Eric Quizon, Dolphy's son, is still processing the news that the iconic Dolphy Theater, named after his father, will be demolished after ABS-CBN owners sold a large portion of their Quezon City property to Ayala Land, Inc.

ABS-CBN to sell portion of its Quezon City property to Ayala Land

When the news broke, Quizon was in London and couldn't believe that the famed structure had to say goodbye, given the shows, events, memories, and impact it had on people.

“I was in London. Pero hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in, e. When I heard about it, sabi ko, ‘Sayang naman,’” Quizon told ABS-CBN News. 

“Hindi naman namin pag-aari ‘yun. It was given in honor of him (father Dolphy). Sa Sunday nga, magdidirek ako ng Star Awards, at sa Dolphy Theater siya gagawin. I don’t know what I’m going to feel. Baka mag-senti ako roon. Baka papunta pa lang [ay] maiyak na ako,” he added.

Eric Quizon talks about Dolphy Theater, a theater named after his father. Photo by Josh Mercado

The actor-director said he has requested management if he could keep the Dolphy Theater logo sign and caricature, which are there in honor of his father.

“Actually, pinarating ko na sa kanila na kung gigibain siya, ‘yung parang symbol sa labas [ay] kung puwedeng ibigay na lang sa akin. Sabi ni Tita Cory (Vidanes), pinag-uusapan pa raw nila pero matagal pa naman daw ‘yun. Kung hindi raw gagamitin ng ABS, ibibigay daw nila sa akin kung hindi nila gagamitin,” he said.

He continued, “‘Yung mga memorabilia, baka magamit nila kung lumipat sila. Pag-aari naman nila ‘yun. The Dolphy Theater was just given to Dolphy in honor of him.”

“Nakakalungkot. ‘Yung nasa harapan na parang may caricature ni daddy, sabi ko, kung puwedeng hingin na lang namin. Sabi ni Tita Cory, pag-uusapan daw,” he added. 

For Quizon, the Dolphy Theater, where ABS-CBN paid their final respects to Dolphy before he was laid to rest at Taguig's Heritage Park, has been a part of their family since his father's rise to stardom until his death.

“Dinala namin ang body ng daddy ko sa Dolphy Theater. ‘Yung first day talaga ay sa ABS-CBN bago siya dinala sa Heritage. Maraming naganap sa Dolphy Theater both like work and ‘yung mga malulungkot na pangyayari sa family namin. Right now, hindi ko pa alam kung anong mararamdaman ko,” he shared.

“Nakakalungkot. But I think it’s more than my dad, a theater named after him, pero ‘yung history ng ABS-CBN. Diyan nag-umpisa ang daddy ko. He has a good relationship with the Lopezes. My dad is part of ABS-CBN,” he added. 

Quizon on family’s longevity in showbiz, Kris Aquino’s health battle

Even when his father, the king of comedy, died, the entire Quizon family was rewarded with projects and continues to engage in show business.

Quizon believes that his father's immense talent made a huge impact on the industry.

“Walang secret, e. I think it’s just really my dad. I think ‘yung dad ko ‘yung parang star na nandiyan lang shining on us. ‘Yung talent niya, in-impart niya sa amin. Of course hindi namin siya mapapantayan pero para sa akin may ibinahagi siya sa amin na part niya. Kapag pinagsama-sama mo kami (children), we still embody Dolphy kahit papaano. Maski ano man ang gawin ko, ‘yung pangalan ng dad ko ay nakakabit na sa akin so kaya sabi ko parati siyang nandiyan,” he told ABS-CBN News.

The cast and director of “Jackstone 5” meet the press. Photo by Josh Mercado

Quizon was also asked about his reaction to his friend Kris Aquino's health battle while promoting his current film "Jackstone 5,” which also stars Gardo Versoza, Arnell Ignacio, Jim Pebanco, and Joel Lamangan and is produced by Royal Star Media Production Philippines Inc.

Quizon and Aquino first worked on the 1991 film "The Vizconde Massacre Story (God Help Us!)," followed by "So Happy Together" in 2004.

“Hindi ko siya nakakausap lately because ayaw ko lang pag-usapan namin if ever ‘yung malungkot siya, ‘yung sitwasyon niya, ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya,” he said. 

He added, “Ang ginagawa ko lang, I always pray for her. Siyempre kapag nakakakita ka ng mga post na ganoon, nakakalungkot, lalo na kung ang isang tao ay mahal mo o kaibigan mo. Mararamdaman mo ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya. I really wish her the best. She has suffered so much. You wouldn’t want anybody that you love na mapunta sa ganoong sitwasyon. The last time na nag-usap kami through text lang about a year ago. Sumasagot naman siya. Sabi ko, ‘Hope you’re okay.’ Sabi niya, ‘Thanks, Enrico.’ Parati siyang nasa prayers ko.”

"Jackstone 5", written by Eric Ramos, line produced by Dennis Evangelista, and directed by Joel Lamangan, is a heartwarming rip-roaring comedy about friendship and the complicated links that bind overseas Filipino workers to their families.

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