It’s been twelve years since the Philippines’ one and only Comedy King, Dolphy, left us, but it seems his brilliance has never faded. In an exclusive interview with Eric Quizon by Julius Babao, the pages of Quizon family history are reopened—from Pidol’s final moments in the hospital to how his 18 children manage the assets left behind by their late father.
Pidol’s Bake Shop: A Business with a Heart Quizon
Pidol’s Bake Shop doesn’t just sell bread; it’s a symbol of Dolphy’s love for food and dough [08:45]. According to Eric, his father really loved giving away bread and cakes, especially ensaymada, which was his favorite when he was alive. This business, which now has 11 branches, is part of the family’s mission to keep Dolphy’s legacy alive for generations to come [08:18].
Eric shared that their goal is not just to make money but to create “generational wealth” [11:33]. They don’t want to just sell the properties because if they do, future grandchildren will lose their connection to their grandfather. “I want all my future grandchildren and my grandchildren’s children to have a part in my daddy’s legacy,” said the actor and director [14:41].
The Complex Issue of Inheritance
Despite the brilliance of the Dolphy name, Eric did not hide the fact that they went through severe trials, especially in financial matters when his father was still sick [15:14]. During Dolphy’s four-year battle with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the family spent millions on his treatment [18:05].
Eric shared a controversial part of their lives—the near-misunderstanding he had with his father while he was in the ICU [20:54]. Wanting to protect his father’s assets from the high inheritance tax (which was 40% at the time), Eric tried to organize the assets under a corporation. But Dolphy grudgingly accepted it, thinking that his son was trying to kill him while he was still alive. It took a year for them to talk before they reconciled and the Comedy King understood his son’s true intentions [21:02].
Choosing Eric as Manager
Of the 18 siblings, many wonder why Eric, who is the tenth in line, was chosen to be the family’s “executor” [40:31]. According to Eric, his father must have noticed his “workaholic” nature and his independence since he was a student at Ateneo [39:38]. Despite the 18 siblings having different perspectives, Dolphy’s last command to “not fight” serves as the glue that holds them all together [41:45].
With every decision Eric has to make, he always asks himself: “If Daddy were here, what would he do?” This serves as his guiding light to maintain order among so many heirs [42:20].
Dolphyville: A Dream Come True
One of the biggest investments Dolphy left behind was land, including a 20-hectare plot of land in Calatagan now known as Dolphyville [13:11]. From a “non-performing asset,” Eric turned it into a subdivision to benefit all his siblings [11:23]. They also plan to build a hotel and a museum there to house all the memorabilia of the one and only Comedy King [12:27].
Message From a Dream
Even after twelve years, Dolphy still seems to be making an impact. Eric shared a recent dream in which he heard his father’s voice saying, “Don’t forget what’s for the boys” [32:15]. For Eric, it’s a reminder that his father always looked out for the little people—the ordinary workers Dolphy always helped when he was alive [34:43].
The Quizon family story is not just about wealth or fame. It is a reminder that despite the many siblings and the hardships of life, unity and respect for a parent’s last will are the true treasures that no one can steal. Pidol’s Bake Shop at Dolphyville are not just businesses; they are living monuments to a person who brought joy to the entire Philippines.
