Thank you for the laughter, Dolphy

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you.” 

That’s exactly how Dolphy, the undisputed king of comedy, lived his life.

Like the millions of our kababayans, I also glued myself to the TV set when Dolphy’s long-running TV shows: John en Marsha Buhay Artista, and Home Along the Riles were on air. I had experienced and watched him, through his TV shows and movies, touch and make a lot of us laugh, and kindle hopes in their hearts. Dolphy’s life was a living testimony that one can rise above whatever situation he was in. That through sheer hard work, perseverance, and indomitable faith in the Almighty  at the end of the tunnel of sufferings  better life and success await. That tomorrows can be much better! He helped banish away whatever sadness, depression, difficulties, and sufferings the people who watched him had at that moment … albeit even temporarily. Dolphy’s laughter gave them a much-needed respite to renew and refresh, though briefly, for the next hurdles in life.

Very few people know that the birth of Laughter Yoga in our country in late 2007 was inspired by Dolphy.   His TV shows and movies, which I regularly watched, helped develop in me a strong sense of humor. Funny, it was much later that I found out I could laugh anytime, no matter the circumstances in my life.         

It was not surprising at all that the country stood still upon learning of Dolphy’s demise. People from all walks of life, no matter their age, religion, and beliefs felt a great loss.   We were all witnesses to the outpouring of love, sympathies, and prayers for a showbiz legend. Even at the end of his life, he glued us to our TV sets as we watched and bade him: Maraming salamat, paalam.

In one of Dolphy’s TV interviews, he was asked what would his wish be, if allowed to make just one wish. He wished for something we all desperately needed, given the obtaining situation in our sea borders and in the Middle East. A wish not just for our beloved country but for the whole world as well. That clearly spoke of the kind of person he was   selfless and genuinely concerned for his fellow life travelers. Most people would have wished for material things, or just confined their wish to something for themselves and their families. Dolphy made a wish for the betterment of this world  peace!

It may be coincidental and providential! The International Laughter Yoga Movement’s mission is to promote world peace through laughter! When one laughs, all negative thoughts and emotions fly away. Laughter releases feel-good hormones that make a person happy, positive, and healthy. Logic dictates that when a person is in this state of mind, body, and spirit, he will not think of inflicting any harm to others. Try laughing and whatever depressing thoughts crowd your mind and ill feelings fill your heart would simply disappear. 

Making Filipinos laugh and giving them joy, hope, and instilling positivism for 70 long years, like no other in the movie industry, indeed makes Dolphy deserving of the accolade that has been bestowed upon him by his grateful legion of fans  The Comedy King! To that I add, the King of Comedy of All Times. His laughter shall continue to ring in our ears, his overwhelming kindness and generosity shall remain in our hearts. His legacy shall live on and on . . . He is a legend really worth emulating! His feet remained firm on the ground even at the peak of his stardom. No wonder he earned the admiration and gratitude of countless Filipinos with whom he quietly shared God’s bountiful blessings that flowed out to him. Indeed, what goes around comes around. Give love and you reap love, Give laughter and you make people laugh and happy.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, considered the wisest man who lived in America, the Sage of Concord, said: “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” Dolphy must have nothing in his mind but joy and laughter. What a wonderful, peaceful world this earth could be if we all learned to laugh!

The simple-very-natural-heart-rending-and-tearful tribute by Zsa Zsa made everyone cry. Every time it was replayed, I cried a bucket.   Zsa Zsa’s honest-to-goodness tribute was an added revelation of the kind of person Dolphy was. No wonder their love endured all pressures and defied all obstacles  the age gap, the social and religious norms, and “all that came with Dolphy … for he was worth it.” Their love lasted 23 long years! It was a love that triumphed against all odds to the very end … till death do them part.

Belated Happy Birthday, Dolphy! We know that up there, you are now unleashing loads of laughter. Down here, we will continue to scatter sunshine, spread joy, and share hearty laughter with our kababayans.   I just wished I was able to laugh with you, as you had been a blessing and an inspiration to us.

That the last night of Dolphy’s wake ended with Bibeth Orteza leading the Laughter Yoga was a fitting tribute to the joy, happiness, and laughter he shared with millions of our kababayans. Take a bow and enjoy your most-deserved rest, Dolphy   your legacy will be etched forever in our hearts and minds.

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Let’s laugh to a healthy, happy, positive us! E-mail me at mega_abundant_lv@yahoo.com. For more info, visit  wwwlaughteryogaphils.com. To laugh, visit lycphohohahaha.