Long Live Culture!

"Comedy is dead. Long live comedy."  These were some of the words that Eric Quizon uttered when he announced the death of his father, Philippine Comedy King Dolphy, yesterday. Indeed, the kind of comedy that our country has enjoyed, enthused, and inspired with has come to and end with Dolphy's demise.  He has outlived his contemporaries such as his sparring partner Panchito, Babalu, Bayani Casimiro, Teroy De Guzman, etc.   Perhaps there is a reason why he has to stay longer.

I think it is to make us aware of how Pinoy culture has evolved since the time he began performing during the 'Panahon ng Hapon'.   Inquirer, a few weeks ago, published an editorial celebrating the contributions Dolphy made to the Filipino psyche and culture. It also expressed fears that we might lose that appreciation of our past should Dolphy die.  I agree.

At a time when the trend is to demolish what seems useless and dated repositories of our culture rather than rehabilitate them, it is very likely that time will come when Dolphy and his cohort would be just a footnote in our history!

There has been a move in the House of Representatives and in some other sectors to expedite the process in making him a National Artist.  I add my voice to this now late award although like most Pinoys, Dolphy is already a National Artist in my own book. 

Regardless if the awarding be approved or not, I think we can still do something to keep the memory of Dolphy, the memory of our culture alive. It can look a tall order for some of us and others may just bail out excusing "Hindi naman ako artista". Well, focus on your own local setting, the parish for example.  The Parish Pastoral Council, a consultative body assisting the Parish Priest, has at least 5 standing committees: Worship, Education, Service, Temporalities, and Youth.  I think a Cultural Heritage Committee should be added who will look after the cultural side of the parish community.  It's not just retelling how our lolos and lolas used to attend this and that service, but it's being aware of what the past was and making sure that what was (soundly) valued then will be enriched as time goes by. 

Parish priests come and go with or without any knowledge of what and why the community observes such and such practices of Christian fervour including looking after and maintaining tangible treasures such as statues, buildings, etc.This would also be a good 'co-worker' with the rest of the standing committees such as Worship and Education since culture has its influences in the liturgy and formation of people. Refurbishing the church and other properties can also be guided by this committee in terms of what can and cannot be demolished due to cultural significance.  The Youth Committee would also find this as a reference especially when their elders turnover to them the reins of looking after the parish.

Adding another committee, in my opinion, won't break the bank.  This committee can also be set up in other groups such as the barangay or city/municipal council.

May God bless Dolphy's happy soul.  May He also bring us back to our senses in appreciating our forebears (Dolphy included!) and the heritage they have passed on to us. May Dolphy inspire us to use our talents and skills for the good of our communities.