The Talented Mr. Rodolfo Vera Quizon (“Dolphy”) makes his final curtain call

snippet of a video of the TV show “Dolphy @ 80” of ABS-CBN, uploaded by Youtube user slizzyluna used here for review and non-commercial purposes.

In 2001, Dolphy at 73 years old, with his sons Eric Quizon and Jeffrey Quizon  won the Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation in Brussels, Belgium for playing  one and the same character, Walterina Markova, a transvestite, at three different stages of his life, based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino comfort gay from World War II,   in the movie “Markova: Comfort Gay”. 

Here’s a backgrounder of one of Dolphy’s most important films: “Walterina Markova: The ‘Comfort Gay’:

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 at 

Walterina Markova – Bulatlat – The Philippines’s alternative weekly …  by Aubrey SC Makilan. “The Japanese occupation 60 years ago was a difficult time for the Philippines. For over three years and until the day Japan surrendered to the USAFFE (or U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East), the Filipinos suffered grievously under the Japanese Imperial Army.

xxx “Growing up in the 1930s in Manila, Markova’s young life was already shaped by brutality. As a child, he told this writer, he was constantly bullied and abused by his older brother, Robert. His first taste of freedom was when Robert died. Markova later joined a barkada (group) of six cross-dressers who made a living as stage performers. He and his gay friends were into cross-dressing without anybody noticing their true gender.

xxx “After a while, Markova said the Japanese soldiers became brutal. “They were like kings in the land they do not own,” he said. The soldiers started confiscating rice, vegetables, and other supplies to store in their barracks. Forced labor was also imposed by then, he recalled.

“Violence.     Violence was an ordinary scene at Japanese sentry points. Markova narrated how they were ordered to get off the vehicle to salute them. Failing to execute the right salute – bowing the head to hip-level with the hands atop the thighs – they would be beaten up. “ ‘Pag hindi maganda ang saludo mo sasampalin ka…bibigyan ka ng mag-asawang sampal’ ” (If the salute was not executed well, the soldiers would slap you on both sides of your face), he said holding his cheeks.

“One day, Japanese soldiers were chasing gays after being tipped off by an informer that a gay, in revenge for his parents’ death, killed a Japanese. A gay friend was arrested and was tied at the gate of San Beda College where passing Japanese soldiers beat him up and burned his skin with cigarettes. He was set free only after another gay suspect, believed to be the Japanese killer, was captured.

“Markova said the suspect was then brought to Fort Santiago, where his arms were hanged with burning woods placed under his feet. His toe nails were all apparently pulled out during torture.

“Sex slaves.     Historical accounts show that some 80,000 to 200,000 women were forcibly enlisted to service Japanese troops at “comfort stations” throughout the Pacific during World War II.

“In those days, Filipino women were not safe even with the company of men. Actually, Markova said, women were raped anytime, anywhere, even in front of their male companions. “Nanghahatak na lang sila ng mga kababaihan saan man nila gustong gawin ang kanilang kahayupan” (They would force women to go with them and assault them sexually anywhere), said Markova.

“At the age of 18 – the age for women adolescence – Markova, together with his gay friends, were not spared from such “service.”

“Markova’s barkada was at first mistaken for women by Japanese soldiers when they were taken to the Japanese officials’ rooms at the Manila Hotel. Aside from beating them up using guns as punishment for their “deception,” all drag queen performers were ordered arrested. The gays were brought to a camp – known today as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex – where they became comfort drag queens, repeatedly raped far more brutally than comfort women.

“ “Buti sana kung isang beses lang ginawa sa amin ‘yon, eh hindi. Para bang galit na galit sila na…’mga bakla ito, hindi ito mga tunay na babae.’ Lahat ng klaseng kababuyan ginawa sa amin. ‘Di ka naman makapagsabi ng ‘huwag,’ e bayoneta ang kaharap mo” (They did it not only once but several times. They were even angered by the fact that we were gays and not women. They did all vicious things on us and we could not protect ourselves because their bayonets were aimed at us), he recalled.

“For years, the barkada would be brought to various Japanese camps to offer their “service” to the soldiers. During those days, Markova revealed that they only had a set of clothes. They would only wear rice sacks, he said, while washing their clothes.

“Forced labor.      The barkada were also made to do forced labor. Every morning, they would shine the combat shoes and wash the uniforms of the soldiers, then clean their barracks. They were also made to mow the grass in front of the Manila City Hall.

“Despite all the “service” and other work they did, he said, they were often fed only with lugaw (rice porridge). It was already a feast for them if they were given sisid rice – rice from the sea which needed frying because of foul smell – with ginataang ubod ng saging (banana stalk cooked with coconut milk) and mongo beans.

“Under Japanese custody, Markova saw the soldiers raiding communities almost everyday. Persons arrested would have their hands tied and then killed. “D’yan sa may Remedios Church, ang daming pareng Amerikanong pinatay d’yan” (At the Remedios Church [in Baclaran], many American priests were killed), he added.

“But what horrified Markova was the killing of infants. “Pati ang mga sanggol!” Markova said shaking his head in terror, “ihahagis nila nang pataas bago sasaluhin ng bayoneta.” (Babies were tossed up in mid-air and their bodies pierced by bayonets as they came down.)

“Because of these horrible incidents, Markova treated each day as if it was his last. But even so, he had not forgotten his dream to be free again.

“ “Liberation”.      He had a chance to dash for freedom about a year before U.S. troops came back. He and some friends were aboard a military truck in a trip to another Japanese garrison. The truck had a mechanical trouble forcing the Japanese soldiers to get off to check. At that instance, Markova and his friends made their escape. The soldiers gave a chase toward a grassy field, now Edsa highway, but it was too late.

“One day during the “liberation,” Markova saw a captured Japanese soldier tied to the back of a jeep. In an act of revenge, he said, he hit the soldier with an umbrella. Then he took out a safety pin and repeatedly pricked the prisoner.

“ “You don’t know what the Japanese did to us…they tortured us,” he told the soldier’s American captors when they tried to intervene.

“ “Pero nahampas ko na ‘yung Hapon…kung saan ko hampasin, sa likod, sa braso, sa ulo, sa mukha, para makaganti ako sa galit ko sa ginawa sa amin.” (I slapped the Japanese then struck his arms, his head and face to avenge what they did to us.)

“Markova learned later that his two other gay friends were killed in a raid just before the end of the Japanese occupation, eventually leaving him alone to share this story.

“Years after the end of the war, he found himself retiring from cross-dressing and worked as a make-up artist for the film industry. In the film industry, he also found that macho actors having gay lovers and some were into a relationship.

“At night, he would stay at the Home for the Golden Gays in Pasay City – where other older gays who have been victims of society’s discrimination also took refuge.

“He also became part-time trainer for young Filipinas to work as exotic dancers in Japan.

“His story already publicized in print and broadcast, Markova never thought the same story would merit a film. Much more portray his life by no less than the film industry’s comedy king, Dolphy.

“Hidden chapter.     Shown in 2000, the film, “Markova: Comfort Gay,” brought to light a long-hidden chapter in gay history. It may have focused on the story of one man, but its scope is truly wide-ranging. It recounted the story of a nation’s struggle for self-determination and its own internal battles involving intolerance, conformity and expectation. The film documented the ultraconservatism of the 1930s, the horrors of the occupation, the travails of the Marcos years and the long struggle toward liberation.

“The 97-minute film was included in the 2002 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and 26th San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

“Markova was thankful that the movie about his life was watched by many people. Asked whether he intended to claim indemnification from the Japanese government for the acts of atrocities committed against him and other gays, Markova said there is no need.

“ “Sa aming anim, ako lang ang nabuhay…humingi man ako ng claim sa mga Hapon, paniniwalaan ba ako?” (Among the six of us gay people, I was the only survivor…Even if I filed for a claim, who would believe me?), he told this reporter five years ago.

“Last June 24, Markova, old and frail at 83, was hit by a racing cyclist. He never survived.

“A fellow gay who also lives at the Home for the Golden Gays, says of Markova: “Hanga kami sa kanya dahil kahit alam naman n’ya kung paano tignan ang mga bakla dito sa atin, may lakas pa rin syang ikwento ang karanasan n’ya”(We admire him for telling his story and for his conviction on how to treat gay people).

“ “Tayo namang tao ay hindi talaga magtatagal. Kaya ako lumabas ay para magbigay inspirasyon lalo na sa mga baklang hanggang ngayon ay inaalipusta pa rin,” Markova told this writer then. “Dahil dito, naniniwala ako na hindi lang ang sarili ko ang napalaya ko mula sa ganitong pagtingin.” (As humans, we won’t live long. Revealing my own story is my way of inspiring other gays who continue to be oppressed today. By my act, I may have probably given freedom to many other gay people.) Bulatlat”

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Blog admin: When he does drama, he wins awards. When he does comedy, he wins our hearts.

Here are titles of movies and TV shows that comprise his body of work, spanning more than half a century. 

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Filmography of Dolphy (Rodolfo Vera Quizon, 83)

(Source of the following material: the blog Dokumentaryo ni Juan Tagalog at 

dolphy quizon – Dokumentaryo ni Juan Tagalog )

Television

Dance-O-Rama, ABC “now TV5”.     Eskwelahang Munti, GMA.     Baltic and Co., GMA.    Tarantang-Tangtang, ABS-CBN.     Buhay Artista, ABS-CBN.    OK Lang, IBC.   Lucky Stars, RPN.   Sergeant Palpak, MBS now NBN.    Barok-an Subdivision, IBC.   Lovingly Yours, Helen, GMA.     Prinsipe Abante, GMA.       Cafeteria Aroma, GMA.     24 Karats Daw, O ‘Di Ba?, IBC.    John En Marsha, RPN (1971)[4] …. John Plaza 1899 RPN.    Barangay USA (PTV “now NBN”).     Gabi Ni Dolphy RPN.     Idol si Pidol ABC “now TV5”.      Purungtong RPN.      GMA Telesine Specials GMA.     Spotlight GMA.    Barangay U.S.:Unang Sigaw RPN.     Home Along Da Riles ABS-CBN.    MMK: Maalaala Mo Kaya ABS-CBN.    Home Along Da Airport ABS-CBN.    Quizon Avenue ABS-CBN.    John En Shirley ABS-CBN …. John May Bukas Pa ABS-CBN.    Pidol’s  Wonderland TV5.    Mara Clara, ABS-CBN.   

Movies

2000s

Father Jejemon – (Official Entry of the 2010 MMFF).     Rosario (Special Participation) (2010).    Nobody, Nobody But… Juan (Official Entry of the 2009 MMFF).     Dobol Trobol[10] with Vic Sotto (2008).    Home Along Da River (2003).     Markova: Comfort Gay (2000) …. Walter Dempster Jr./Walterina Markova.    Daddy O! Baby O! (2000)

1990s

Tataynic (1998).      Aringkingking (1997).     Da Best in da West 2 (1997).     Home Along da Riles The Movie 2 (1997) …. Kevin Kosme.      Father & Son (1995) – actor/film director.    Home Sic Home (1995)

Wanted: Perfect Father (1994) …. Roy.    Hataw tatay hataw (1994) …. Marlon.    Abrakadabra (1994)

When Pigs Fly (1993) …. Tarzan.     … aka Wenn Schweine fliegen (Germany).   Home Along da Riles The Movie (1993) …. Kevin Kosme.    Buddy en Sol (Sine ito) (1992).    Espadang patpat (1990) …. Pidol.    Og Must Be Crazy (1990) …. Og.   John and Marsha ’90 (1990) …. John

1980s

My Darling Domestic (The Greytest Iskeyp) (1989).    May pulis… may pulis… sa ilalim ng tulay (1989).     … aka May pulis may pulis sa ilalim ng tulay (Philippines: Tagalog title).    Balbakwa: The Invisible Man (1989) …. Balbakwa… aka Balbakwa (Philippines: Tagalog title: short title).     Enteng, the Dragon (1988) …. Enteng.    Bakit kinagat ni Adan ang mansanas ni Eba (1988) …. Ambo.    Action Is Not Missing (1987).    Anak ni Facifica Falayfay, Mga (1987) …. Facifica Falayfay.    Bata batuta (1987).    Black Magic (1987).    My Bugoy Goes to Congress (1987) …. Bugoy.    Home Sweet Home (1986).   Once Upon a Time (1986) …. Puga.    The Crazy Professor (1985) …. Prof. Einstein.    Goatbuster (1985).    John and Marsha sa probinsya (1985) …. John.    … aka John & Marsha ’85 (Philippines: English title).    Kalabog en Bosyo Strike Again (1985) …. Kalabog.    Nang maghalo ang balat sa tinalupan (1984) …. Rudolph.    Daddy’s Little Darlings (1984).    Da Best of John & Marsha (1984) …. John.    Da Best in da West (1984).    My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1983).    Always in My Heart (1983).    Daddy Knows Best (1983).    My Juan en only (1982) …. Juan.    Nang umibig ang gurang (1982).    Dancing Masters 2 (Hong Kong) (1982).    Good Morning, Professor (1982).    My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1982).    The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Pig (1980).    Dolphy’s Angels (1980) …. Dolphy Angeles.    Superhand: Shadow of the Dancing Master (1980).    John and Marsha 4 (1980) …. John

1970s

Max en Jess (1979) …. Max.    Dancing Master (1979) …. Johnny.    Darna, kuno? (1979) …. Darna Kuno.    Bugoy (1979) …. Bugoy.     Jack n’ Jill of the Third Kind (1978).    Mata ni Angelita, Mga (1978).    Tatay kong nanay, Ang (1978) …. Dioscoro Derecho/Coring.    John and Marsha 3 (1977) …. John.    Kapten Batuten en his super batuta (1977) …. Kapten Batuten.     Omeng Satanasia (1977).    Taho-ichi (1976).    John and Marsha 2 (1976) …. John.    Kisame Street (1976).   Happy Days Are Here Again (1975/I).   Kaming matatapang ang apog (1975).     John en Marsha sa America (1975).    Itik-Itik (1974).    My Funny Valentine (1974) …. Banjo.    Huli Huli Yan [1974].    Sarhento Fofongay, A… ewan (1974) …. Sarhento Fofongay.    Captain Barbell Boom! (1973) …. Tingting / Captain Barbell.   … aka Mars Ravelo’s Captain Barbell Boom! (Philippines: English title: complete title).    Fefita Fofongay (Viuda de Falayfay) (1973) …. Fefita Fofongay.    Fung Ku (1973).    John and Marsha (1973) …. John.    “John & Marsha” (1973) TV series …. John.    Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna, Ang (1972) …. Prinsipe Adolfo.    … aka Ibong Adarna (Philippines: Tagalog title: short title).     Kitang-kita ang ibidensya (1972).     Love Pinoy Style (1972).     Tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib (1971).     Up, Up and Away (1970).     … aka Tayo’y Mag — Up, Up and Away (Philippines: English title: long title)

1960s

Mekeni’s Gold (1969)[11].     Adolphong Hitler (1969).    Atorni Agaton: Abogado de kampanilya (1969) . Atorni Agaton.     Dolpe de Gulat.       Pacifica Falaypay (1969) .Pacifica Falaypay.    Sampung Labuyo (1969).    Kangkarot (1969).    Sakristan, Ang (1969).     Graduation, The (1969).    Pag-ibig masdan ang ginawa mo (1968).     Arista ang aking asawa (1968).     Banal, Ang Ganid, at Ang Pusakal, Ang (1968) …. Ang Banal.     Buhay Bombero (1968) …. Ompong.    Buy One Take One (1968).    Dakilang Tanga (1968).    Family Planning (1968).    Good Morning Titser (1968).     Kaming Taga-Bundok (1968).     Kaming Taga-Ilog (1968).    O Kaka, O Kaka! (1968).    Private Ompong and the Sexy Dozen (1968) …. Pvt. Ompong.    Tiririt ng Maya, Tiririt ng Ibon (1968).    Utos ni mayor (1968).    Shake-a-Boom! (1967).    Together Again (1967).     Hey Boy! Hey Girl! (1967).    Da Best In Da West (1967).     Sitsiritsit Alibangbang (1967).     Ayaw ni Mayor (1967).    Buhay Marino (1967).     Like father, like son: Kung ano ang puno siya ang bunga (1967).    Buhay Artista (1967).    Keni Brothers (1966).     Dalawang kumander sa WAC (1966).     Mga Bagong Salta sa Maynila (1966).    7 Faces of Dr Si Baso, The (1966).     Napoleon Doble and the Sexy Six (1966).    Pambihirang dalawa (Sa combat) (1966).    Mga Bagong Salta Sa Bahay Engkantada (1966).     Dressed to Kill (1966).    Dr La-Way: Pare, Kwarta, Na! (1966).    Alyas Don Juan (1966) …. Agent 1-2-3.    Doble solo (1966) …. Agent 1-2-3.    Dolpong Istambul (1966) …. Agent 1-2-3.      Dolpong Scarface (1966) …. Agent 1-2-3.     James Batman (1966) …. Batman / James.     Operation Butterball (1966).    Pepe en Pilar (1966) …. Pilar.    Sungit Conference (Ng Pitong Dakila) (1966).    Alias Popeye (1966).      Keng Leon, Keng Tigre Ecu Tatakut, Keka Pa (1965).    Scarface at Al Capone: Espiya sa Ginto (1965).    Operasyon ni Adan (1965).    Dolpinger Meets Pantarorong (1965).    Dolpinger: Agent sa lagim (1965).    Dolpinger (1965).    Dressed to Kill (1965).     Dr. Yes (1965) …. Agent 1-2-3.    Genghis Bond: Agent 1-2-3 (1965).     Kulog at kidlat (1965).    Utos ni Tale hinde mababale (1965).     Show Business (1964).     Sa Daigdig ng Fantasia (1964).    Captain Barbell (1964) …. Tenteng.    Adre, ayos na! (ang buto-buto) (1964).    Babaeng Kidlat (1964).    King and Queen for a Day (1963).    Isinusumpa ko! (1963).    Ikaw na ang mag-ako (1963).    Manugang ni Drakula, Mga (1963).    Tansan vs. Tarsan (1963) …. Tansan.    The Big Broadcast (1962).    Lab na lab kita (1962).    Si Lucio at si Miguel (1962).    Susanang daldal (1962).    Tansan the Mighty (1962) …. Tansan.    Hami-hanimun (1961).     Kandidatong pulpol (1961).    Lawiswis kawayan (1961).    Operatang sampay bakod (1961).    Beatnik (1960).     Dobol trobol (1960)

1950s

Kalabog en Bosyo (1959) …. Kalabog.    Ipinagbili ko ang aking anak (1959).    Isinumpa (1959).    Pakiusap (1959).    Wedding Bells (1959).    Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, Mga (1958) …. Pedro.    … aka Mga kwento ni Lola Basyang (Philippines: Tagalog title).    Pulot gata (1958).    Reyna ng Vicks, Mga (1958).     … aka The Queens of Vicks (Philippines: English title).    Silveria (1958).    Bituing marikit (1957).     Hahabul-habol (1957).    Hong Kong Holiday (1957).     Boksingera daw! (1956).     Chavacano (1956).    Gigolo (1956).    Kulang sa pito (1956).    Pampanguena (1956).   Teresa (1956).    Vacacionista (1956).    Artista (1955).    Balisong (1955).    Despatsadora (1955).    Hindi basta basta (1955).    Hootsy kootsy (1955).    Kurdapya (1955).    Mambo dyambo (1955).    Tatay na si Bondying (1955).    Dalagang Ilocana (1954).    Jack en Jill (1954) …. Gloria / Gorio.     Maalaala mo kaya (1954).    Menor de edad (1954).     Sabungera (1954).    Sa isang halik mo Pancho (1954).     Sa isang sulyap mo Tita (1953).     Ang Mga Paslit (1953).    Villa Barundia (1953).     Walang Kaluluwa (1953).    Kapag langit ang humatol (1952).    Dolphy and Panchito (1950).   

1940s

Dugo at Bayan (I Remember Bataan) [as Rodolfo Quizon] (1946).   

Awards:

Special Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award PASADO Awards

Golden Father Foundation Parangal ng Bayan Awardee

1994 Bert Amorcelo Memorial Foundation, Dangal ng Lipi Awardee

1995 PMPC Star Awards for TV, Lifetime Achievement Award

1998 Gawad Urian Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award

2000 Cinemanila International Film Festival, Lifetime Achievement Award

2002 Lou Salvador Sr. Memorial Award, Bituin ng FAMAS Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon Award

2005 FAMAS Huwarang Bituin

2009 Guillermo Mendoza Foundation Awards, Comedy Box-Office King (with Vic Sotto)

2009 Metro Manila Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award

2010 FAMAS Awards, Exemplary Achievement Award

2010 Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart

 

Awards for acting

FAMAS Awards

1978 Best Actor Winner, Omeng Satanasia

PMPC Star Awards for TV

1992–1995, Best Comedy Actor, Home Along Da Riles

1986–1988, 1990 Best Comedy Actor, John En Marsha

2008 Best Comedy Actor, John En Shirley

Metro Manila Film Festival

1974 Best Actor Winner (Manila Film Festival)

1990 Best Actor Winner, Espadang Patpat

2010 Best Supporting Actor Winner, Rosario

2010 Best Actor Winner, Father Jejemon