DOLPHY with Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero

Only a certified Comedy King like Dolphy has the clout to summon or attract the best comedians in the land to co-star with him in a film.

The cast list of the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Nobody, nobody but… Juan” reads like a Who’s who of Philippine Comedy: Wacky movie queen Gloria Romero, award-winning actor-director Eddie Garcia, colorful funny girl Pokwang (who amazes viewers each day with her fabulous costumes and equally fabulous punch lines on “Wowowee”) and the inimitable Eugene Domingo who is hailed as 2009’s accidental superstar for the immense success of her film “Kimmy Dora.” Rounding up the list is the Wowowee-est host on noontime TV, Willie Revillame.

Dolphy makes only one film a year (if we are lucky) so the possibility of working with the esteemed Pidol is an opportunity that comes in a blue moon. Any sensiable actor of Philippine entertainment is aware that when the opportunity to take part in a Dolphy film happens, one should grab it!

It was relatively easy for the production team of “Juan” director Eric Quizon to get the service of these sought-after comedians. In spite of Willie’s busy schedule, the host made time to portray a special role in this once-in-a-lifetime project. Direc Eric reveals, “Willie sort of found a father in my dad… Willie made a commitment to be part of this movie and he fulfilled it.”

The story of “Nobody, nobody but… Juan” is about Juan (played by Dolphy), a senior citizen who lives in a nursing home in the US. In his younger days, Juan was a theater performer. He was part of a comedy duo called Wan and Tu. To entertain himself and ease the loneliness, Juan watches “Wowowee” on The Filipino Channel (TFC). His enthusiasm for the show rubs on his friends in the nursing home, and they too, turn into “Wowowee” converts – much to the chargin of the strict son of Juan who runs the nursing home.

Eugene Domingo might as well be speaking on behalf of the other comedians when she shared with StarStudio Magazine the thrill of working with Dolphy, Eugene said, “Si Dolphy, kapag nakikita ko, nawawala ako sa sarili ko. Ang husay-husay niya. Sa kanya makikita mo ang isang malaking artista na nakaapak pa rin sa lupa. Reality check and inspiration para sa akin na makatrabaho siya. Parang gusto ko tuloy sabihin sa iba na, ‘Hoy, tumingin kayo dito – at mahiya tayong lahat!”

The screenplay of “Nobody, nobody but… Juan” is written by Bibeth Orteza. Also in the cast are Epy Quizon, Vandolph, G. Toengi and Heart Evangelista. The film opens in theaters nationwide on Dec. 25. This film is supported by Samsung, Bench, Mang Inasal and Komeya 3Q Bihon, Palabok and Sotanghon.