Staffers of the forthcoming ABS-CBN special, “The King of Comedy: Dolphy at 80,” found themselves weeping while transcribing and editing some footage of the legendary comedian as he reminisced about his life.

Dolphy admitted to Inquirer Entertainment that he also became emotional while taping that particular segment which will have as theme song, “Send in the Clowns.”

“Naluha ako nu’ng nakita ko ’yong film clips,” he said. “Lalo na pagdating sa ‘Facifica Falayfay.’ Lahat ng kasama ko do’n, patay na si Panchito, Dely Atay-Atayan, Martin Marfil. Pati direktor noon, si Chaning Carlos, pumanaw na. Tapos may clip pa si Nida Blanca.”

Nida was Marsha to his John in the long-running sitcom-turned-movie franchise “John en Marsha.”

Dolphy turns 80 on July 25 and is celebrating the milestone with a triple-treat: a movie with Vic Sotto (“Dobol Trobol” opening Aug. 13), a TV special (Aug. 3) and a book (“Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-Isa” to be launched July 23).

The Kapamilya network is making sure the TV special is distinct from previous birthday shows, said Chit Guerrero, business unit head.

She explained, “He usually performs in all his specials. Here, he will be seated in the audience as the industry pays tribute to him. He will go onstage only at the end of the presentation at Meralco Theater.”

The musical-docu cuts across network lines, Guerrero pointed out. Stars affiliated with rival station GMA 7 are appearing on the show, notably “Dobol Trobol” co-star Vic Sotto, who taped a segment in the ABS-CBN studios on Thursday.

“Pati mga taga-Channel 4 at 13, imbitado,” Vic jested between takes. Turning serious, he said he didn’t think twice when invited.

“He is truly the master,” Vic noted. “His timing is perfect. Ako nadudulas pa, pero siya ... kahit walang ginagawa, nakakatawa.”

Vic recounted a speech he gave when he was awarded Box-Office King: “Bago ko marating ang narating niya .… marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Ang problema lang, may krisis sa bigas!”

Vic said he learned a lot about Dolphy, the man and the artist, from the book written by Bibeth Orteza.

“Mahilig siyang makipagkuwentuhan ’pag may lull sa shooting,” Vic recalled. “’Yong pinagusapan namin sa set, nandoon sa book. He talked about his beginnings, life in Tondo during World War II ...”

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