MANILA, Philippines - In spite of the flash-floods and traffic jams, they all came to pay homage to the King of Comedy, Dolphy.

The honoree himself was caught in a gridlock for four hours, while some stars bravely crossed network lines to participate in the TV special, entitled ?Dolphy: The King of Comedy at 80,? which was taped at the Meralco Theater on Thursday. (It goes on air tonight on ABS-CBN.)

Comedians Vic Sotto and Michael V, who are both identified with rival station GMA 7, taped segments for their beloved idol.

Kapuso?s prime talent Richard Gutierrez accompanied leading lady KC Concepcion ?who came just to watch the show? at the Meralco.

German Moreno, who?s also a Kapuso, joined in the revelry?along with other Sampaguita colleagues Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Daisy Romualdez and representatives of the Vera-Perez family.

As ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio said: ?With Tito Dolphy, there are no network lines to be drawn.?

Or as Vic Sotto jokingly put it: ?Everyone?s invited ? pati mga taga-Channel 13 and 4!?

Former President Joseph Estrada and son Jinggoy Estrada also watched the show, which is part of a three-pronged celebration for the King?s 80th birthday. (His biography, ?Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-Isa,? was launched on July 23 and a movie with Vic Sotto, ?Dobol Trobol,? will open on Aug. 13.)

Chit Guerrero, business unit head, said that among the highlights of the evening were the solo numbers of Sharon Cuneta and Charlie Green, as well as a 10-minute production number.

?The network?s present crop of dance stars Rayver Cruz, Vhong Navarro, Iya Villania and Shaina Magdayao recreated Tito Dolphy?s most memorable dance numbers from the movies,? recounted Guerrero.

Former Kapamilya co-hosts Carmi Martin and Roderick Paulate also reunited in that dance number, while Ai-Ai de las Alas brought the house down in her ?Facifica Falayfay? segment.

Dance highlights the King?s beginnings (and gift) as an all-around performer on the bodabil stage, said Guerrero.

?Unlike in other birthday specials, Tito Dolphy wasn?t required to perform and watched the show with the audience,? she related. ?He only went up the stage for the finale.?

To cap the evening, Dolphy joined Willie Revillame in a song-and-dance routine.

?You could really feel the stars? love and respect for Tito Dolphy,? Guerrero reported. ?Everyone got emotional and teary-eyed.?

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