Comedy King Dolphy laid to rest

(Updated 3:46 p.m.) - It was both a tearful farewell and a celebration of a laughter-filled life. Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon Sr., known as the Philippines’ “King of Comedy,” was laid to rest at past 2 p.m. Sunday at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. Dolphy died on Tuesday night at the Makati Medical Center, two weeks before what would have been his 84th birthday. Before the burial, friends and relatives attended the memorial mass for Dolphy at the chapel of the Heritage Park. Dolphy's casket was then wheeled toward his final resting place since the white horse that should have been used for the carriage to carry the casket passed away, according to reports. Mayor Alfredo Lim of Manila, Dolphy’s home city, was among those who wheeled the veteran comedian’s casket to the burial site. Although the funeral procession was earlier planned to be a private affair, some of Dolphy’s fans still managed to join the solemn march to the Comedy King’s final resting place.   Final applause for Dolphy   During the funeral rites led by Fr. Larry Faraon, Dolphy’s family, friends and fans were able to honor the actor-comedian for the last time.   Tearful family members were able to have a last look at the Comedy King's remains right before the coffin was placed inside the tomb. Dolphy’s partner, singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, was calm and composed when she approached the Comedy King’s casket. Padilla was the only person who wore black during the funeral, while other attendees were clad in white. Dolphy’s children, including Eric Quizon and Vandolph Quizon, were seen consoling other family members and close friends through hugs as they approached the casket. Mayor Lim, a retired police general, meanwhile gave Dolphy a final salute before the veteran comedian’s casket was closed.   As Dolphy's casket was being pushed into the tomb, family members and friends clapped their hands in honor of the Comedy King. His family and friends then placed white flowers one by one inside the tomb before it was sealed.   'I love you, lovey ko'   After the burial, Fr. Faraon enjoined all the attendees to smile and celebrate Dolphy’s life.   “Mang Dolphy, masaya kami na na kay Lord ka na,” the priest said.   A confetti shower and the flight of white doves also marked the end of the interment. The song "Seasons of Love" from the Broadway musical "Rent" was also played after Dolphy's burial. The song is about how one's life should be measured "in love."   To end the funeral rites, Padilla expressed her gratitude and love for Dolphy.   “Mahal na mahal ka ng sambayanan, Dolphy. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng katatawanan na ibinigay mo sa lahat ng Pilipino,” she said. "I love you, lovey ko. Until we meet again,” she added. –With report from Mac Macapendeg/KG, GMA News