It's All the Same on Different Street
With the recent passing of Dolphy, I found myself and the rest of the country grieving over a big loss. He was the country's comedy king and most households know him as 'John Puruntong' and 'Kevin Cosme'. Everybody knew he had a string of flings and sired a lot kids too. I never really knew the number until a few days ago, when everybody showed up for his funeral.
What really got to me the past days was how his family seemed to have meshed well together. Zsa zsa, his last love, thanked each one of his kids, with special mention to Eric, who really held it together for the rest of the clan. It was a little awe-inspiring how a family that was so unconventional in all ways, seemed to function as a unit during this time where comfort and love is most needed. They seemed to have gotten everything together - no bickering, bitterness or battle for whatever estate was left or who was loved most. Everybody seemed to have gotten their fair share of their dad's attention and was fully-supported by Dolphy, throughout their growing years.
Aside from this, the love that Dolphy and Zsa zsa had for each other was extraodinary. Sure, it started with a lot of controversy: Dolphy's reputation as a lady's man, their 38-year age gap, Zsa zsa leaving a decent man... I remember hearing about all these before and everyone shook their heads, muttering how Dolphy will eventually be leaving her later on. Well, he did leave, 23 years later, by departing this world and his life. They were never married, but they lasted longer than most marriages ever did. In her eulogy to the late comedy king, she held herself together, only breaking down when the last words were said. The love was too palpable, you could have held it in your own hands.
Here was the Comedy King who, until his death, had given another perspective on life. His family's unusual set-up can actually be used as subjects of 'Maalaala Mo Kaya' or any drama series but they didn't make it seem so. Everything was normal: they were all family, and love just held them together. Love. They used to say Death is the greatest equalizer, but now, I'm rethinking Love can also measure up to that. It knows no conventions anymore and removes all biases and judgement. Its strength moves mountains and breaks walls... bringing together people who'd society would think, are better apart. Such a beautiful thought that even if this family was brought together by death, they are bounded as one by love.
Despite all the faults accused and stones thrown at him, Dolphy's steadfast nature and light attitude is admirable. But the love he had for his family, his craft and Zsa zsa? It's unconventional but it's probably one of the purest forms you'll ever see in this day and age. Hats off to you, Dolphy. As what others have been saying 'Idol si Pidol' and yes, what a guy, indeed!
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