Veteran actress Nova Villa became the emotional heart of the recent Family Day and media conference for ‘Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion’, as she shared touching memories of the late Comedy King Dolphy and the lasting impact he continues to have on generations of Filipinos.
Held at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center, the event brought together original cast members including Vandolph, Boy 2 Quizon, Smokey Manaloto, Maybelyn Dela Cruz, and other members of the beloved sitcom’s extended family. While the day was filled with laughter, games, and nostalgic reunions, it was Nova’s heartfelt stories that left the strongest impression.
The Family Day itself turned into a comedy spectacle reminiscent of the classic television series. Cast members participated in a friendly volleyball match that quickly descended into playful chaos. Nova gamely joined the game despite being surrounded by much younger players, while Vandolph and Smokey jokingly tried to escort her off the court.
Even San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora joined the festivities, drawing laughter from everyone after a spirited attempt to save the ball ended with him tumbling onto the floor. The mayor took the incident in stride, laughing along with the cast and guests who enjoyed the lighthearted atmosphere.
But as the evening media conference began, the mood shifted from playful to sentimental.
For Nova, talking about ‘Home Along Da Riles’ inevitably means talking about Dolphy.
“Alam na alam nating lahat ang pagkatao ni Tito Dolphy,” she began.
The veteran actress revealed that even today, senior citizens from her church community regularly bring up Dolphy’s name whenever they see her. According to Nova, many of them were loyal viewers of ‘Home Along Da Riles’ and ‘John & Marsha’, two of the Comedy King’s most iconic programs.
“The members of our church are all seniors. Mga 70, 80, 90 years old. They’re my friends. I’m already 80 years old myself,” she shared.
“Forty years na ako sa simbahan, and ever since, they would tell me how much they loved Tito Dolphy. Every week, they would watch Home Along Da Riles. They always say, ‘Sister Nova, sayang wala na si Dolphy.’”
Nova said many elderly viewers found comfort, joy, and companionship through Dolphy’s work.
“At their age, what they want most is to be happy and to laugh. Many of them are lonely. They say Tito Dolphy gave them joy. They forgot their worries whenever they watched Home Along Da Riles.”
She recalled how families would organize their schedules around the sitcom’s weekly airing.
“They would even tell their grandchildren, ‘Walang gagalaw ng TV sa oras na ito.’”
For Nova, those stories serve as proof that Dolphy’s influence went far beyond entertainment.
“He was never forgotten,” she said. “Every time they see me, they still talk about him. They still remember the laughter.”
The actress admitted that when Vandolph and Boy 2 Quizon first approached her about making a reunion film, her immediate thought was the elderly members of her church who had spent decades supporting the show.
“When they learned we were making Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion, they immediately asked if Dolphy would be part of it. Biglang sumisigla sila kapag pinag-uusapan namin siya.”
Nova believes the upcoming film will resonate deeply with longtime fans who grew up watching the sitcom and with senior citizens who continue to treasure its memories.
“I’m sure they’re excited. Kahit masakit na ang kanilang mga paa dahil sa rayuma, magpapasama pa rin sila sa kanilang mga apo para mapanood ang pelikulang ito,” she said with emotion.
More than a reunion project, Nova sees the film as a tribute to the man who brought laughter into millions of Filipino homes for decades.
For her and for countless viewers, Dolphy’s legacy remains alive—not only through reruns and memories, but through the people whose lives he touched with every smile, every joke, and every episode of Home Along Da Riles.
‘Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion’ opens in cinemas nationwide on June 17.
