Philippines mourns as popular comedian is buried

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — People across the Philippines have been watching the funeral of the country's "King of Comedy" on nationwide TV.

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. was a popular actor fondly called Dolphy by generations of Filipinos. The 83-year-old died Tuesday of organ failure, kidney ailments and complications from pneumonia. He was buried Sunday.

Quizon starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career. Once a poor peanut vendor in movie houses, he shot to fame playing gay roles and slapstick characters. He became so famous that presidential candidates courted his support in elections. He had 18 children with six women.

President Benigno Aquino III declared Friday a national day of remembrance to honor the movie icon.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the capital.

Loading...
  • Singaporean filmmaker gets 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes

    Singaporean director Anthony Chen described as “surreal” the 15-minute standing ovation that followed the world premiere of his debut feature film "Ilo Ilo" at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. Though the ending of the premiere couldn’t have been more perfect, the 29-year-old Chen said the beginning was quite “nerve-wrecking” as it was marred by technical glitches.

  • Germany 'most popular country' in the world: poll

    Germany 'most popular country' in the world: poll

    Germany 'most popular country' in the world: poll

    Germany is the most popular country in the world despite well-publicised protests against its insistence on austerity measures within the European Union, an annual poll for the BBC World Service revealed on Thursday.

  • Water Wally and Singapore’s campaign obsession

    The schoolboy, the hawker auntie, the young lady and the taxi uncle – the spasms began as soon as Water Wally popped up in the background, lurking in the corner of every frame. First shocked, then jubilant, they found their … Continue reading →

Featured Blogs