Philippine movie.  He has been the most admired actor and a legend in the movie industry for decades now.  In real life, he is a good man, a loving father to his children.  And, one good thing that I really admire about him, he treats all his children equally.  He has been a good brother and a very kind and generous friend to many in showbiz.  And, the most remarkable characteristic that he has is being humble all the time . He treats all his colleagues, staff and utilities with equivalent respect and consideration.   At the age of eighty two, he remains dedicated to his profession and he has been able to manage to instill discipline and professionalism in his profession over these years.  With all these in mind, how could anyone resist to have a high regard for this man?