LOL!

One evening, Chiara and I were at the dining room. She was busy watching some kids' show through her BlackBerry Tablet while I was concentrating on a article for the web. Suddenly, she laughed quite loudly.  At first, I was annoyed, but thought to myself: "When was the last time I laughed out loud?". I realized I haven't been laughing as frequently as I used to be.

Filipinos are usually a happy people.  We smile, we laugh, we make jokes out of almost anything to the point that it can become offensive to individuals and other cultures. There was a joke during the Martial Law years that went like this. There were two people on board a plane. One of them said to the other, "Throw money from the plane so that people would be happy." "No," said the other, "Throw Marcos out of the plane and that will make the people happy!"

As a people we have a funny bone that could easily be tickled by the likes of Dolphy (RIP), TVJ (Tito, Vic, and Joey), Vice Ganda, etc. Making us laugh, I found out isn't just comedians' job. Even politicians and men of the cloth have devised ways to draw laughter from their audience. What's this on Facebook about a joke made by the feisty Senator Mirian Defensor-Santiago? "Kung mahal mo ang isang tao, ipaglaban mo. Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, paglabanin mo."

There is an incident that happened when I was a teenager that still makes me laugh out loud every time I remember it:

Mommy Rosie paid her older sister Tia Lils a visit.  When she was about to leave, Tia Lils asked us 4 boys -- my brother Gio, my cousins Erwin and Eldin (Tia Lils' sons), and I - to get Mommy a tricycle as she needs to go to another place.  No one seemed interested to go out and walk about 40-45 yards away to get a tricycle. Besides, it was quite a sunny, hot afternoon.  Later, I realized nothing's going to happen if all of us would ignore my aunt's request. So I walked to the tricycle station and got a vehicle for my aunt.  As I was approaching the house, I saw Tia Lils outside. When I got down from the tricycle, she told me that Mommy has left - riding a tricycle that someone else brought (I think it was Gio or Erwin who beat us to it!). She wasn't finished talking when we saw another tricycle making its way to the house with Eldin on it!  Instead of being crossed, my aunt and us just laughed at our folly!

It has been said that "Laughter is the best medicine".  If it is, then we should have more of it, otherwise life would be an unbearable burden. 

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A few days ago, I received a letter from Sr. Mary Francis O'Connor, a nun from the Convent of Poor Clares in Arundel. She used to be Mother Mary Francis when she was the Abbess of the Poor Clare Monastery in Bulwell. I printed her a copy of my article last week. She wrote:

"It was good to hear of all you are doing on your...is it 'web site', it must be helping many people. May God bless and help you in your work for Him. There is so much harmful rubbish published today."

Thanks, Sister!

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.

Mang Dolphy

Dolphy has been in Philippine showbiz since our grandparents’ time I suppose. Known as ‘Comedy King’, he has brought untold laughter to many households through TV sitcoms like ‘John en Marsha’, ‘Home along the Riles’, ‘Quizon Avenue’, and ‘John en Shirley’. Apart from these, he has starred in many movies which my siblings and I watched with glee – thanks to my late aunt Mommy Rosie who, during her days off, would bring us along to the cinema.

Such was my liking for Dolphy’s antics have developed that even now I couldn’t help laugh until my stomach aches whenever I view him on TFC. Although there are new and younger comedians out there, he has a different approach to tickle our funny bones. I suddenly remembered my friend Mike Flores who once tagged me along to watch “Wanted: Perfect Father” in 1994 which starred Dolphy, Dawn Zulueta, Edu Manzano, the late Babalu, etc.

Some were wondering why I like Dolphy when he has been known to have sired children from several women. I like Dolphy’s acting. His personal life is none of my business. I would really love to see him and Zsa Zsa Padilla tie the knot asap!

Dolphy has etched his name in Philippine cinema as well as in the hearts of many, many Filipinos. Perhaps what we could learn from him is his guts to reach for his star coupled with discipline and professionalism. There’s no easy way if we want to reap a good and lasting harvest. And as we strive hard to reach for that star, let’s not forget to have a laugh and share that with others.

Happy 81st Birthday, Mang Dolphy, King of Philippine Comedy, Pride of Gagalangin!

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Speaking of birthday, many happy returns and best wishes to my uncle Larry Albano who, like Dolphy, is also celebrating his birthday on the 25th July.