'John en Marsha' exhibit 'Magsumikap Ka!' is a labor of love for comedy and values
"Kaya ikaw John, magsumikap ka..."
How many of us Pinoys are still familiar with this line? Probably not a very large number. And we can't blame you, as this line came from a show that is almost five decades bygone—the hit 70's sitcom John en Marsha.
Held last Jan. 31 through a rare collaborative effort by John en Marsha Legacy, Museo Alternatibo, the Intramuros Administration, with support from ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, and CineMo, “Magsumikap Ka! A John en Marsha Pop-Up Exhibit” brought to memory one of the country's most beloved sitcoms.
"In January 1st of 2026, I have finally decided to push through with at least a small gathering of the fans. I tried every option available, and the best solution that came about is our partnership with Museo Alternatibo, whose mission is to help groups and institutions mount exhibits," John en Marsha Legacy administrator Jerome Villanueva recalled. "Through their support, we were able to secure the necessary permits and hold the event at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, a historic and meaningful venue."
First aired on the now-defunct RPN-9, John en Marsha introduced Filipinos to Dolphy's John Puruntong, the sardonic, hardworking, often misunderstood patriarch; Nida Blanca plays Marsha, the loving, faithful, sometimes paranoid mother, bringing in youthful charm and angst are their two children Rolly (Rolly Quizon) and Shirley (Maricel Soriano), and the scene-stealer, the affluent big-mouthed mother-in-law Donya Delilah (Dely Atay-Atayan), whose constant condescending to Puruntong lead to the iconic "Magsumikap Ka" line.
While a comedic caricature, the Puruntong household is unmistakably a reflection of the fun dynamics and the serious struggles of the common Filipino family. The humorous antics, while obviously played for laughs, also carried moral lessons about diligence, compassion, neighborly and family love.
One of the exhibit’s biggest highlights was the screening of three lost episodes of John en Marsha, found last year through dedicated research and restoration efforts since 2024 by the John en Marsha Legacy fan group led by Jerome Villanueva. Due to neglect and a lack of appreciation for cinematic art and archiving, these episodes almost never saw the light of day again for more than four decades.
"Galing po ito sa United States. Ito po yung mga tapes na pinaparentahan sa mga Pinoy abroad," Villanueva narrated. "And agad po nating pina-digitize ito gamit ang kaunti nating ipon para maisalba."
Seeing these scenes flicker once again on screen was a catharsis for fans who grew up with the show, as well as the living cast who also graced the event—Madel de Leon, who played an eponymous wife to Rolly, and guest characters played by visual artist Vince Roque and renowned radio icon Tina Loy. A fully-packed audience with Gen Z and millennials in attendance strongly proved that restored visual media can bridge a whole new generation to appreciate timeless slapstick humor, quick wit, and relatable family entertainment.
Showcased also are rare Dolphy memorabilia that gave visitors a deeper and better appreciation of the life and career of the Comedy King, with every vintage photo, videotape, magazine, and poster. A sweet bonus are products that nod to Dolphy's legacy, including tasty pastries from Pidol’s Bakeshop and the iconic Banayad whiskey from his 1995 film Father en Son.
Also an icing to the retrospective cake are the presence of the Quizon brothers, Eric and Epy, who not only thanked and lauded the fan efforts, but expressed commitment to preserving Dolphy's entertainment legacy through a long-withheld family project.
"In line ito doon sa vision ng family na ipagpatutuloy namin yung kanyang legacy at pagtayo nga ng Dolphy Museum in Calatagan. So, hopefully in the next 3-4 years, matayo na siya," Eric Quizon told exhibit viewers.
