March 25 ------ Eric Quizon waxed sentimental as he directed the Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) 38th Star Awards for Television at the Dolphy Theater at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City, saying it was a bittersweet moment for him as it is set to be demolished soon.
On his Instagram post, Quizon said he bid farewell to the historic theater, saying being there was a full-circle moment for him being as an artist, as much as it was a memorable tribute to his father, the late King of Comedy, Dolphy. “At the helm of Star Awards for Television. I have come full circle with this organization, from being nominated, winning best new artist, best supporting actor, darling of the press, to hosting for a decade, and now directing. It is an honor to be trusted by PMPC to direct the awards night for them,” he said as he sahred several behind-the-scene photos of the PMPC awards show, as well as of him posing in different parts of the theater. “Bittersweet feeling because the venue [of the Star Awards for Television] is [at] Dolphy Theatre [in] ABS-CBN, where news came out two weeks ago that this iconic structure will be demolished,” he further said.
With these developments, Quizon could not help but lament how a fixture of the country’s history and culture could just be summarily demolished. “Progress is good but somehow it cancels our history, heritage and culture. Reality bites,” he said.
The late ace comedian, one of the network’s most valuable artists, died on July 10, 2012 due to multiple organ failure in relation to his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His remains were brought to a proscenium theater adjacent to ABS-CBN’s studios, which was renamed Dolphy Theater in his honor in 2008, several years before his death.
Originally known as ABS-CBN’s Studio 1, it was renamed on Dolphy’s 80th birthday in 2008. It was a venue where the media giant filmed multiple shows, like the “The Sharon Cuneta Show” from 1986 to 1997, and the “Star Circle Quest.”
More than a decade later, ABS-CBN would lose its broadcast franchise and would be forced to sell its properties and assets, including its main building where the theater is built. A portion of the erstwhile media giant’s property was sold to Ayala Land, Inc. and it is set to be demolished at an undisclosed date. Recently, the theater was also the filming location for several films such as “Love is Color Blind” starring Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, and the Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes-led “Rewind,” to name a few. It also became a venue for the media giant’s special events and major press conferences.
Source: inquirer.net
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