GMA Network paid tribute to the late Comedy King Dolphy through a necrological service last Saturday, July 14 at the Heritage Park, Taguig, one day before the he was finally laid to rest on Sunday.

Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman and CEO of GMA Network, Inc., said in his eulogy that despite not being a talent of the Network, GMA “embraces him as an authentic entertainment icon [who] belongs to all the people.”

The Network presented the Quizon Family with a posthumous plaque recognizing Dolphy’s “unrivaled wholesome entertainment [as a] consummate artist both in comedy and drama” and his “genuine concern for co-workers.”

“Ang pakikiramay at pagdadalamhati sampu ng pasasalamat na pinamamalas ngayon di lamang ng mga taong nakapila sa labas, ng mga taong nandito sa loob, kundi ng buong sambayanang Pilipino, ay isang natatanging pagpapahalagang higit pa sa anumang award na nararapat ibigay kay Dolphy,” said Atty. Gozon.

Actor-director Eric Quizon accepted the plaque in behalf of his family, and expressed their appreciation for the Kapuso Network. He also shared how his father almost became a Kapuso, remembering the time when GMA presented Dolphy with an offer to do a show. Although the plan never really materialized, Quizon said that his family will always be grateful to GMA for that “unforgettable gesture.”

Kapuso talents, who once had the opportunity to work with and get to know Dolphy, also shared their fondest memories with the comedy icon.

Veteran actress Nova Villa and actress-turned-politician Maybelline dela Cruz tearfully recalled their experiences while working with him on the set of their sitcom for 15 years. Chroreographer Geleen Eugenio, on the other hand, shared how Dolphy played a big role in her successful career.

Among those who rendered song numbers during the memorial service for the King of Comedy include Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Frencheska Farr and Mark Bautista.

Other Kapuso stars who attended were Richard Gutierrez, Geoff Eigenmann, TJ Trinidad, Bearwin Meily, Chariz Solomon, Maey, Betong, and German Moreno, who is one of Dophy’s friends in the industry, among others. Carla Abellana hosted the tribute, while the mass was officiated by Fr. Eric Santos.

Also present were Network officers such as 24 Oras news anchor and consultant for Radio Operations and President for RGMA Network, Inc. Mike C. Enriquez, OIC for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Entertainment Marivin T. Arayata, Asst. Vice President for Entertainment Redgie A. Magno. Asst. Vice President for Talk, Game and Reality Janine P. Nacar, Asst. Vice President for Corporate Communications Angel J. Cruz, Asst. Vice President for Talent Development and Management Simoun S. Ferrer, and Atty. Gozon’s wife Mrs. Teresita Gozon.

Photo: Dolphy’s tomb courtesy of GMANews.tv