'Markova' director: Dolphy is irreplaceable
MANILA, Philippines – Acclaimed director Gil Portes on Wednesday recalled the remarkable professionalism of the late King of Comedy Dolphy, saying the veteran actor is irreplaceable.
Portes, who directed “Markova: Comfort Gay”, the last film where Dolphy portrayed a gay role, said it was a great privilege for him to work with Dolphy.
“Directing Dolphy in Markova was a very rewarding experience. It is one of the highlights of my directing career. One of my dreams was realized when I was able to direct an icon like Dolphy,” Portes told ANC’s "Headstart."
“It was a delight working with Dolphy. Walang reklamo. He gave us all the support to make a brilliant film,” he added.
"Markova: Comfort Gay" tells the story of Walter Dempster Jr. a.k.a. Walterina Markova, who was forced to serve as a “comfort gay” during the Japanese occupation era in Manila.
Dolphy was joined by his sons Eric and Epi in the film, which was made under the Comedy King's own production house, RVQ Productions.
Dolphy died Tuesday night due to multiple organ failure. He was 83.
Best Actor and Best Actress awards
Portes said the trio act won the Best Performer award at the Brussels International Film Festival in 2001.
Unfortunately, the actors were not able to make it to the awarding ceremonies in Belgium after another son of Dolphy, Vandolph, figured in an accident. The director attended the ceremonies in the actors’ behalf.
Portes noted the three Quizons made a rare feat by winning the Best Actor and Best Actress awards at the same time.
“[The judges] announced the Best Actor and at the same time the Best Actress pagsasabayin pala, in-announce silang tatlo. The artistic director of the festival explained that the judges decided to give the awards to the trio because they were very good at the men and women as cross-dressers,” he said.
“Hindi ako makapanik sa stage. I did not know what to say. To my knowledge, it was the first time in the world of cinema that a set of actors won as Best Actor and Best Actress,” he added.
Irreplaceable
Portes said the death of Dolphy is the passing of an era, adding that the present generation might find it hard to replace the veteran actor.
“They (Dolphy and the late Fernando Poe Jr.) will never be replaced. Wala akong makikitang papalit na mai-equal ang gawa nila,” he said.
Nevertheless, Portes challenged today’s actors and actresses to try to emulate the kind of dedication and craftsmanship that Dolphy had.
“He’s very humble and he submits himself to the director. We were doing comedy, and he’s an expert to comedy, but he listens to me. What I tell him, he follows,” he said.
“Tayong natitira sa mundo, sa industriya, sana sikapin nating maging katulad nila. – na ang ginawa nila ay maging modelo at mainsipire tayong gumawa ng pelikulang makabuluhan.”