Dolphy's Death: The Death and the Celebrated Life of Philippines' Comedy King

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. a.k.a Dolphy - "The King of Comedy" died this July 10, 2012 at the age of 83. I will not go into further details explaining his life, career, and milestones, the media already got that covered. I'll just simply talk about Dolphy's influence on me and probably to most of us who new him as a good entertainer and public figure.

Well, other folks born before me might remember him in John en Marsha or from his other works he starred in, but being a 90's kid I was more familiar with Dolphy as Kevin Kosme from ABS-CBN's Home Along Da Riles. He became this cool, loving, traditional, funny and iconic second father figure with this long running television sitcom. I was oblivious to his career before Home Along or John en Marsha back then, but would later be greatly impressed when I made a researched and compiled the the list of the comedy films in the Philippines, because films featuring Dolphy was already more than a handful and was alone enough to fill that database.

The last film that featured the Philippine Comedy King was with the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry "Rosario" in a much more serious tone. I have high respect for commedians as comedy is a more complicated form of art/entertainment than let's say drama. Dolphy is one of those celebrities who can make us both laugh and cry everytime the circumstances calls for it. I blame it on the ever changing times that it somehow desensitize me with the last few television shows he starred in, but that doesn't take anything away from what Dolphy has accomplished as an entertainer, an actor.

Don't get me wrong, but I was not really surprised to see the news that Dolphy was in a bad shape when he was admitted to Makati Medical Center back in June 16, 2012. Death has always been a part of life, and Dolphy was already at the end of his life. I remember TV5's Trade Launch back in 2010 where he was on stage with Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon and by then I knew that he was already struggling with some health complications as we observe Dolphy seems to tire so fast and seems out of breath. Fortunately he was still capable after that and managed to still make two films on that same year, Father Jejemon and Rosario in 2010. The last television show that Pidol starred in was with TV5's Pidol's Wonderland.

I started receiving news on my Facebook timeline that Dolphy has indeed passed away. Being the skeptical person that I am, it was only natural to doubt these so-called internet news. So I double checked with this news from various Philippine online news portals. Eventually it was true. The Comedy King was indeed dead at the age of 83. It saddened me a bit to see another icon bite the dust, but it was inevitable. To the family, friends, and the lives of the people touched by the Dolphy, it can't be helped to mourn for his death. Dolphy may not lived a perfect life but he became a Filipino icon. Dolphy might have died but his legacy, contribution, and legendary status will continue to live on and will never be forgotten.

All Hail The Philippine's Comedy King.



Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon, Sr., OGH, (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012)

Lilia Cuntapay and Nonong de Andres: The Two Faces of Philippine Horror Cinema

It is that time of the year once again when it is alright play dress ups and scares ourselves with various stories of horror. This will be the first time I will be doing this Halloween Special which might be a main feature here at CMABLOGS. I am a big fan of horror films, local and foreign ones alike. While there have been various fictional horror film icons which I grew fond of watching as a child (Freddy Kreuger, Chucky, Jason, Leatherface, Pinhead, and Mikhael Myers to name a few), I can't deny it that there are a few local ones which gave scared me as a child. Every Filipino already know such icons like aswang(s), mananaggal(s), tikbalang, kapre, various lamang lupa, and ghosts, but now it is time to look back and recognize two Philippine actors behind such usual icons. Let's talk about Philippine horror cinema's Lilia Cuntapay and Nonong de Andres.



More photos can be found at Lilia Cuntapay's Facebook Fan Page. Lilia Cuntapay is the legendary queen of Philippine horror.

Lilia Cuntapay is a Filipina actress who usually plays various iconic horror characters in various Philippine horror films. She got her break in various Shake, Rattle & Roll films, specifically in 1991's Shake, Rattle, & Roll 3's "Yaya" segment. She usually play as either a witch or an "aswang". She also made appearances in various television shows' Halloween special or episodes as either a witch, aswang, black/white lady, or a ghost. In a politically incorrect Philippines (show business specifically) where pretty faces are the usual protagonists and the not so pretty ones either becomes comedian/comedienne or lands a role to play various horror characters, the best thing that they discovered is Lilia Cuntapay. I can still remember how she appeared on various Halloween specials of my favorite television shows ( like Magandang Gabi Bayan Halloween Specials) and various horror films, she scared me to death specially when these horror specials do some really cool jump scares at that time. I was but a fledgling back then and thinks appears scary if they appeared as one. She isn't any particularly ugly and might have been a pretty woman in her younger years, but the wrinkles in her skin, her toothless mouth and long (white) hair brought by her old age is probably a major factor in being stereotyped in various horror roles.

Lilia Cuntapay has never been the main actor in a film and has always been an "extra" in various films and television shows besides the horror genre. Either as a passerby or just an old scary woman. But this November 2011, there will be a special indie film which solely feature the exploits, experiences and filmography of Lilia Cuntapay. Check out Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay here:



Official trailer of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY, a Cinema One Originals entry. Showing on November 9 to 15, 2011 at the Shang Cineplex. An interesting (if not hilarious) documentary chronicling the woman behind various horror roles in Philippine cinema.



Nonong de Andres is a Filipino actor who usually plays kamatayan (harbinger of death), or bangkay (corpse). His old age, frail, and extremely skinny "buto't balat" physique is what usually lands him in roles like a substance abuser (drug addict), alcoholic, old bum, homeless guy, zombie, kamatayan (spirit of death), and aswang. Like Lilia Cuntapay, he has always been an extra to various films ranging from action, horror, family and even sexy ones.

Check out a special feature (low quality Youtube uploaded video) on the real lives of Lilia Cuntapay and Nonong de Andres on GMA 7's Tunay na Buhay here:



It is not all fame and glamor in a life of a horror actor, nor it doesn't reverse the process of aging. See what is it like to be in the shoes of Lilia Cuntapay and Nonong "Bangkay" de Andres on the video above.

Behind the seemingly scary characters they play, hides the pain and joys of an everyday person. They might be actors behind some of the most scary Filipino movies, but they are still human beings. Their contribution to the Philippine horror cinema and show business as a whole are worthy of recognition and respect.

The Secret Behind Lucy Torres' Beauty Revealed

The business of show business, like any other careers out there requires professionalism and time. A great effort must be focused on looking and feeling good if one wants to stay longer in this merciless industry. Neglect one's health and suffer the consequences that it will show on one's wellness and ultimately be a laughing stock of the public thanks to the ever watchful eyes of the entertainment press. While a celebrity could always result to the artificial method to achieved their physical beauty, nothing still beats the all natural way of staying beautiful inside and out. That is what celebrities like Lucy Torres-Gomez has committed herself in the duration of her career as both an entertainment and public figure.



Lucy Torres is one of the most beautiful public icons of local show business and just recently the house of congress, all the while juggling her responsibilities as a mother and wife. Having multiple careers may take a toll to one's body if not carefully taken care of. Lucy isn't getting physically getting younger anymore as she is at her somatopausal (middle) age, a stage which begins on one's late 20s, when the physical signs of aging start to show, and one’s vigor and vitality also begin to deteriorate. Lucy's secret to standing off against the seemingly inevitable somatopausal age are rigorous fitness regimen, a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, a positive approach towards life and good attitude to others, and taking antioxidant-rich vitamins like Immuvit.

“Immuvit is my health partner, especially now that my schedule is more hectic. I find it convenient because you just take it daily, and you already and reap the benefits of the good it does for your optimum health and looks,” Lucy says.

Why did she chose Immuvit as her multivitamins supplement? Immuvit is the only multivitamin supplement in the market that contains the powerful combination of CoQ10 and two ginsengs — Korean RPC Ginseng and the Siberian Ginseng. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against the damages caused by free radicals, helps maintain cell growth and maintenance, and boosts the immune system. The two ginsengs on the other hand, help revitalize the body and increase its resistance and fatigue.

“Immuvit is unique because it boasts of two kinds of ginseng, combined with CoQ10. Women will be happy to find out that Immuvit will help keep them looking and feeling young and energized,” says Lucy.

TV5 Trade Launch - Revolutionizing Philippine Television for the "Bagong Pinoy"

March 25, 2010 (Thursdayday) - marked the celebration and relaunch of the now considered "chain breaker" and a new key player to break the Philippine television industry's duopoly, TV5 (formerly ABC 5) the TV5 Trade Launch at World Trade Center. Luckily yours truly was able to witness this monumental relaunch and breakthrough in the Philippine television scene and where it all starts...



The TV 5 Trade Launch event is the second major television related event that I have attended, and the second time I have entered the majestic World Trade Center in Metro Manila. I left Dasmariñas City (Cavite) at around 4:00 in the afternoon and arrived at around 5:20 in the afternoon which was once again so early. On how it looked that time I could feel that it was going to be a BIG which was later confirmed as local celebrities started appearing group after group to celebrate TV 6's momentous relaunch. I managed to took some snapshots around before the actual event even start...





Well sadly my two year-old camera is a bit busted (probably from all the beating it experienced in the past, whut?!?) so I wasn't able to capture much of the event but I still managed and found a way to get some.



I took the chance to take a photo together with one of the TV5's news anchor, Jove Francisco.

We were first entertained by some interesting production numbers as everyone waits for the main event. Eventually the show started at around 8:30 in the in the evening with Paolo Bediones and Ryan Agoncillo hosting the TV5 Trade Launch. TV5's new shows have been improved and targeted for the new generation Filipino television viewers or the "Bagong Pinoy". Tired of the the same repetitive and boring television program block? Then switch to TV5 as they will break away from the boring television norms, something which is to be blamed with the duopoly of the two Philippine Television Corporations.

The hosts introduced a Sponge Bob mascot to introduce the TV5 Kids block which features famous Nickelodeon shows and Japanese Animations. Animega (TV5's afternoon to primetime block) has already featured great series and which will feature more animated series which are specially targeted to the Bagong Pinoy anime enthusiasts. Some of the anime shows which will run on TV5's Animega are Clannad and Inuyasha, which will join the already running anime series Tora Dora, Haruhi Suzumiya, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The biggest news tis that TV5 will be the new home of the classic and popular kid's show Batibot.

Juicy's Alex Gonzaga and IC Mendoza, together with Amy Perez of Face to Face introduced the new afternoon block offered by the new and improved TV5.

Cookie Chua, Jet Pangan and Luke Mijares serenaded the audience with themes songs from the Korean series which will be broadcasted locally (dubbed) at TV5's Gusto Ko Noon. My Wife is a Superwoman, Smile Honey, First Wives Club and High Kick are some of these Korean imports which will are included at the Gusto Ko Noon block.



The TV5 news and public affairs also has new faces and new competitive new block now that Erwin Tulfo, Sheryl Cosim, and Luchi Cruz Valdez joins the original TV5 news team of Martin Andanar, Jove Francisco, Amelyn Veloso, and Cheri Mercado. Paolo Bediones also joins them with U.S.I. or Under Special Investigation which features interviews and various challenges to some of Philippine's public and prominent figures. Maverick and Ariel comes back to TV5 with their Totoo TV, Chris Tiu with Ako Mismo, Sapul, a new morning show for TV5, and Lupet the Discovery Series are some of the promising new shows which will compete with the big guns of news and public affairs on Philippine Television.

The three Princes of TV5: Oyo Boy Sotto, JC de Vera, and John Pratts.



Tuesday Vargas went out of the stage just when everyone thought that The Diamond Star will be the one coming out. Well, the great thing about it is that Tuesday gave a very entertaining performance and introduction to Ms. Maricel Soriano. She gave a great Tribute for she herself being a big Maricel Soriano fan.



Ms. Maricel Soriano finally arrived at the stage to promote her drama special in Bigtime Primetime's 5 Star Specials.



A Toyota Vios was given to a lucky audience who guessed the right amount of the car together with all of the miscellaneous objects placed inside the car. If I am not mistaking the overall amount was P1, 050 000.00. Sadly I came three hundred thousand short on my guess but maybe not my time (to have a car) yet.

TV5's Weekend Winners were next where performances from Lucy Torres together with her fellow hosts and celebrities of their new Sunday variety show P.O.5.

Ruffa Gutierez together with Dolly Carvajal and Cristy Fermin were on stage to promote Tv5's new showbiz program Paparazzi. When showbiz intrigues hosts are on stage then expect some bad blood, rumor starting and other controversial one liners.



The biggest surprise fro the night (and the most entertaining one) is when you see the three kings of Philippine comedy in one network. Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and the Dolphy delivered a classic but still entertaining "Wala ka sa lolo ko" and "filipino to English translation" skit on stage. I found my self still laughing at their punchlines which could either mean I am so retro/corny or they still haven't lost their touch.



Pidol's Wonderland is the new Bigtime Primetime comedy sitcom of Dolphy on TV5, Joey de Leon will then have the House of Not comedy game show (if my guess is right) together with Wow Mali, and Vic Sotto still is on Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire.



After that Paolo Bediones and Ryan Agoncillo unveiled TV5's New Station ID "Para Sa'yo Kapatid". Watch this TV5 Trade Launch "Para sa'yo KAPATID" new TV5 New Station ID courtesy of The Blocker Online:



I have always wished that Philippine television companies could be more open to the public and gives more variety of shows. T.E.N. The Evening News was the first news program on TV5 who actually listened and shared the sentiments and views of the Filipinos through their online channels like Facebook. And now, TV5 will break the same old repetitive prtogramming block and duopoly of GMA and ABS CBN. There is a new player in town, TV5 with their mission to bring entertainment, news and education to the Bagong Pinoy.

Jam-Packed Ice Age 3 TriNoma Digital Cinema Screening Event

July 02, 2009 (Thursday) - Yours truly signed up for the bloggers spreadsheet for the screening of Ice Age 3 in TriNoma in North Edsa and was excited because of (1) it is a movie event, and (2) I'm going to be back in blogging events. So here is my fun-filled unforgettable experience in Ice Age 3 shown in TriNoma's New Digital Cinema....





What is this Digital Cinema anyways? Read the rest below to find out what's this new movie experience Trinoma has in store for all movie goers...

The day starts with me getting all worked up with this movie premiere because this will be the start of my being active again to blog events after that somewhat bit long hiatus last June. As schedule conscious as I was I left for Cavite at around 3:00 in the afternoon which still still took me until 5:30 pm on the road which got me a bit worried because according to the spreadsheet the events starts at 6:00 and I was still on the train (MRT) that time but thank goodness I made in time. I wandered around until Az sent me an sms telling me where the show is which I think I missed while I was wandering around (how clumsy can I get at times wahahaha). Finally saw this large are where new and old media starts to populate.



After the small hassle I finally got my media pass and premiere ticket for the Ice Age 3 premiere

I encountered a small problem upon checking my name on the list of bloggers who signed up, my name somewhat was missing in action which was a shock really because all the while I know I signed up for it so was really surprise (and believe me I will not trek all the way from Dasmariñas Cavite just to gate crash and new that I am not welcome). I'm no gatecrasher so this bothered me, thank goodness Azrael saved my neck and talked to the right people but later this was resolved as I confirmed my name on the list and they probably forgot to enlist some of the registrants on paper (which is still odd). After which I felt a bit troubled but managed to get my drive and mood back as other bloggers and popular faces starts to arrive....





There were nice drinks and snacks provided for everyone in the pre-screening show...



One popular cosplay icon in the Philippines has also attended the Ice Age 3 premiere, Alodia Gosiengfiao. It is my first time seeing her in person for I have only seen her in various anime blogs, websites, and anime-related magazines. So basically I was a bit star-strucked because of her beauty and title but immediately snapped out of it and managed to take a picture of the very lovely Miss Alodia Gosiengfiao, Philippine's Cosplay Queen.



Chris A. with Alodia Gosiengfiao in Ice Age 3 Trinoma Digital Cinema



Alodia Gosiengfiao joins the bloggers at the Ice Age 3 TriNoma Digital Cinema premiere



Azrael Coladilla, Ronald Guanzon, and Alodia Gosiengfiao, three popular figures of anime, cosplay, toys, and events in the Philippines in the Ice age 3 premiere.

Mascots always have an effect to children and movie enthusiasts alike which TriNoma "let loose" in the pre-screening show.



Ice Age 3's Scrat(male) and Scratte mascots were mobbed by children and media for a photo opportunity.



..and of course yours truly will not let this past as I take the chance to take a photo with Scrat and Scratte mascots for the Ice Age 3 premiere.

Celebrities with their children also were seen in the Ice Age 3 Philippine Premiere in TriNoma. Some familiar faces were Iya of the former Studio 23 I.T. show Digital Tour...



Epi Quizon on Ice Age 3 Trinoma Digital Cinema



Chris A. with Bearwin "The Bear" Meily on TriNoma Ice Age 3 Digital Cinema Premiere

After the pre-show we were all directed to TriNoma Digital Cinema Cinema, Cinema 4 to finally see the much awaited third sequel of the popular Ice Age 3.



Ice Age 3 TriNoma Digital Cinema screening snacks were provided by Fish & Co.. See Also Fishing The Market For a Bountiful Catch! The Fish & Co. Experience



Well I won't spoil you with the plot of the film but I guarantee you will be entertained with Ice age 3. Will also provide a review of this movie in my movie blog which will soon be running up smoothly. You can check it out here:

Pinoy Movie Blogger



TriNoma's Digital 3D Cinema experience was another new experience for me and looks promising so if you want to experience what I am talking about then try TriNoma's Digital Cinema yourself. This is Chris A. blogging out.


See more photos of the Jam-Packed Ice Age 3 TriNoma Digital Cinema Screening Event on My Ice Age 3 Trinoma Digital Cinema Screening Experience Facebook Album

Memories of an Icon - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

June 26, 2009 (Friday) - I woke up with and read a text message from a friend that the Michael Jackson died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 50. I was a bit skeptic until I saw the news myself. I am not that big of a Jackson fan but I share some interests in his music like the rest of us.



Some of my favorite music from the King of Pop includes Smooth Criminal, Billy Jean, and Thriller which was are all included in the Michael Jackson's Sega Genesis game, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.



This is one of the game cartridges I had at around 1999 to 2002 in my Sega Megadrive game console...

One would never thought that some gaming company will try to make a game out of a singer's music but somehow they were able to pull it off. Michael Jackson's Moonwalker for the Sega Genesis features Michael Jackson on a quest to rescue a group of children abducted by a diabolical villain named Mr. Big.



The gameplay features Michael's signature dance moves to attack the thugs, zombies, aliens, and other creatures who aids Mr. Big in the abduction of the children. Michael Jackson uses his fedora (the type of hat Michael Jackson uses) as a boomerang to knockout the enemies. Holding the attack button long will make him spin and become invincible but with a price, his health which eventually depletes the longer you hold the attack button. Once the button gets release, it will make him throw his fedora, the longer one holds the button and finally releasing it will make a longer fedora boomerang radius. Hold the button long enough (until it reaches Jacko's health at a critical level) and releasing it will unleash a hypnotic dance move which will make the enemies dance with Michael Jackson who will later die (probably they can't keep up with the King of Pop's dance moves). See for yourself in this gameplay video:



Michael Jackson's Moonwalker Gameplay Video



I wouldn't want to spoil you about the game but you can still try to download the emulator and rom online. Owning this game is one of my most fondest memory of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and then there is his music.

His art and passion will not be forgotten by the music industry and the billions of Michael Jackson enthusiasts out there. The Moonwalker has left for his final flight.



"Michael Jacskon's music shall live on
and the artist shall not be forgotten"

Yahoo Philippines Report on the Death of Michael Jackson