Eric Quizon looks back on ‘rollercoaster’ 40 years in showbiz
It is always a pleasure to converse with Eric Quizon. He recently visited us on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” where he talked about his successful 40-year career in the industry, his father’s legacy and his love life. Eric looked younger, lost weight as he takes care of his body because he realized the importance of having good health at his age.
The multi-talented actor, director and producer will be celebrating four decades in showbiz in December. I asked him during the interview how that journey has been so far. “It’s been a roller coaster, but definitely the best moments of my life,” he replied. Eric experienced both the highs and lows in his career with his fair share of winning moments, challenges and heartaches.
Who would ever forget his award-winning performance in “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga”? But I will always remember Eric for his brilliant acting in “Pusong Mamon,” which he also directed after Joel Lamangan suddenly suffered from a heart attack. Eric shared, “Ipinagpatuloy ko kasi sabi niya (direk Joel) sa akin, ‘Eric, nobody can continue this but you.’ So, he passed on the baton to me.”
Adding to the numerous films and TV shows that Eric directed is the upcoming movie, “Project Baby,” starring Sue Ramirez and Rico Blanco. “It’s an odd love story, pero maganda siya,” he said.
Eric revealed that his first talent fee was a car. According to him, Richard Gomez was pulled out from a movie under RVQ Productions by Mother Lily Monteverde when she had a disagreement with Tito Dolphy. The RVQ staff looked for a replacement. Eric, who was then a model, received a call.
“Tinanong nila ako, ‘So, what if we give you a new car? Would you say yes?’ Sabi ko, ‘Yes.’ Umoo kaagad ako. I said yes right away.”
Unfortunately, the vehicle was carnapped in EDSA after a month and 22 days.
How is it to be identified as the son of the great Comedy King? He admitted, “It was easy for me because everything was laid out on a silver platter. Parang, ‘O sige na. Si Eric iyan, anak ni Dolphy.’ However, may pressure kasi parang, ‘Ah, anak lang iyan ni Dolphy. Hindi niya mapapantayan ang daddy niya.’”
Eric tried to stay away from doing comedy and went the route of being a matinee idol.
“Pero wala din. Doon din minsan napupunta. Then, I was offered ‘Buddy en Sol.’”
Eric is planning and asking for the assistance of seasoned actress and writer Bibeth Orteza for the biopic of his dad. Bibeth wrote the biography, Dolphy: Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa. Eric wants the biopic to be encapsulated in the last five weeks of his dad’s life.
“Maraming hindi nakakaalam ng ordeal ng family at that time. I think it’s a beautiful story because from the time that I asked for prayers, parang nakinig ang buong Pilipinas, and the Philippines prayed with us,” he explained.
He is the executor of his dad’s estate, a difficult task since there are 18 siblings.
“I think ang common denominator naming magkakapatid is iyong respeto na iniwan sa amin ng daddy ko. Sabi ng daddy ko, ‘Walang mag-aaway. Ayaw kong mag-away-away kayo.’ Tumatak ang sinabi ng daddy ko na iyon sa aming lahat.”
He had good words for Nicole, who waived her 50-percent share of the inheritance. “Nicole is a beautiful person inside and out.” She was supposed to get 50 percent of the estate and was also entitled to the other 50 percent that would be divided among the 18 siblings. Nicole is the only legitimate heir because she was legally adopted by Tito Dolphy in 1990.
Eric shared that everything is now on hold when it comes to matters of the heart.
“There will always be time for that. Right now, there are so many things that I still need to do for the family.”
He hesitantly opened up that Kris Aquino was his first girlfriend in showbiz. Kris was 16 while Eric was 19 during that time.
“I haven’t spoken to her. Sometimes I would message her. I’m glad that she’s getting better. I’m happy for her,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eric admitted that he had a special relationship with Dina Bonnevie. “One thing I really like about Dina, ang sarap niyang kausap. Never a dull moment, and I respect her so much.”
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