ON November 19, World COPD Day, actor/director Eric Quizon paid fine tribute to his late father, the legendary Dolphy. The King of Comedy was the most famous sufferer of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), “an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory [nonreversible] asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.”
The World Health Organization says the most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, or a “need for air,” excessive sputum production and chronic cough. However, COPD is not just simply a “smoker’s cough,” but an underdiagnosed, life-threatening lung disease that may progressively lead to death. The main risk factors for COPD are tobacco smoking; indoor air pollution (such as biomass fuel used for cooking and heating); outdoor air pollution; and occupational dusts and chemicals (vapors, irritants and fumes).
“My father was diagnosed in late 2008. Earlier on, he was already told by his doctor he was sick of something. It wasn’t identified yet as COPD, but definitely the doctor said it was emphysema. Even at an early stage, at 46, he was diagnosed with emphysema already. However, he stopped smoking. So somehow his condition became better; his lungs became better,” Eric related. “When it was told to us, it was his 80th birthday, when we were launching his book [Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa], he was already carrying an oxygen concentrator wherever he goes. It’s like an oxygen tank, but it’s not massive—it’s just very small and it’s battery-operated. I knew there was something wrong because I’ve read that people who use these things are those with shortness of breath, those with COPD.”
After a grueling US trip, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dolphy’s domestic partner, spoke to Eric about telling the expanded Quizon family about the patriarch’s condition. “So we announced it. That was 2009. The girls had a very emotional reaction. Well, all of us were very emotional. It’s just that some were stronger than others in terms of getting news like that. Right after that, our Christmas party was so emotional. The whole clan was there because everyone knew about Dad’s condition already. We thought it was his last Christmas, but it wasn’t,” Eric intimated.
The fighter that he was, Dolphy lived until 2012. He died due to multiple-organ failure secondary to complications brought about by pneumonia, acute renal failure and COPD. He was 83. Eric, 47, used to smoke from age 24 to 35. “But I stopped. I stopped even before my Dad’s diagnosis. A lot of my [17] siblings stopped, too,” he said. “I quit because I had bronchitis. I had a hard time breathing. So I said, that’s it, I’ll stop. I stopped cold turkey. But I’d rather smoke than have secondary smoke.”
I asked: Having seen your Dad suffer from COPD, how do you take better care of yourself? “I’ve always been a health buff; I just love to eat,” he laughed. “I try to work out. I do cardiovascular exercises. So, I’m pretty good.”
Is this healthy disposition a carryover from your modeling past? “Could be, yeah. I’m not really trim. I’m kind of hefty now. It’s a choice. If you want to live a better life, then you live healthy,” he said. Eric is still in touch with his modeling colleagues, having recently attended a despedida party for former model Maribel Lastimosa.
“We started the PMAP [Professional Models Association of the Philippines]. I’m one of the founding members [with Tina Maristela, Ping Valencia, Tetta Ortiz, Suyen Chi, Leo Rabago, Desiree Verdadero]. I did modeling before for Collectiones New York because I used to shop there, but I was really discovered via Cinderella. I wasn’t a Rustan’s VIP but I modeled for Rustan’s, The Landmark, Fairmart and Shoemart,” Eric recalled. “I started with Gerry Katigbak. I’m close to Marden Iglesias, Sammy Tiongson, Randy Ortiz. I modeled exclusively for Christian Espiritu for a while. Then I modeled for Auggie Cordero. For several years I was his signature model, and I became exclusive to him.”
Eric says his transition from modeling to show business was quite easy. “Most models would become actors. At age 15, I was already asked to join the movies, but my Dad didn’t want me to. It was easier for me because I was doing commercials, editorials and ramp. Considering that I’m not that tall, somehow I penetrated the modeling scene,” he shared. “Eventually, I became a part of my Dad’s movie, Bata-Batuta [1987]. I took the place of Richard Gomez. Nag-away si Mother Lily and Dad ko, so they were looking for a replacement. At that time, I was a supermodel.” He let out a laugh.
In no time, Eric became an acclaimed actor with unforgettable turns in 1989’s Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga (winning the Best Supporting Actor plum from the Star Awards and Urian); Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit (1991); Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (1995); Markova: Comfort Gay (2000); and Crying Ladies (2003).
He is busy now directing shows for ABS-CBN. “For four years I was with TV5. With ABS-CBN, I’ve directed Maalala Mo Kaya and Ipaglaban Mo and this new soap called Pasion de Amor,” he says. “Ang gusto ko talagang i-direct si Ate Vi [Vilma Santos]. We’ve done movies together, but I haven’t directed her. And there’s also Nora Aunor.”
Even when he was getting weaker, Eric’s Dad still continued to work. He did Pidol’s Wonderland for TV5, and finished Father Jejemon and Rosario for the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival, winning Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for both films. What would he advise to those who are taking care of loved ones with COPD?
“Just be there for the person. Brace yourself because it’s a tough position to be in, because whatever your loved one is going through, you have to go through it with them,” Eric said. “The ordeal is not just with the person with the disease, but the people around the person with COPD. They’re all affected. Not affected by the disease, but affected by emotions.”
1 comment
A caption for the photograph would be nice. Thanks!