Nobody, Nobody But... Dolphy

Let’s put it on record, elections 2010 being just around the corner. It was Dolphy, in a Conversations more than a decade ago, who uttered the now-oft-quoted line about actors jumping into the political arena.

When asked if he would run in an election, he said, “Huwag na. Natatakot ako.”

The one asking him said, “Bakit ka matatakot? Siguradong mananalo ka.”

That’s when he delivered the classic line, “Doon ako natatakot, eh. Baka manalo ako. Madali tumakbo, paano kung manalo?”

That means Dolphy has written off politics from his life, although he’s not above throwing his support behind a candidate like what he did when FPJ ran for President in 2004.

Asked if he’s supporting any of the 2010 presidentiables, Dolphy begged off.

“Ayoko pa munang pagusapan. Those who are running are my friends. Alam ko may magagalit, eh.”

What he’d rather talk about is Nobody, Nobody But...Juan, his company RVQ Productions and Kaizz Ventures’ entry in the 2009 Metro Filmfest directed by his son Eric Quizon, in which he plays the title role, a senior citizen who lives in a nursing home in Chicago. The plot is inspired by the Oscar Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire. At the nursing homer, Juan passes his time by watching Wowowee on The Filipino Channel (TFC), drawing his fellow residents. Eric himself plays the one running the nursing home, irritated by Juan’s addiction to Wowowee through which Juan realizes his dream of reconnecting with his long-lost beloved Aida (played by Gloria Romero) in the Philippines whom he last saw during World War II.

It’s Tuesday afternoon when we pay Dolphy a visit at his home in Marina, Tambo, Parañaque City, built on a reclaimed area that used to be surrounded by the sea and now also with big houses standing on more reclaimed areas. He and Zsa Zsa Padilla and their children have been living there for almost two decades.

“I used to run around this place,” says Dolphy, “but I stopped when the dogs started running after me. Now I exercise on the treadmill.” This afternoon, it’s Zsa Zsa who’s sweating it out on the treadmill, determined to lose the few poundage she gained while shooting some scenes for Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love, Regal Films’ 2009 Metro Filmfest entry, in Beijing.

The couple is having the house renovated.

In the States, the practice is to entrust the elders in nursing homes. Are you in favor of it?

“In America it’s practical because most members of the family are out working. Walang maiiwan sa bahay para mag-alaga sa matatanda. But here, that cannot be. Sa Filipino tradition, the children take care of their elders. I don’t want to grow old in America. At least dito, puede kang paalagaan sa katulong. Doon, it’s expensive to hire a maid whom you pay by the hour.”

Oo nga naman. Here, may Zsa Zsa kang nag-aalaga sa’yo, ang elixir ng buhay mo.

“Duktor ng buhay ko ‘yan.”

And, as you once said, ang Viagra ng buhay mo.

Of course you don’t need to take Viagra yet, ‘no?

“It’s bad for me kasi na-bypass na ako, eh.”

You’ve been directed by Eric in a TV show and a movie. How was your relationship on the set of this new movie?

“We would discuss how a scene should be shot. When I gave suggestions, especially doon sa comedy parts, nakikinig naman siya.

On the set, I treat him as my director, not my son. Siempre, rerespetuhin mo.” (Adding with a laugh) “Pag labas, babatukan ko siya.”

In real life, ilang beses mo na nabatukan si Eric?

“Never! I never do that to him or to my other children. Hindi ako namamalo ng anak, puro salita lang ako. Mas masakit ‘yon, di ba? I’m not physical. But then, kapag sobra ang bait mo, parang nagiging gago ka, eh.”

How would you rate Eric as a director on a scale of one to 10?

“Well, he’s above average. Pasadong-pasado.”

And as a son?

“All I can say is masuwerte ako sa kanya. Walang bisyo, workaholic, he has never been a problem.”

Is Eric your fair-haired boy, your favorite?

“All my children are my favorite. But when one doesn’t give you a headache, he becomes your No. 1 favorite. Pero kung may anak kang tutubusin mo sa presinto, siempre mabubuwisit ka sa kanya.”

Nobody, Nobody But...Juan reunites you with fellow Sampaguitans Gloria Romero (and Eddie Garcia). Does it evoke fond memories of the good old days?

“We were very young when we were in Sampaguita in the ‘50s. Sabi ko nga, ngayon collector’s items na kami. I did several movies with Gloria in Sampaguita — Dalagang Ilocana, Bakasyonista, Hindi Basta-Basta, Lawiswis Kawayan, Teresa. The most memorable is Dalagang Ilocana because we shot the movie for several months in Agoo, La Union at talagang umitim kami. Mahirap ang facilities; iisa lang ang kasilyas namin. Dinadaan na lang namin sa tawanan.”

And Eddie?

“Si Eddie naman, sa Sampaguita kontrabida ko siya, kontrabida siya ni Eddie Gutierrez. Ngayon, nakapanood ako, ang kontrabida si Eddie Gutierrez na at ang bida ay si Eddie Garcia na. I did several movies with Eddie Garcia at Sampaguita. Sa dami, wala akong matandaan.”

Speaking of Zsa Zsa, have you given up on the chance to marry her (because of some legal impediment)?

(Laughs) “Kailan pa? Baka kapag nakabaston na ako at nalalaglag na ang mga ngipin mo at hindi ka na makapagsabi ng ‘I do!’ We’ve been together for almost 21 years, so okey na lang ‘yon.”

I guess Zsa Zsa is just as frustrated.

“Yes, of course naman! We have spent so much money. We already made a down payment for the venue of our wedding in Las Vegas.

$25,000 ‘yon. Everything was set, except Zsa Zsa’s wedding dress and my damit pang-kasal.”

So the problem is with Zsa Zsa (whose marriage to Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari, father of their daughter Karylle has yet to be annulled). So you are still an eligible bachelor, right?

“With me there’s no problem. Pero nakakahiya nga dahil pag tiningnan ang passport ko, nakalagay doon  ‘Single.’ You have 18 children and yet single ka pa.”

Single but not available.

“Hindi na ako available.”

Do you hold any grudge against anybody?

“No, wala. I forgive them.”

But of course, you are still hoping na matutuloy ang kasal n’yo.

“Yes, of course. But it’s destiny. Kung talagang hindi puede, eh, hindi puede.”

If and when, your principal sponsors should be below 80, I suppose.

“Yes, of course. I’m 81 already. If we get sponsors as old as I am, baka ang entourage mga naka-tungkod at naka-wheelchair na.”

Have you met Zsa Zsa’s “ex”?

“No. Not yet.”

If ever, what would you tell him?

“I would say, ‘Hi, kumusta ka?’ Ganoon lang.”

But you are okay with Karylle naman, di ba?

“Yes, we are okay. But when she and her mom go out, hindi ako sumasama.”

Your youngest child is 18. Do you and Zsa Zsa plan to have another child?

“No more. Wala na. Kumbaga sa babae, ang menstruation ko kulay tinga na, hindi na pink.”

All in all, you have 18 children (minus one who died). How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren do you have?

“I have more than 30, the latest addition ‘yung anak ni Vandolph. I have 14 great-grandchildren. Soon, I will have mga apo sa talampakan na.  My youngest apo sa tuhod is 17. The last time I saw her, I told her, ‘Huwag ka muna mag-aasawa, ha. Baka magkaroon ako ng apo sa kuko’.”  

No regrets?

“None. I’m happy and contented with what God has given me. Sobra! I can’t ask for more. Ang wish ko lang, sana when I’m gone maayos ang kalagayan ng mga anak ko. I am in the winter of my life. Siguro ang regret ko lang ay ‘yung hindi kami makasal ni Zsa Zsa.”

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