Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla has reiterated her wish for veteran comedian Dolphy to be named a National Artist of the Philippines.

“I'm really looking forward to that [because] he deserves it. This is an artist who…lahat pinagdaanan na niya: stage, television, pati recording -- napasok niya lahat talaga,” said she of her longtime partner during a “Wowowee” special which celebrated Dolphy’s 81st birthday last July 25.

Dolphy began his career as a stagehand and “bit player.” Because of talent and hard work, he was eventually recognized as King of Comedy, an accolade that did not escape “Presidentiable” and senator Manny Villar.

In 2007, Villar endorsed Dolphy as National Artist in a letter addressed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“I believe it is about time,” said Villar, who also took part in that “Wowowee” special.

Though his petition is yet to bear fruit, Villar deems it “more than timely” for the award to be bestowed upon Dolphy, “sooner than soon.”

Even without the award, Dolphy acknowledged that he could not ask for more at this point.

“Napakabait sa akin ng Diyos,” he said. “Sixty-five years na akong artista, wala na akong masabi pa sa lahat ng blessings na binigay Niya na sa akin.”

If Dolphy is chosen to be a National Artist of the Philippines, he will join the elite circle comprising Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Gerardo de Leon, Fernando Poe Jr., and Eddie S. Romero in the field of Cinema.

According to Wikipedia, a National Artist of the Philippines “is a title given to a Filipino…for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Such Filipinos are announced, by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation, as National Artist.

“They are then conferred membership in the Order of National Artists, the regalia of which is an ornate, gilden collar of honor.

“In addition to the collar, each newly proclaimed member of the Order is given a citation that is presented during the awardees' conferment ceremonies.

“The Cultural Center of the Philippines then hosts a Memorabilia Exhibit and Gabi ng Parangal (A Night of Tributes) for the National Artists at the Tanghalang Pambansa.”