My family sings 4pm very Sunday in a Mass service at the Makati Medical Center. We have been singing there since maybe November or December last year. The commentator already dubbed us as the Makati Medical Chorale. :)
In the early part of 2012, we were very privileged because we sang in a mass that was attended by the comedy king. He was in a wheelchair, still elegant in an all-white suit and accompanied by an orderly and non-showbiz relatives. For a superstar he looks humble and subdued, shy even, taking cover in a clinical mask careful not to attract attention to himself. He looks frail and the pain is evident nonetheless, he still has an aristocratic air exuding not arrogance and fame but glamour and shine. Maybe by being in the cinema and television industry for the past six or seven decades the prestige is already glued into his aura.
He heard us sing. In a way, we have contributed in his spiritual journey, in his relationship with God. I can also recall that during that mass my sister Monic and I sang a solo in our communion song – Panginoon Turuan mo kaming maging Bukaspalad. I really hope that in that brief moment we were able to touch his heart just as how he touched ours.
My sisters were pestering me if we could have a photo with him, I am really tempted to document the moment but I cannot bring myself to approach and disturb his peace even when we are all lined waiting for the elevator. Maybe its respect and of course understanding that even stars deserve a rest.
I can truly say that he died a wealthy man bringing with him millions and millions of heartfelt laughter from Filipinos whom he had entertained for so long. You’re a legend, an icon, a name that will go down to history as someone who have enriched the TV and cinema industry and a man who made us all happy.
Tito Dolphy, Thank you po. J
