King of Comedy Dolphy remembered as ‘Home Along Da Riles’ cast reunites for ‘Da Reunion’ screening

Memories and emotions filled the air as the original cast of “Home Along Da Riles” gathered for the advanced screening of “Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion” at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on Monday, June 1. The event honored the enduring legacy of the King of Comedy Dolphy while bringing together the stars of one of Philippine television’s most beloved sitcoms.

Led by Dolphy’s son, Vandolph Quizon, the special screening brought together the Cosme family and members of the OG cast, including Claudine Barretto, Nova Villa, Smokey Manaloto, Dang Cruz, Gio Alvarez, Maybeline Dela Cruz, Cita Astals, Vitto Quizon, and Jenny Salimao-Quizon. The cast became emotional as they greeted one another and entered the venue.

The screening was supported by the city government of Manila as a tribute to Dolphy, who was born and raised in Tondo and began his showbiz career as a stage actor in the theaters of old Manila. 

During his speech, Vandolph, 42, looked back on how the sitcom served as his training ground as an actor and helped shape his love for the craft. 

“Dito po ako lumaki. Marami po kaming tumanda dito,” he said, acknowledging the cast members who watched him grow up both on and off screen. He also shared that the cast had become a second family to him through the years.

Vandolph expressed his gratitude to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso for helping make the event possible. 

“Noong binanggit ko sa inyo itong idea na ito, kayo ang nagsabi na dapat sa Metropolitan Theater gawin ang film screening ng ‘Home Along Da Riles.’ Kasi po ang tatay ko nga, lumaki ng Tondo,” Vandolph said. 

The Manila Metropolitan Theater holds special significance in Dolphy’s story, symbolizing his roots and humble beginnings. The city government and the Quizon family chose the MET to honor the life and career of the King of Comedy, whose journey started in Tondo before he became a beloved national icon.

Claudine, 46, also took the stage to thank everyone who attended the screening and supported the reunion project.

 The gathering also honored the memory of the late comedian and actor Pablito Sarmiento, better known as Babalu, who was part of the original "Home Along Da Riles" cast in both its television and film adaptations. According to the film's official social media account, the reunion movie took two and a half years to complete.  

The reunion movie is set to hit cinemas nationwide on June 17, ahead of Father’s Day, giving fans and families the chance to enjoy it in celebration of the occasion.