The Metropolitan Theater in Manila recently hosted the premiere screening of the highly anticipated reunion movie of the iconic ’90s sitcom Home Along Da Riles, led by original cast members Vandolph and Boy2 Quizon.
The star-studded event saw the return of the beloved “Cosme family” and original cast, including Nova Villa, Dang Cruz, Gio Alvarez, Maybeline Dela Cruz, Cita Astals, Vitto Quizon, and Jenny Quizon. Claudine Barretto was also in attendance and expressed her gratitude to the Manila local government for sponsoring the special screening.
Vandolph extended his personal appreciation to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso for suggesting the historic venue, noting his late father’s deep roots in the city.
“Nung binanggit ko sa inyo itong idea na ito, kayo po ang nagsabi na dapat sa Metropolitan Theater sa Manila gawin ang film screening ng ‘Home Along Da Riles’. Kasi ang tatay ko nga, lumaki ng Tondo.”
Reflecting on his childhood, the son of the “Comedy King” shared how the legendary sitcom served as his early training ground for showbiz, where he learned the ropes by watching his father, Dolphy, and the late comedian Babalu.
“Sa Home Along po ako natuto ng tamang acting. I was 5 or 6 years old. Pinapanood ko lang po ang aking ama kung paano umarte, (at) si Tito Babalu. Parang napakaimportante po ng kanyang ginagawa para sa akin. Sa simpleng pagpapatawa, napapasaya niya ang taongbayan, ang mga manonood,” said Vandolph.
He also acknowledged ABS-CBN and television executive Cory Vidanes for granting the rights to use the original show’s title, theme song, and branding elements to preserve its nostalgic charm.
“Hindi matutuloy ang pangarap na ito kungdi dahil sa ABS-CBN, kay Tita Cory (Vidanes), sa pagtulong sa amin at pagbibigay ng tiwala. At pagpayag ng franchise.”
The tribute film, which took two and a half years to finish, forged an even deeper bond among the cast members. Claudine Barretto shared a heartfelt message to the fans who packed the theater.
“Comeback ito ng Cosme family, Salamat sa suporta ngayon pa lang po. Sana po maiyak kayo, matuwa kayo.”
Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion is set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on June 17, timed perfectly for Father’s Day as a grand tribute to the legendary Dolphy.