Ading Fernando

 

Ading Fernando (born Ading Marquez Fernando; died 1984) was a legendary Filipino writer, director, and actor, widely hailed as a comedy genius of Philippine television. He is most famous for creating the iconic sitcom John en Marsha, which introduced the "Puruntong family" to the nation. 

 

Major Contributions and Career

Creator of Classics: Aside from John en Marsha (1973–1990), he was the creative mind behind other hit television shows like Chicks to Chicks, Buhay Artista, and Duplex.

On-Screen Presence: While primarily a director and scriptwriter, he also acted. He was known for his role as Daddy Groovy in the sitcom Duplex and Dean Jacinto Nado in OK Sha.

Signature Style: He was known for his "timeless" comedic pitch and a famous running gag where he would deliberately sing out of tune (sintunado).

Sister in Showbiz: He was the brother of the celebrated comedienne Dely Atay-Atayan, who played the wealthy mother-in-law Doña Delilah in his show John en Marsha. 

 

Legacy and Passing

Ading Fernando died in February 1984. At the time of his death, he was regarded as the top director of comedy programs in the Philippines. His death was a significant event in the industry, even announced live on the noontime show Eat... Bulaga!.

a multi-talented Filipino writer, director, and comic actor regarded as a "creative genius" in the Philippine film and television industry. He is most celebrated for creating and directing the iconic sitcom John en Marsha (1973–1990), which introduced the "First Family" of Philippine TV, the Puruntongs. 

Key Career Highlights

Creative Mastermind: He was the top director of comedy programs on Philippine television until his death in 1984.

On-Screen Presence: Besides his work behind the camera, he was known for his "golden voice" and his role as Daddy Groovy in the sitcom Duplex.

Legacy: The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) established the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor to recognize outstanding long-time contributions to the television industry.

Family: He was the brother of the famous comedienne Dely Atay-Atayan, who played the iconic "Doña Delilah" in his show John en Marsha. 

Notable Works

Sitcoms: John en Marsha, Duplex, and Kisame Street.

Films: Directed and wrote movies such as My Funny Valentine (1983), Bukid ay Basa (1971), and Brutus (1976)

Final Resting Place & Legacy

Burial: He is buried at Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park in Quezon City.

Posthumous Tributes: Following his death, his long-running sitcom John en Marsha aired a special tribute episode on February 9, 1984.

Ongoing Honor: The PMPC Star Awards for Television continues to honor his legacy through the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals with significant lifelong contributions to the industry.