Kapamilya singer Zsa Zsa Padilla opened up about her thoughts on the reported demolition of the Dolphy Theater, located within the ABS-CBN compound.
During the press launch of her newest album Pag Tinadhana, held at the very theater that bears Dolphy's name, Zsa Zsa shared her bittersweet emotions.
“It's bittersweet, of course, what's happening to this place because this was named after Dolphy as a tribute to him after he passed on,” Zsa Zsa said.
She went on: “But yung circumstances talaga hindi natin ma-a-avoid. Kailangan siyang i-demolish. Kasama ng lumang building.”
Although the theater, named after her late partner and the country’s beloved Comedy King, holds deep sentimental value for Zsa Zsa and their family, the ASAP mainstay said she has come to terms with the decision.
“Everything's just symbolic. But times are changing and sometimes there are, you know, circumstances that we can't avoid. So, I don't have bitterness in my heart because ako palaging gano'n eh. I just have learned to keep accepting. And I think that's the way to survive in this world, right?” she added.
The “Hiram” singer further explained that she understood how the area might be used for other things as it was part of the portion that ABS-CBN sold to Ayala Land, Inc.
“It's really heartwarming for our family na mabigyan siya ng tribute at tawagin itong Dolphy Theater pero with the times wala talagang kumbaga, ako alam ko talaga mga buildings, especially being with an architect, hindi siya talaga nagla-last forever,” she expressed.
She added that the Dolphy Theater might not qualify as a heritage or cultural property based on the required criteria, which could be why it’s not protected from redevelopment.
“I'm all for progress but some people, of course, mas sentimental sila, hindi pwedeng galawin. But you know since ilang taon na ba itong theater na ito, kasi mayroon kang makifit na criteria parang sabihin hindi siya pwedeng galawin o nakapag-declare na siya na historical but if not then we just move on,” she stated.
“So, I understand why this is happening, so I don't feel any bitterness and we're just moving on.”
READ: ABS-CBN to sell portion of its Quezon City property to Ayala Land
The Dolphy Theater was a significant venue not just for ABS-CBN, but also for Zsa Zsa personally. It was where the network held a final tribute to Dolphy before he was laid to rest at Heritage Park in Taguig.
In a heartfelt social media post following her album launch, Zsa Zsa reflected on the full circle moment.
“Bittersweet ang feeling na sa Dolphy Theater ginanap ang press launch ng album ko today. Habang nandun ako, bumalik lahat ng alaala—yung burol ni Dolphy, yung eulogy ko, at nung kinanta ko ang 'Through the Years,'” Zsa Zsa wrote in a caption.
She then added that she believed that Dolphy is proud of her, seeing her in the same place but this time, doing her passion in singing and sharing her music.
“Ang daming emosyon. Nakakatuwang isipin na after all these years, I’m still here doing what I love- singing and sharing my music. I know Dolphy would’ve been proud,” she added.
In a previous interview with ABS-CBN News, actor, director, and Dolphy’s son Eric Quizon shared his emotional response to the reported demolition of the Dolphy Theater.
“I was in London. Pero hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in, e. When I heard about it, sabi ko, ‘Sayang naman,’” Eric said.
READ: Eric Quizon reacts to Dolphy Theater demolition, Kris Aquino’s health battle
He acknowledged that the theater was never owned by their family, but being named after his father made it a meaningful tribute. At that time, Eric was the director of this year’s PMPC Star Awards that was held in the theater.
Having the chance to visit the place again, Eric said, “I don’t know what I’m going to feel. Baka mag-senti ako roon. Baka papunta pa lang [ay] maiyak na ako.”
Eric then posted a photo of himself inside the theater as he wrote: “Bitter sweet feeling because the venue is Dolphy Theater at abs-cbn , where news came out 2 weeks ago that this iconic ABS-CBN structure will be demolished. Progress is good but somehow it cancels our history, heritage and culture. Reality bites.”
Eric also had a video on what he felt with the sad news: “When I found out that they will tear the Dolphy Theater down. Nag-walling! #walling #dolphy #dad.”