Dolphy tribute concert: Act of philanthropy

MANILA, Philippines - Giving back to the people was one of the legacies of the late Comedy King Dolphy. Thus, it is fitting that a tribute concert in his honor will serve as a springboard to help some worthy causes.

A few days from now, top celebrities, most of them have worked with Dolphy during his storied long career, are set to gather for a night of touching performances to capture the essence of the top comedian’s life as entertainer.

Dolphy Aid Para Sa Pinoy Foundation, Inc., with PLDT and Bench, is spearheading a concert for a cause called Dolphy Alay Tawa: A musical tribute to the King of Comedy scheduled on Sept. 19, 7 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Local A-list acts are coming together for this special concert to commemorate Dolphy’s colorful life.

With its themes and narratives taken from the book Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-Isa (as told to Bibeth Orteza), the concert promises to entertain the audience and remember Dolphy as a premier showstopper and punchline delivery king.

“We wanted to honor our father and celebrate his life so it was only natural to give back freely. Secondly, we wanted to thank all those who prayed for him and joined us in our grief by emulating his big-heartedness by sharing the donations we will receive from this tribute with philanthropic efforts,” shared the Quizon clan’s acknowledged spokesperson Eric Quizon.

Proceeds from the tribute will, for one, go to the Philippine Red Cross, specifically for disaster preparedness and its blood bank called Friends of Hope, Inc. It will also be used to sponsor the building of a classroom at Emilio Jacinto School in Velasquez, Tondo as well as provide assistance to Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, particularly on its education on eye care and corneal transplants.

To emphasize the nature of the show, Dolphy supporters and music lovers are asked to get access to the show by donating a few bucks for the said causes. A minimum donation of P150 is equivalent to one ticket at the General Admission, P250 for Upper Box and P450 for Lower Box.

Interestingly, Rosa Rosal, one of Dolphy’s contemporaries, has sat on the Board of Governors since 1965 and has been Philippine Red Cross’ celebrity face, whose activities made her a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service.

Scriptwriter Orteza is, likewise, serving as the show’s writer, with Al Quinn as director.

In connection, Quizon added, “The tributes still keep on pouring. My family is very honored that SM Cinemas are re-showing two of his (last) movies, Nobody, Nobody But Juan and Father Jejemon.”

Remembering Dolphy, SM Cinemas’ tribute to the late King of Comedy, is currently ongoing, with playdates today and tomorrow, then on Sept. 14, 15 and 16 at the SM Cinema Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Megamall, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Marikina, Fairview, Southmall, Bacoor and Cebu.