Last Sunday (Aug 7), 28-year old Rowell Quizon surprised everyone when he auditioned in the country’s number one talent-reality show “Pilipinas Got Talent” and showcased his singing talent before judges Kris Aquino, Ai Ai Delas Alas, and Freddie M. Garcia. The moment he entered the stage, Kris quickly quipped “I think I know you.” The young quizon then revealed that he is the son of Freddie Quizon and grandson of Dolphy. Despite being a showbiz royalty, Rowell underwent the whole audition process and waited in line just like everybody else. He didn’t tell Dolphy about his plan so as to surprise him. With his balladeer voice and natural charisma, Rowell got all judges’ votes and will proceed to the next round. Will he be the next grand winner?

This season, PGT went to almost 80 cities and municipalities in search for distinct, world-class Pinoy acts. Get to see all of these in “Pilipinas Got Talent,” with Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford as hosts, airing every Saturday, 9PM, and Sunday, 8:30 PM on ABS-CBN.

Dolphy’s Grandson Auditions in ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2011.

The TV special was hosted by Talentadong Pinoy host Ryan Agoncillo, and featured a spectacular gathering of the biggest stars in what can be dubbed as the most emotional birthday celebration ever done for the Comedy King.

With no less than the triumvirate of Tito, Vic and Joey opening the show, Talentadong Pidol was a nostalgic journey honouring Dolphy’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the movie and TV industry. Kapatid stars and the industry’s biggest names greeted Dolphy by way of touching messages and special performances that made the show replete with laughter, emotional delight, inspiration, and admiration for a one-of-a-kind man.

One of the highlights of the night was a rare moment wherein Dolphy teamed up with Willie Revillame in a touching song medley about friendship, love and their dedication to the entertainment industry.

Known as the ladies’ man who had real-life romance with his on-screen partners (such as Pilar Pilapil, Nida Blanca and Alma Moreno), Dolphy renewed his pledge of undying love for his queen, the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla. They performed an inspiring duet that communicated to everyone the extent of their love for each other.

Dolphy was also greeted by his dearest friends in the industry, like Boots Anson Roa, Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, German Moreno, Nova Villa, Niño Muhlach, Vice Ganda, Pokwang, Lucy Torres, Richard Gomez, Eric Quizon, Claudine Barretto, Ruffa Gutierrez and Alice Dixson.

Unknown to many, Dolphy started out doing drama as a radio talent. Known as Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life, he was first given the stage name “Golay” as he made his first big break in the industry. His talent in dancing and singing was later discovered when he paired up with the late Bayani Casimiro Sr.

Dolphy then evolved into the dynamic and versatile performer who endeared himself to every Filipino. He went on to essay gay characters in movies such as Jack en Jill, Pacifica Palayfay, Fefita Fofonggay, among others. He also made a mark with his unique fashion sense, particularly the “puruntong shorts” that became his trademark for some time.

Dolphy Celebrates 83rd Birthday via TV5′s ‘Talentadong Pidol’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 27, 2011.

The story brings together Jhiz Deocariza, Isabel Granada, Mon Confiado, Rosemarie Sarita, Dolphy Jr., Lou Veloso, and Simon Ibarra as special guests. Funnyman Joaqui Tupas also appears in the sitcom portion with Mang Pidol (Dolphy) and the people in his neighborhood.

“Si Niño at ang Santo” tells the story of the young boy Niño who gets to talk to the town patron saint, Santo Dionisio. As their town is experiencing a drought, the saint gives Niño miraculous access to water, which the boy immediately tells the townspeople. But the people of Barrio Baleleng are a faithless lot, and their lack of faith deprives them of any access to the water Niño told them about. Because of this, the townspeople madly drive Niño away and even accuse the poor boy of being sent by the devil.

What kind of miracle will make the people of Barrio Baleleng believe in the power and love of God? How will Niño help save the people of his town? Find out in the special Lenten episode of Pidol’s Wonderland this Sunday, April 17, 5:30-6:30pm after Paparazzi on TV5.

Pidol’s Wonderland Presents Touching Lenten Special ‘Si Niño at ang Santo’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 15, 2011.

Dolphy is back with the new MMFF comedy movie “Father Jejemon”, an official entry of his own film outfit RVQ Productions.

Also starring in the movie are veteran actress Cherrie Gil and young kapamilya actress Maja Salvador with Efren Reyes, Tony Mabesa, Nash Aguas and Roy Alvarez.

Introducing in the film are Ejay Falcon, Rhap Salazar, Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill.

Directed by Frank Gray, Jr., Father Jejemon opens in theaters on Christmas Day.

Dolphy is ‘Father Jejemon’ originally appeared on Starmometer on November 28, 2010.

On Easter Sunday at 6:30 p.m., TV5 delivers the weekly fantasy, comedy series Pidol’s Wonderland, a collection of wonderful stories for the whole family as told by Dolphy as the funny and endearing Mang Pidol.

Pidol’s Wonderland dramatizes, adapts, and retells well-loved folk tales and legends, as well as original tall tales and fantasy stories that are perfect for the kids as well as for the whole family.

A curio shop owner in downtown Manila, Mang Pidol brings in the comedy together with his sons Bart (Vandolph Quizon) and Panyong (Epi Quizon), his daughter-in-law Jenny, and Baby VJ, his granddaughter.

The shop is where Mang Pidol’s animated storytelling sessions are usually attended by a motley group of common folks in the neigborhood — the barbers Samson (Brod Pete) and Adonis (Long Mejia), the bakery owner Brigit (Joy Viado) and her assistant, Lyla (Arianna Barouk).

On its pilot episode, Mang Pidol tells the story of Totoy (Jay Aquitania), a shy boy whose monkey-like features keep him distant from people, except from Pilar (Meg Imperial), Totoy’s only friend. Totoy’s father tells him that the only way for him to turn into a human is to find a girl whose kiss can change his monkey-like appearance. Will Totoy find the right girl, or will he forever be trapped in his monkey-like physique?

Dolphy’s last sitcom was “John En Shirley” which was aired in 2006 on ABS-CBN. His co-star in the said sitcom, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, also transferred to TV5.

‘Pidol’s Wonderland’ is Dolphy’s 1st Project with TV5 originally appeared on Starmometer on April 3, 2010.

Starmometer posted an article last January 26 regarding the alleged transfer of Dolphy to the Ka-Shake network. The rumor was confirmed last February 1 via Nitz Miralles‘ column in Pilipino Star Ngayon followed by a report by Ricky Lo.

The King of Comedy was an exclusive star of ABS-CBN for almost 2 decades. He said he made the decision after meeting with TV5 executives last week. The Ka-Shake station promised to give him a sitcom with some of his children.

In an interview by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dolphy explains his decision to transfer:

“I think ABS-CBN felt bad about it. But I just wanted to work. I’ve been waiting for a job for the past 3 years,” he said. “I love ABS-CBN, but I need to move on. I’ll be working with TV5 in the meantime, but anytime ABS-CBN needs me, I’ll just be here.”

ABS-CBN, on the other hand, via their head of Corporate Communications Bong Osorio issued a short statement regarding the transfer:

The 81-year-old comedian assured ABS-CBN that he will remain open if ever the kapamilya network needs him. His contract with TV5 is non-exclusive, therefore, he can come back to ABS-CBN in the future.

Aside from Dolphy, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano also signed a non-exclusive contract with TV5. The Queen of Philippine Movies Susan Roces and the Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, on the other hand, transferred to GMA-7.

ABS-CBN’s Statement Regarding Dolphy’s Transfer to TV5 originally appeared on Starmometer on February 4, 2010.

Last January 26, Starmometer reported that the Comedy King–Dolphy–is 80% assured of leaving the kapamilya network to transfer to TV5. This morning, Nitz Miralles of Pilipino Star Ngayon divulged in her column that Dolphy’s plan to be a “Ka-shake” is now confirmed!

And it’s not only Dolphy who is transferring to Manny Pangilinan‘s tv station. He is taking the Diamond Star with him–her daughter in “John en Marsha”–Maricel Soriano.

Maricel has no project with ABS-CBN since Florinda ended last October 2, 2009. She is supposed to star in “Nagai-Aida” (A Long Time Ago) together with Cesar Montano and Ai Ai delas Alas but kapamilya executives officialy shelved the project.

On the other hand, Dolphy‘s last project on ABS-CBN was “Utoy” which production began in early 2008. It is a fantasy drama series which also stars Makisig Morales. Although the King of Comedy already finished shooting “Utoy”, there’s no definite date yet as to when it will be released.

In the “Ka-Shake” network, Maricel will have a drama anthology of her own while Dolphy will star in a sitcom.

Dolphy and Maricel Soriano are No Longer Kapamilya originally appeared on Starmometer on February 1, 2010.

According to a reliable source, TV5 is 80% assured to get the services of the Comedy King. But Dolphy will face an ethical dilemma if ever he decides to be a “kapangilinan.” Can he leave ABS-CBN, the network who named their theater after him?

There are also rumors that Eat Bulaga‘s Michael V. and Allan K. are also being offered by TV5 a “transfer” package that is very hard to refuse. The said “package” was similar to what has been offered to Paolo Bediones who is now in the country’s no. 3 network.

Comedy King Dolphy to Transfer to TV5? originally appeared on Starmometer on January 26, 2010.

A true blue Kapamilya style celebration, don’t miss the special ‘May Bukas Pa’ production number plus the launching of ABS-CBN’s face of 60 years of soap opera – Judy Ann Santos for her newest series ‘Habang May Buhay’ – followed by sneak peeks of the newest teleseryes to look forward to in 2010. Various stars carol the night away with Pinoy Christmas songs while the Kanto Boys bring the house down with their never ending quirkiness. Expect more surprise treats plus an inspirational message by the one and only King of Comedy, Dolphy.

ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio as well as other network executives grace the night.

The Christmas special is part of the Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko campaign which started last November with a lighting ceremony at ABS-CBN building, followed by the launch of the Christmas station ID and the Bayanijuan sa Calauan and the ongoing Win sa Bituin promo.

It’s going to be a night of pure fun and entertainment! Catch the ABS-CBN Christmas Special Part 2 on December 20, 10pm on Sunday’s Best.

Kapamilya Stars Continue to Sparkle in the ABS-CBN Christmas Special Part 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on December 18, 2009.

This Metro Manila Film Fest entry was originally titled “Juan” but when the Wondergirls song “Nobody” became a big hit, Dolphy himself suggested that they add “Nobody, Nobody” to the title.

SYNOPSIS: Nobody, Nobody But…Juan tells the story of a U.S.-based senior citizen named Juan (Dolphy) who lives in a senior home run by his son (Eric Quizon) and daughter-in-law (played by G Toengi). Juan’s favorite pastime is watching Wowowee on The Filipino Channel. However, he does not watch the show just for entertainment’s sake. Aside from wanting to connect with the Philippines that he dearly misses, Juan is lonesome for his first love Aida whom he lost touch with during the Japanese occupation of Manila. Wowowee is Juan’s way of coping with homesickness and reliving the past.

When watching Wowowee is banned in the senior home, Juan makes drastic measures to watch his favorite TV program. In his quest, he crosses paths with his old friend Tu (Eddie Garcia) who used to be his partner in the vaudeville duo Juan Tu. Pokwang is cast as the partner in crime of Tu.

Juan is then reunited with his long-lost love Aida (portrayed by Gloria Romero). Will they have a happy ending after all these years?

The young Aida is portrayed by Heart Evangelista, the young Juan is portrayed by Epy Quizon and the young Tu is portrayed by Vandolph Quizon.

Eugene Domingo plays a nurse who takes care of Juan in the senior home. Willie Revillame is also part of the movie as himself.

VIDEO LINK: Nobody Nobody but Juan – Movie Trailer

2009 MMFF: ‘Nobody Nobody but Juan’ – Movie Trailer originally appeared on Starmometer on November 27, 2009.

In alphabetical order, here are the 8 Official entries for the 35th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival:

ANG DARLING KONG ASWANG
Produced: by OctoArts and M-Zet Productions
Starring: Vic Sotto
Directed by: Tony Y. Reyes

ANG PANDAY
Produced by: GMA Films and Imus Productions
Starring: Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann and Phillip Salvador.
Directed by: Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez

IKAW NA NGA
Produced by: Star Cinema
Starring: Kim Chiu, Kris Aquino and Eugene Domingo
Directed by: Wenn V. Deramas

JUAN
Produced by: RVQ Productions
Starring: Dolphy and Willie Revillame
Directed by: Eric Quizon

MANO PO 6: MY MOTHER
Produced by: Regal Films
Starring: Sharon Cuneta
Directed by: Joel Lamangan

NIEVES THE ENGKANTO SLAYER
Produced by: Regal Films and APT Production
Starring: Marian Rivera
Directed by: Mike Tuviera

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL XI
Produced by: Regal Films
Starring: Ruffa Gutierrez

WAPAKMAN
Produced by: Solar Films
Starring: Manny Pacquiao, Nicole Scherzinger and Batista
Directed by: Topel Lee

3 more films submitted for screening by the MMFF committee are:

2999 A LOVE STORY
Produced by: Unitel
Starring: Marvin Agustin, Nikki Gil and Tessie Tomas.
Directed: by Raul Jorolan

DANIEL RAPIDO
Produced by FCJ Film Production

I LOVE YOU…GOODBYE
Produced by Star Cinema
Starring: Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Derek Ramsay.
Directed by: Laurice Guillen

These three films are not official entries but they are still part of the MMFF screening that will open on January 1, 2010.

35th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) – 2009 Entries a Showdown of Stars originally appeared on Starmometer on July 4, 2009.

The Golden Elephant Awards is an international award-giving body conducted by the Golden Excellence Award which is based in Thailand. It aims to recognize excellence in the field of performing arts across the region. In their 2008 edition, 5 Filipinos will be recognized in 5 categories and they are:

Claire dela Fuente
Hall of Fame – Performing Arts Female Category

Dolphy
Hall of Fame – Performing Arts Male Category

Gary Valenciano
Best Male Concert

Mark Bautista
Most Promising Male Performer

Sheryn Regis
Most Promising Female Performer

Winners in other categories will come from various countries across Asia.

5 Pinoys Win Golden Elephant Awards in Bangkok originally appeared on Starmometer on October 15, 2008.