If you wish to contact me for any particular reason, please click here.

Jul

29

A Questionable Victory

Filed Under Comics Artists, Philippine Comics | 139 Comments

By now, you have probably heard that Carlo J. Caparas has been named National Artist for Visual Art and Film. See the news report here.

I strongly protest this victory for the reasons I shall enumerate below.

1. Carlo J. Caparas is not qualified to be named National Artist for Visual Art. I’m not sure if President GMA was aware when she gave this title, but Carlo J. Caparas is not an illustrator. For every single story he has written *another* artist worked with him to draw his story. Panday? It was illustrated by Steve Gan. Pieta? Also illustrated by Steve Gan. Anak ng Lupa? Illustrated by Nestor Malgapo. Bakekang? Illustrated by Mar Santana. Totoy Bato? The modern incarnation was drawn by Tor Infante. Kroko? It was illustrated by Hal Santiago. For every single published story that he wrote, another artist collaborated with him.

This is the most important question. How can someone who does not draw his stories, specially his most successful ones, ever be named National Artist for Visual Art?

At the very least, this title should be shared with the numerous artists Carlo has worked with in the decades he has been in comics. For that is the nature of comics. It is a collaborative medium as Carlo himself has said many times.

2. Other artists are vastly more qualified. Namely, Francisco V. Coching (who should have been given this title many years ago) and Larry Alcala. It is worth noting that both these comics creators both write and draw their own stories. They are complete comics artists in the way Carlo J. Caparas is not. Additionally, they have a far more significant body of work behind them.

Coching and Alcala not qualified because they are dead? Not true. Please refer to the National Artists of the Philippines Guidelines here.

3. Carlo J. Caparas being named National Artist for Film is ridiculous. This is a purely personal opinion, but I think his movies are terrible. They lack any intellectual substance, and they more often than not, appeal to the lowest common denominator.

One such film, Rizal Alih, was a painful experience for me. Convinced of the quality of this film through the plugging of its stars (I was young and naive) I watched it. It was absolutely horrible.

Let me give you an example. In one scene, a TV news report is being simulated on screen. The Jessica Soho look-alike is holding a microphone as she reports to the audience what is happening. So how come you can see her cameraman standing behind her looking stupid?

Directorial brilliance at its best.

I have lodged a protest with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts about this matter through their website.

I believe that this decision cannot be reversed, so what’s the point or protesting at all? Simple. I cannot sit here and do nothing and say nothing as this insult is perpetrated upon me as a proud Filipino comic book artist. I cannot let this go without making noise about it, and by God, I will make noise.

July 30 Edit: Post has been edited to reflect the correction that the National Artist is a title and not an award.

Comments

139 Responses to “A Questionable Victory”

  1. eloisa on July 29th, 2009 7:37 pm

    He wins and Larry Alcala has not even been recognized yet?!
    Dubious.

  2. adam! on July 29th, 2009 7:37 pm

    that’s what happens kung walang selection process sa pagpili. the people named even for the other fields (except for the dead guys, of course) are mainly GMA-friendly. that’s how it goes.

    i bet the UP institute for creative writing is prepping a statement of disapproval, too, at malamang naman hindi lang sila ang institusyon na maglalabas ng ganyan, at dapat lang naman talaga magreklamo tayo.

    and NCCA has always been lopsided in its support for the arts. checks and balances ang sistema niyan kadalasan. granted, the good it does far outweigh the bad, but the bad stuff are really rotten to the core. again, that’s how it goes.

  3. The Blurb » Gerry Alanguilan Protests! on July 29th, 2009 7:47 pm

    [...] here for his full [...]

  4. krys on July 29th, 2009 7:51 pm

    well said.

    for a moment there, i thought i lived in another world where Carlo J. Caparas didn’t make movies based solely on what’s sensational and bound to sell, and that he somehow deserved the award.

    i was shocked when i found out and now, i’m seriously disturbed.

  5. laya on July 29th, 2009 7:52 pm

    Why did Carlo Caparas become a National Artist for Visual Arts when Francisco V. Coching, who was nominated twice for the same award, was always passed over?

    That’s just so unfair and so insulting to Coching and to the rest of the komiks pioneers.

  6. Jay David Ramos on July 29th, 2009 7:55 pm

    I am so shocked, too. Damn. Nawala na respeto ko sa award na to.

  7. Adrian on July 29th, 2009 7:57 pm

    Oh dear… Gerry, I still remember how we talked about Carlo J. Caparas before and how horrible his films were especially the massacre movies that I mentioned.

  8. Xairylle on July 29th, 2009 8:12 pm

    I didn’t know Larry Alcala was still not yet a National Artist. I am disappointed that Alcala isn’t already. It’s unfair.

  9. The Marocharim Experiment » Blog Archive » In Protest of Caparas as National Artist on July 29th, 2009 8:29 pm

    [...] Gerry Alanguilan wrote down his reasons why he stands in protest against the proclamation of Carlo J. Caparas as a National Artist for [...]

  10. Jim on July 29th, 2009 8:33 pm

    patay na ba si Carlo J? :D well, I TOTALLY AGREE TO ALL YOUR POINTS HERE, and you made it clear that it was a mistake that the award was given to him at all just as when they (Malacañan) recognized Francis M’s brilliance when he was finally dead.

  11. Azrael on July 29th, 2009 8:39 pm

    kelangan mag mano kay GMA para maging national artist

  12. Marlon Ilagan on July 29th, 2009 8:43 pm

    What the…

    I’d really love it if all the other living National Artists would give their awards back as a sign of disapproval.

  13. Jojo on July 29th, 2009 8:44 pm

    They gave the award to a guy who made a living making “massacre movies” during the last decade.

    This could be possible… in “Bizarro World”.

    Personally, when I was a kid, seeing Larry Alcala’s drawings and cartoon strips made me feel good about my being a Filipino. That’s what I want to feel towards the work of a Filipino who should be a national artist.

    Caparas’ work to me was nothing but cheap and pointless entertainment.

  14. Carlo P on July 29th, 2009 8:44 pm

    Gerry, award material naman ang kalidad ng films at directing nya a:

    pang-Razzie Awards

  15. GeoRge on July 29th, 2009 8:56 pm

    I really salute you for standing up and voicing out like this. I hope this protest really makes noise.

  16. Eugene Perez Jr. on July 29th, 2009 9:02 pm

    I totally agree with you Gerry. Nadaan sa palakasan at pulitika to.

  17. mojacko on July 29th, 2009 9:06 pm

    Illegitimate award from an illegitimate president. bagay sila. ang takot ko lang baka biglang bumangon sa sementeryo sina brocka at bernal at isoli ang award nila!

  18. Zach Yonzon on July 29th, 2009 9:07 pm

    It seems that Carlo has more friends than we realize. Even my grandfather, an illustrator and painter, a contemporary of Malang, has been passed over several times.

    He’s screwed us over again. All of us. Just like he screws over everyone he works with. The Savior of Komiks? He cost Sterling millions of pesos only to ride that crest to secure himself TV deals. He’s extremely clever.

    I’m very upset at this news. It strikes me deeply on a personal note. Sigh.

  19. Jay David Ramos on July 29th, 2009 9:08 pm

    Me too, I really hope this makes noise! I already called out all pinoy media outlets informing them that we visual artists are disgusted over this entitlement!

    and yes, sana ibalik ng mga national artists yung awards nila as a sign of protest.

  20. Jori on July 29th, 2009 9:30 pm

    OMG Gerry, I thought the award is for literature. For Visual Art pala, WTH. Bakit nya tinanggap yun di naman siya artist. May messiah complex talaga.

  21. Michael Bartolo on July 29th, 2009 9:37 pm

    Sobrang disappointed na ako sa gobyernong to tapos eto pa!

    Kalokohan to!

    Marunong bang mag-drawing yan? Pag drawing nyu nga yan in public! Yung mga so called gawa nya e mga gawa talaga ng ibang artist at writers yun e!

  22. Alvin on July 29th, 2009 9:39 pm

    Minasaker ni Caparas ang institution. Carlo J. Caparas Funeraria National Artist for 2009 dapat sa kanya.

  23. Ed on July 29th, 2009 9:41 pm

    Baka na-yari lang tayo ni Bitoy. Sana Yari Ka show lang ‘to. :P

    Seriously…lokohan na yata ang mga national awards natin. Siguro kahit aso ni Pacquiao pwede na rin ma-nominate as National Doggy Award.

    I’ve met Steve Gan once. Sobrang bait at soft-spoken person. He deserves more than Carlo J. C.

  24. J.R. Bumanglag on July 29th, 2009 9:44 pm

    I would’ve have considered a Literature Award…but Visual Arts? This is the doing of TV adaptations of his work (which again only credits him as the proponent of such adaptations). People think that he is the sole creator of such well known titles airing on TV right as we speak.

    It reminded me of a conversation with my friend about the Spider-Man comic strips and movies. He always thought that Stan Lee was the creator of the character.

    Misinformation ruins it all.

  25. Jori on July 29th, 2009 9:45 pm

    pero gerry I have a side on the coin. sa pagkakaalam ko, Film is considered as Visual Art.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_arts

    So kung film maker ka you are considered a visual artist.

    But Still, as a film maker his works are not worthy for that award.

  26. Nyek! – EdgarTadeo.com - Blog Archive » “A Questionable Victory” – Komikero.com on July 29th, 2009 9:55 pm

    [...] More here… [...]

  27. frbarba on July 29th, 2009 9:57 pm

    madness…

  28. joanah calingo on July 29th, 2009 9:59 pm

    putcha, nakakalungkot…. ;_;

  29. Gohlico on July 29th, 2009 10:27 pm

    No. Fuck no.

  30. Gerry Alanguilan on July 29th, 2009 10:30 pm

    Hello Jori… definitely film is a visual art. But in the National Artists Award, there is a separate category for both Film and Visual Art, and CJC clearly won for both.

  31. Jude on July 29th, 2009 10:37 pm

    PGMA is a sick bastard for giving Carlo J’s works an award. I can’t even stand to see Komiks of Carlo J. in ABS-CBN it’s dumb and his comics are nothing more like a copy cat amateur piece of crap, I’m not saying this because I’m a professional but I’ve been a fan of comics and saw stellar writers in our country which whom are better recipients of the literature award and besides Carlo J is a goddam writer not an artist.

    Carlo J is a uncreative sell-out crap born out of cheesy pocketbooks.

    This is a sad news indeed.

  32. gilbert monsanto on July 29th, 2009 10:43 pm

    Nakakapagod na talaga ang mga ganito sa ating bansa. Nakakawalan ng respeto at moral.

  33. auggie on July 29th, 2009 10:51 pm

    WTF ! Visual artist ? nakita ba ninyo yung display ng drowing doon sa Intramuros noong 2007, na sponsored ni Manoling Morato at ng NCCA ? halatang hindi marunong magdrowing itong si CJC, yung level niya pang elementary pa, paanong naging National Artist iyan ? Pang Ripley’s Believe it or Don’t yata to ah? Egregious sample ito ng PR at Spin Doctoring at baka lagayan pa. Matagal ko ng china-Champion na si FV COCHING, ang much deserving sa Award, but apparently komo patay na , wala ng clout.
    Kung sabagay sa column recently ni Nestor Torre, sa isang broadsheet, nabanggit niya na nae-erode na raw ang CREDIBILITY nitong award giving body na ito dahil napasukan na daw ng mga hindi deserving awardees. Sa tantiya niya about a third daw ng awardees, doesn’t belong there. Nadaan lang daw ito sa Tayo-Tayo system.

  34. Jude on July 29th, 2009 10:53 pm

    sorry for the mistake about the “Komiks of ABS-CBN” (Komiks was Mar’s Ravelo) part I was completely ravaged and started typing without thinking.

  35. Jori on July 29th, 2009 10:56 pm

    ah so magkahiwalay na category yun. Ok, now it is clear. So he got a national artist for Visual Arts and National Artist for Film. Ano ba iniisip ng malacanang nang pinili nila mga bibigyan nila ng award. Si CJC naman tanggap lang nang tanggap.

  36. iya on July 29th, 2009 11:01 pm

    no effing way. :| :| :|

    i hope his award gets stolen by some ninjas or rabid monkeys. he definitely doesn’t deserve it.

  37. manuel guerrero on July 29th, 2009 11:21 pm

    :-)

  38. Michael Bartolo on July 29th, 2009 11:30 pm

    Malinaw naman na politika ang nangyari dito

    Carlo J. Caparas has the money and has the influence in the “main-stream”

  39. Louie Jon Sanchez on July 29th, 2009 11:37 pm

    Gerry, this is what I suggest. Let us write about his works, to show how ugly they are in the first place. You lead the way reading the ugly pieces. We need critical assessment from the real ones doing the work. We may not be able to reverse the decision, but we can lend a critical eye on it.

    Carlo J. has no significant and important body of works. Works that perpetrate the idiocy is not art.

  40. dennisvillegas on July 29th, 2009 11:46 pm

    Carlo J. Caparas, a security guard who turned komiks writer to movie director/producer and now National Artist of the Republic of the Philippines!!!

    Now Caparas is in the level of Amorsolo and Manansala!

    Isn’t that an inspiring story? That a man of a mediocre mind who did nothing impressive but knows how to work publicity, can be bestowed with the highest honors of the land.

    To think that some people are still not yet recognized as National Artists when they should have been many years ago: Fabian dela Rosa (painting), Jose Nepomuceno (Film), Anastacio Caedo (sculpture), Coching, Ravelo, Velasquez, Alcala(Visual Arts) and many others.

  41. Ed on July 29th, 2009 11:54 pm

    I nominate Komikero Bidjo for National Award in Performing Arts in YouTube.com. Ganda pakinggan no? Hehehe!

    Let’s make some noise!

  42. Gerry Alanguilan on July 29th, 2009 11:56 pm

    Louie, I’d rather extol the virtues of whose talents I believe in. For the next few weeks I’m going to be going over the works of Francisco V. Coching.

  43. erwin on July 30th, 2009 12:02 am

    Di rin napigilan ang pagdeclare kay Carlo J. Clearly gapangan ang nangyari.

    Though first time in Philippine Komiks history, pero parang may kulang. Mas kumpleto talaga kung napili ang isa man lang kina Coching, Larry Alcala, Hugo Yonzon o Malang.

    This article from the Inquirer, published last month, was supposed to be a leaked by an insider from NCCA to prevent GMA of inserting her own choice of National Artist since it’s her practice in the past to add her loyal allies in the list.

    http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090607-209267/Alcuaz-Conde-lead-National-Artists

    Dapat magkaroon ng 20 years moratorium sa pagdeclare ng National Artist. Wala ng mapili ang gobyerno natin.

  44. batangbatugan on July 30th, 2009 12:20 am

    Bakit parang di ako nagulat? =P

    Maswerte na rin sila Alcala at Coching, at the very least they never lived to see this day ><

  45. Jose Mari Lee on July 30th, 2009 12:23 am

    Hell, this one is almost akin to travesty of justice, a common occurrence in the country.

    • His films unquestionably, are among the worst in the world, they’re even worse than that of Ed Wood’s
    • His writing is purely schlock: extremely pedestrian, full of loopholes, lacking in research and nothing but vexation to one’s sensibilities
    • His demeanor, apart from being blatantly nouveau rische, is callous, arrogant and ridicuously laughable

    Thank you, Gloria, for kicking us in the teeth.
    How dare you put this man to the pedestal where the likes of PAUL DUMOL, AMADOR DAGUIO, CARLOS BULOSAN, and other Filipinos who are much more deserving but not even given any recognition.

    I’ve always considered these so-called awards being given by every Juan, Pedro, and Procopio – a waste of time, but this one is like what we call in Spanish: DILUVIO MUNDIAL!

    Yes, Mrs. President, you just put the final nail to the Philippines’ coffin, confirming the death of the arts in country. Now, the whole world is laughing at this banana republic where true artists are ignored, and non-deserving hacks are placed on a pedestal.

    And now you want to become a Prime Minister as well?

    Ugh! I don’t think I will go back to your Banana Republic, until you get out of Malacañang. And I hope that this award will be rescinded by the next president.

    And Mr. Caparas, let’s get real, okay? Does this nonsensical Zarzuela and Moro-moro orchestrated by Malacañang really make you happy?

  46. Komiksman on July 30th, 2009 12:24 am

    Fernando Amorsolo turns in his grave! No words can describe my disgust on this news, and to those people who placed him in there! You have greatly disgraced yourselves!

  47. Komiksman on July 30th, 2009 12:30 am

    to erwin,

    I see, so he’s after the NCCA support for his upcoming “artistic” projects!!! –that for the rest of his entire life! –that means the taxes I pay going down the drain! F*ck!

  48. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 1:11 am

    Correction and Clarification: The National Artist is not an award, but a title.

  49. Hai on July 30th, 2009 1:25 am

    I think this is all a matter of differing taste. I’m sure some people see merit in CPJ’s body of work. And I’m sure some people would disagree. It just so happened that the people who think he’s worthy of the award were in the governing body in charge of the selection.

    I’m neither surprised nor shocked at the outcome of the award. Everything is politics. He who sucks the hardest, gets the biggest teat.

  50. Alvin on July 30th, 2009 1:32 am

    I suggest that somebody make a logo or banner denouncing the appointment of Caparas as a national artist. Spread and Place it on every website or blogs. Para makita ng ncca at matauhan. Sample line..(Carlo J. Caparas not qualified to win an award, Caparas doesn’t desrves to be a national artist.or one statement na matindi).

  51. Carlo P on July 30th, 2009 1:33 am

    baka kapalit e gagawan ng life story si GMA… directed by Carlo J Caparas

    ano kaya subtitle…

  52. Paolo Manalo on July 30th, 2009 1:59 am

    Poor Coching is denied this title once more.

  53. adam! on July 30th, 2009 2:24 am

    magandang ideya yung banner tagging protest, pero ayun nga, as per the usual modus operandi ng Pamahalaang Arroyo, di natin makukuha ang hinihingi natin mula sa kanya. ang makukuha lang natin mula sa kanya ay pintas na tayo ay mga inggitero’t inggitera lang. at tipong kung me susunod pa siyang SONA – awa ng diyos sana wala na – isasama tayo sa mga paparinggan niya, katabi sina FVR at Erap at Mar Roxas. “alagad ng sining” my ass. dapat HINDOT NG SINING.

  54. Paulo Dayto on July 30th, 2009 2:28 am

    sir Gerry,

    no nangyari.. bat ganun..
    wala na talagang matinong magawa tong gobyerno natin..
    di na sana ko magcocoment kung national artist for film ang nakuha niya kaya lang sinama pa yung visual arts..
    malinaw naman yung description ng visual arts diba.. di ko makita yung sarili niya sa category na yun..
    me magagawa pa ba tayo dito.. napakaraming mas nangangailangan ng gantong pagkilala ewan ko ba bat sya pa..
    pano ba sya napili.. bunutan?.. roleta?..
    ewan ko ba..
    di sya deserving sa gantong pagkilala..
    di basta-basta yung gantong pagkilala sana pinag-isipan nilang mabuti kung sino yung mga taong dapat nilang gawaran ng gantong pagkilala..
    pasensya na pero nakakdismaya.. di ako artist pero alam ko kung sino ang dapat ang kung sino ang hindi..
    sir gerry kaisa ako ng libo-libong artist na humihingi ng katarungan para dito..

  55. TonGuE-tWisTeD on July 30th, 2009 2:33 am

    The person who runs NCCA, the body that oversees the selection and submits the shortlist to the president, is herself getting the National Artist title for Theater. Further, Cecille Guidote-Alvarez is also Presidential Adviser on Culture. What can be more brazen?

  56. Pinoy Comics USA on July 30th, 2009 2:51 am

    including one of her advisers and pioneers in fashion design and local comic books

    Gerry,
    I am truly shocked. Here’s why he won (see above news excerpt), apparently, he’s an adviser to GMA herself.
    At least Federico Aguilar Alcuaz won for Visual Arts Painting and Sculpture. Ano bang category ang Visual Arts and Film? Wala naman dati ang kategoryang ito. Mukhang niluto para maisali lang si Caparas.
    Shocking news indeed.
    Rod

  57. Michael Bartolo on July 30th, 2009 2:59 am

    Pati ba sa film national artist din sya?

    E mga B-movie naman ang pinaggagagawa nya e.

  58. edd aragon on July 30th, 2009 4:22 am

    call caparas a naSONA artist(as credible as her SONA:)

  59. David Jerickson Serador on July 30th, 2009 6:19 am

    Quoting Trent Reznor: Musician, Artist

    “Idiots Rule”

  60. lette on July 30th, 2009 6:20 am

    Nakakalungkot naman. Sino kaya ang naboto para manalo ito? Tsk tsk tsk…

  61. kitiwiti on July 30th, 2009 7:50 am

    hay naku. everyone knows national awards is all about the politics. have enough influential people lobbying for an artist whose work they have a lot of, and once that artist wins, poof, the value of all his artworks increases as well.
    but this is by far the craziest! WTH!

  62. Eusebio Yu on July 30th, 2009 8:44 am

    Somewhere out here, CJC is having the last laugh. But don’t fret. What goes around comes around.
    I think we should instead push for the inclusion of those truly deserving. Alcala and Coching not included? Even my non-comics reading friends knew who Larry Alcala was! Sign of the apocalypse…

  63. Martin Jimenez on July 30th, 2009 8:49 am

    As a fan of Larry Alcala’s work specially his “Slice of Life” feature which is a favorite of mine since I was a kid, I’m deeply saddened and shocked by the fact that he still didn’t get his rightful recognition to be named as a National Artist. Fuck you Carlo J. Caparas, may you go to the seven layers of hell one step at a time.

  64. johnbecaro on July 30th, 2009 9:33 am

    WHAT THE HELL!!! Carlo Caparas getting the title is
    a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! I loss my belief on the credibility and ability of NCCA . And also for film? RIDICULOUS! What is his contribution in films to garner such titles? His Flopping Massacre movies and Truly VERY VERY LOW IN QUALITY and TRYING HARD TV Versions? His just one of the prolific komiks write but it is a BIG FOUL to honor the title. WHAT A MESS!

  65. thenashman on July 30th, 2009 9:53 am

    I support your protest.

  66. Kapre on July 30th, 2009 10:12 am

    Ano, walang kumakampi sa “idol” kung si Carlo? “Mga inggit lang kayo” dahil naging “national artist” siya, HHHHHHHHHH………. Ayan meron ng kakampi si Carlo.

    Ipis-ipisin na lang ninyo na ito lang si Carlo ang nakasulat ng mahigit 700 na mga nobelas, iyong pinakamagaling na mga nobelista sa atin ay hanggan talampakan lang niya sa padamihan ng mga gawa kung gawa lang ang pag-uusapan. Sabihin na ninyo na “basura” ang mga gawa niya. Nakalimutan na ba ninyo na ang Pilipinas ay lumulutang sa mga basura, tanungin ninyo si Dennis Villegas dito dahil suportado niya ito ng mga photographs sa blog niya, HHHHHHHHHH……….

    Natural lang dahil naging basurahan na ang Pilipinas kaya tumpak rin lang na bigyan ang mga taong utak basura sa Pilipinas ng mga basurang nobelas ni Carlo dahil mga basura ang gusto nila, HHHHHHHHHH………

    Ika nga, kung ayaw sa litson at mas gusto pa sa tilapya ay di bigyan ng tilapya. Sabi rin nga ng sikat na pintor na si Salvador Dali, “suckers” daw iyong mga gusto sa nakakapanghilakbot na mga paintings niya. Entonces, therefore ito sa english, itong si Carlo ay kagaya rin ni Dali na ginawang suckers ang mga pilipinong utak basura. Sa puntong ito ay “genius” itong si Carlo dahil alam niya ang mga “kabuangan” ng mga pilipino na hindi alam ng marami sa inyo. Nakakaloki, ano? HHHHHHHHHH………. Pero huwag ninyong tigilan itong si Carlo at ang labas nito ay baka maging kagaya ito ni Panaligan na nabulgar ninyo ang basura nito na hindi sinasadya.

    Sa puntong seryoso, itong mga tinatawag ninyong mga national artists natin, meron ba ang mga taong ito na sinulat na mga “literary o artistic philosophical ideas?” Halimbawa ang paintings, sculptures o novels ay kadalasan ay hindi mga literary o artistic philosophical ideas. Kaya ang mga national artists kuno sa atin ay nararapat lang na tawagin sila na mga “artists” at “writers” lang, hindi pa nila naabot ang ultimate stage na “literary o artistic philosopher.”

    Samakatuwid, therefore rin ito sa english, ang kalibre ni Carlo ay pareho lang sa kalibre ng mga “national artists” kuno nuong mga nakaraan, mga ordinaryo lang sila na mga artists at writers, hindi sila mga literary o artistic philosophers.

  67. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 10:23 am

    From Jim Paredes (via Twitter):

    “Carlo J. Caparas, the king of cheap massacre movies is now a National Artist. There goes the neighborhood.”

  68. monette on July 30th, 2009 10:23 am

    it’s a dark day for all of us…

  69. Francis Lim on July 30th, 2009 10:43 am

    As I watched the the news today, indeed, the National Artist honorees were announced. I tried my best to resist the urge to hurl vile invectives at the TV monitor. Time and history is on our side, future panels and leaders will look back and realize this dark period for what it is. Mr. Caparas will in time discover if he has truly attained the respect that he so craves. Dutiful soldiers have always saluted beasts who had worn the uniform of an officer. And so it is that unworthy men will have to endure the cold stares of his peers, as they struggle with the burden of an undeserved award. The National Award crowns a lifetime of achievement, but in the absence of such a feat, then there is no greater curse than spending the remainder of one’s days vainly justifying oneself.

  70. JP Cuison on July 30th, 2009 10:47 am

    Sobrang nakaka disappoint naman ang balitang ito. Agree ako sa’yo Gerry, an dami pang mas karapatdapat na maging national artist for visual arts na nagdo-drawing kaysa kay Caparas.

    I support your protest Gerry!

    -John Paul A. Cuison

  71. Aaron on July 30th, 2009 10:52 am

    Kalokohan! Nakakaasar naman yung part na andaming mas deserving para sa award tapos si Caparas yung mapipili? Kahit ba naman sa larangan ng art, may pulitika pa din? Parang wala na talagang pagasa ang Pilipinas.

  72. Knovs on July 30th, 2009 11:01 am

    I have nothing against Carlo j. personally, in fact he’s a friend of my father Nestor Malgapo. and given the chance na makatrabaho ko siya, excited ko pang tatanggapin yon.

    disappointed lang ako kasi mas maraming deserving na bigyan ng TITLE na iyon, sa film man o sa visual art.

    hindi ako against na bigyan siya nung title na iyon SOMEDAY. ‘marami’ rin naman siyang nagawa PERO KULANG PA to merit a title like that.

    para sa akin, si Mars Ravelo ang dapat ng maging National Artist, dahil hanggang ngayon kahit na matagal na siyang wala, ‘nararamdaman’ pa rin natin siya sa komiks at sa TV.

    sa film naman, national artist na ba si Lino Brocka?

  73. Mito on July 30th, 2009 11:07 am

    First, the Wikipedia entry that glorified CJC.
    Now this one?

    Though i’m not well-versed with comics and the like, i am an avid film fan and i dont see any positive societal effect of these massacre films.

    i agree with the idea that other national artists will return their awards…hell, even brocka can return his award if he can.

    then i remembered other names, FPJ & FRANCIS M. Hmmm

  74. iya on July 30th, 2009 11:17 am

    correction to my other comment, i meant title, not award. i was seeing red at that time.

  75. cev on July 30th, 2009 11:46 am

    sa tingin ko ala na tayong magagawa bukod sa mag protesta tungkol dito pero mas maganda siguro na ibuhos din natin ang oras at lakas natin sa pag-gawa ng mga komiks na dekalidad talaga na naka-sentro sa buhay ng mga pilipino.

    para man lang mawala ang masamang lasa sa bibig na iniwan ng mga komiks ni cjc.

  76. MzJosephine on July 30th, 2009 12:13 pm

    CJC as National Artist?!?

    I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the news! I had to check, twice, why he was given this title, and you can’t imagine the string of invectives that crowded my brain in a rush, and erupted from my usually-tame mouth.

    Francisco V. Coching and Larry Alcala, they’re the ones I have been rooting for to have this title. These two deserve to be called National Artists. The depth and richness of their bodies of work would make any Filipino proud. But Caparas?

    It’s a sad day, really, when a prestigious title is conferred to a person who does not deserve it even one whit!

    Sabi nga ng isang kaibigan, napulitika na naman ‘yan.

  77. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 12:23 pm

    Hello Francis… wow. Well said.

  78. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 12:28 pm

    Thanks to all for visiting and leaving your comments. I was driven to fury yesterday when I found out that I had to take a walk outside to cool off and think about it rationally. I wrote this article in response, trying very hard not to throw anything personal, but just stick to the issue itself. Nevertheless, I couldn’t hide the fury I was feeling. I’m thankful that so many other people feel the same way. As far as I am concerned, these are National Artist titles that I do not and will not recognize.

  79. Maynard Maleon on July 30th, 2009 1:07 pm

    Art is subjective. But you must at least have drawn something.

  80. PWA on July 30th, 2009 1:24 pm

    Somebody PLEASE slap me silly and wake me up from this nightmare that is CJC.

  81. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 1:27 pm

    And that is one of the most important points in this Maynard. How can someone who is not a visual artist be named National Artist in Visual Arts? There’s nothing subjective about it. There is a very rational and objective reasoning behind this protest.

  82. ray on July 30th, 2009 1:47 pm

    its an insult to other national artists.

  83. Nerp on July 30th, 2009 2:15 pm

    award giving bodies in the philippines are nothing to be proud of!

  84. jun.anteola on July 30th, 2009 3:14 pm

    garapalan na ‘to. when i saw Guidote-Alvarez’s name on the list, i just had to laugh. she heads the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the very same body which administers the selection.

  85. A Lesson in Humility, Cyclops-style :: Comicgasm on July 30th, 2009 3:15 pm

    [...] non related news: non-owner of a jetpack Carlo J. Caparas became a national artist. Insert ragetoon [...]

  86. Dennis C. on July 30th, 2009 3:46 pm

    Fuck it.. insulto to.

  87. Maynard Maleon on July 30th, 2009 3:51 pm

    Yep Gerry. Exactly. Like I said in my facebook account, it’s like the time my class won 3rd in kite flying when we didn’t even have a kite!

    Nothing subjective about it! And why the hell is there even a discussion on whether dead artists should not be given the award posthumously or setting a ten year period since their death in which they are eligible for the award? because of the money involved? Come on… just change the prizes for those who won post humously like 250K or something.

    I think they’re doing that so that they can hide behind that technicality when deserving dead artists have been passed over.

  88. Ed on July 30th, 2009 4:23 pm

    Maybe next time, if any of us artists will be awarded as Nat’l Artists in the future (achieved a lot locally or internationally), let’s say “sorry, I cannot accept the award coz I don’t deserve it. I’m not Carlo J. Caparas. I’m far much better.” :P Oh, di ba?

    Still, we’re all having this terrible nightmare.

  89. jerome dizon on July 30th, 2009 4:32 pm

    Fuck! Fuck! fuckity! Fuck!

  90. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 4:36 pm

    It’s never gonna happen Ed. But in a bizzaro alternate world where it inexplicably happens, I’d probably refuse it, on the grounds that it’s a title that no longer has any credibility.

    CJC is only one issue. Did you know that Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, the excecutive director of the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) is being given the title of National Artist for theater? Which is a conflict of interest because the NCCA and the CCP administers the National Artists Award, and she advices President GMA on this matter. I don’t know her accomplishments enough to know if she deserves it or not, but with that aside, it is a conflict of interest on her part. And a very serious one at that.

  91. Maynard Maleon on July 30th, 2009 5:42 pm

    jerome dizon- that’s from Four Weddings and a Funeral!

  92. NuttyBoy on July 30th, 2009 6:09 pm

    I just blogged about this Gerry, even mentioned your tweet. I’m with you. Let’s make some noise. I wonder how Carlo J. Caparas surpasses Francisco V. Coching… this is outrageous.

  93. NuttyBoy on July 30th, 2009 6:15 pm

    I nominate Manny Pacquiao as National Artist for Music for his single “Para Sa’yo Ang Laban na to”!!!

    And Mikey Arroyo as National Artist for Film for his movie with Juday!!

  94. Jordan Arabejo on July 30th, 2009 6:29 pm

    I know it’s absolutely incorrect and most regrettable too since it’s probably irreversible. You and the rest of the visual community have roused your online media protests to such a saturation point

    …that now it’s just annoying.

    We live in an ignorant society run by ignorant people who live in ignorant times. So it’s probably just natural that dumb ass things like this happen. The rest of the world is still illustrating in voracious volume.

  95. boggart humphrey on July 30th, 2009 6:29 pm

    after they’ve given the title can they still revoke or reverse it? i would be happy to give any title to caparas POST HUMOROUSLY!

  96. frbarba on July 30th, 2009 6:45 pm

    dalin natin to sa senado para maimbistigahan…hehehe, im sure madami politiko ang papapel, malapit na kasi eleksyon

  97. raipo on July 30th, 2009 7:07 pm

    Armaggedon is nigh! i’m waiting for the next sign.

  98. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 7:30 pm

    With regards to Mars Ravelo, it’s still a bit tricky, because for every major character he is known for (Darna, Lastik-Man, Captain Barbell, Bondying), they were all also done in collaboration with other artists. It would be difficult to give him recognition without giving due recognition to Elpidio Torres, Nestor Redondo, Mar Santana, etc.

    There are very few individuals who both wrote and drew their own material. In fact, they were quite rare. There’s Francisco V. Coching, and Larry Alcala, and the numerous cartoonists like Hugo Yonzon, F. Zabala Santos, Menny Martin etc.

  99. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 7:34 pm

    Apologies for annoying you, Jordan. I hope you would bear it for a little while longer.

  100. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 7:36 pm

    I’m sorry Mr. 011, but I don’t think I like what you’re saying. I don’t like it because they are so patently wrong. If you have a blog, by all means please post all your opinions there.

  101. makinao on July 30th, 2009 9:03 pm

    I’ve heard today that people from UP, CCP, and the NCCA are already preparing a series of protest events. Official statements will be coming out shortly. This text is circulating in UP Diliman right now, and is a prelude to these events: “I am saddened to inform U of the DEATH of the National Artists Awards. Date & time for the Necrological Service to be announced soon: “Pagdadalamhati sa Kamatayan ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining. Pls forward to whom it may concern…”

    Abangan!

  102. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 9:05 pm

    Makinao, once you have links online please let us know. I’m currently compiling links about this debacle.

  103. auggie on July 30th, 2009 9:35 pm

    Gerry,

    I share the same suspicion with you with regards to Cecil Guidoti. Sa palagay ko ginamit lang niya si Caparaz, para gawing “LIGHTNING ROD,” at hindi mahalata ng mga mamamayan ang kaniyang Self-Inclusion doon sa award. I don’t know much about her track record sa THEATER. Masyadong SELF-SERVING, ang ginawa ni Cecil,in my opinion.

  104. Reno on July 30th, 2009 10:04 pm

    Wow, came here a bit late. Nothing much to say that other people haven’t said already.

    I guess this really reflects on how people in government make their decisions. Just imagine how much they fuck up on bigger stuff than this.

    Ngayon siguro abot-tainga ang ngiti ni CJC, ngunit paano kung bawiin ang titulo na hindi naman talga karapat-dapat sa kanya? Mas lalong nakakahiya iyon.

  105. makinao on July 30th, 2009 10:53 pm

    I don’t know if this was mentioned already, but only Federico
    Aguilar Alcuaz, Manuel Conde, Lazaro Francisco at Ramon Santos were actually recommended by the CCP-NCCA nominating committee. Any “dagdag-bawas” was done in Malacanang. I don’t know of any objection to Bobby Manoza in the field of architecture, and I don’t imagine anyone the fashion scene objecting to Pitoy Moreno. So the CJC and CGA announcements were a shock to us in UP. I’ve already heard of one living national artists who is threatening to burn his medal and accoutrements, and renounce his title over this.

  106. Gerry Alanguilan on July 30th, 2009 11:28 pm

    As an architect myself, I have no objection to Bobby Mañoza. I applaud the inclusion of Manuel Conde. He is one of our greatest filmmakers. CJC is not.

  107. Pinoy Comics USA on July 31st, 2009 2:01 am

    From TJ Burgonio:

    BREAKING (SAD) NEWS

    Arroyo names 7 National Artists for ‘09
    By TJ Burgonio
    Philippine Daily Inquirer

    MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named seven National Artists for this year, including one of her advisers and pioneers in fashion design and local comic books, Malacañang said.
    This years Order of National Artists roster, according to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, include: National Commission on Culture and the Arts executive director Cecille Guidote Alvarez for theater; Manuel Urbano, also known as Manuel Conde, for film and broadcast arts (posthumous); Lazaro Francisco, literature (posthumous); Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, visual arts, painting, sculpture and mixed media; Magno Jose Carlo Caparas, visual arts and film; Francisco “Bobby” Mañoza, architecture; and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, fashion design.

    NOTE: Names that are highlighted are DAGDAG… While one name was BAWAS from the original legitimate four who went through the proper process & were chosen by their peers, the CCP board, & the NCCA board.
    Note2: The highlighted names are Caparas, Guidote, Manoza and Moreno

    Gerry and all,
    There may be a precedent to this. I may be wrong, but if memory serves me right, the original news that was released in 2003 was that Alejandro Roces won in Visual Arts. I could not believe it. However, it was later changed to Literature after they found out he was a writer and playwright, not an artist. He definitely deserves to win in Literature not Visual Arts.
    After all this hulabaloo, mark my words, they’re going to change Caparas’ category, and if they do, no title or category they can dream of is going to fit Caparas.
    Rod

  108. Gerry Alanguilan on July 31st, 2009 7:25 am

    Rod, I shudder to think that CJC’s title, if changed, they might change it to Literature. Which will definitely open another can of worms.

  109. Edmond on July 31st, 2009 8:17 am

    Wow,CJC Long way from a Former Security Guard..Gawa na tayo Masaker Movies,,antay lang sa Dyaryo Malupet at Madugong istorya!!
    But I Think the Perfect timing to make noise about this is at Manila Comic Con! Gerry if You can make a Ballot w/Questions like Is CJC even qualified as a National Artist or How Many CJC Movies/Novel Sucks?? 100? 200? 300? all of the Above?
    Vic Yap Told Me that the Attendance on last Toycon(also at Megatrade) is Close to 10k on the 1st day alone so I think we can gather enough signatures for a Legal Protest??!!

  110. Dell on July 31st, 2009 9:02 am

    Tragedy brings people together.

    I have never seen such outpouring of support from the komiks people such as this. All differences with regards to the comics genres that are prevalent in the country today are set aside in our desire to celebrate CJC’s funderal.

    (Oh sorry, I should have said ‘funeral in my mind’. As far as I’m concerned CJC’s dead to me.)

    Let us celebrate the fact that the President has f@cked the very nice komiks people.

    Let us release more comics, let us write more comics, let us draw more comics, let us write about comics in the country.

    And when we do, let us write in our prefaces and introductions that CJC has nothing to do with our work. We are indebted to Alcala, Coching, and all the other great Filipino komiks creators who influenced us once in our lives to create and discuss komiks.

    These are the real heroes of komiks, who were one-upped by the system and are now being one-upped again.

    CJC touted as the ‘Komiks King’? Now National Artist?

    Pukelya! Susong Baligtad!

    Fanboys, fangirls and fangays unite! Let us make CJC and the system feel the insurmountable power of the agitated fans.

    Bastusan na to!

  111. Gerry Alanguilan on July 31st, 2009 9:12 am

    From what I’m hearing, GMA wanted a komiks artist to be a National Artist. And apparently, it was the camp of CJC who was lobbying the loudest. I know the Coching’s family have been lobbying for quite a while. The exhibits, the Coching book in 2001 were part of that campaign. The campaign continues with two new Coching books from Vibal this year. But I guess the Coching camp hasn’t been lobbying loud enough, and has not been kissing ass rabidly enough.

    It is sad that the selection of at least *SOME* of the National Artists has become a sordid and despicable process of who lobbies the loudest, rather than one of merit. I say some because several of those given the title went through due process, while some, specially GMA’s selections, did not.

  112. jim on July 31st, 2009 9:26 am

    got nothing more to contribute than this old fitting joke to lighten up the issue somewhat:

    Q: paano mo malalaman kung may BOBO sa sabungan?
    A: may nagdala ng PATO

    Q: paano mo malalaman kung may MAS BOBO sa sabungan?
    A: may PUMUSTA sa pato

    Q: paano mo malalaman kung may SINDIKATO sa sabungan?
    A: NANALO ANG PATO!

    and YES, let’s make more noise. enough noise to gain history’s attention, that our future generation would say ,” hindi lahat ay natutulog sa gabi ng ating mga ninuno.” :)

  113. Pinoy Comics USA on July 31st, 2009 9:47 am

    Gerry,
    Probably not, this time the title is Visual Arts, Film. He is a film maker no matter how bad.
    This is the trouble with Presidential Proclamation awards which don’t go through regular channels. The people recommending don’t have any idea. That’s why the National Artist award must go through proper channels, and recommended by people who are experts and knowledgeable in their fields of expertise.
    Granted, sometimes, the right person is chosen,last year’s Presidentially Proclaimed National Artist in Sculpture, Abdul-Mari Imao, the first Moro to win this award, I think is well-deserved, even if there was something political about his win. At least, he was initially nominated through the usual process, but lost out in the first round… and that is where GMA came in.
    Rod

  114. johnbecaro on July 31st, 2009 10:08 am

    Yes! Manila Comicon is a good venue to Shout Out Our United Protest againts this Disgusting Decision!

    I hope the organizers would allow us to do that , from posting tarpaulin banners to simple leaflets
    to attarct media attention that we are protesting!

  115. Addie Santos Saliva on July 31st, 2009 10:47 am

    Just Sad…Soooo Sad of the not Deteriorating but already Deteriorated mentality of the Gov’t, specially the persons involve in the selection process.. Just hope we didn’t came from the same school..

  116. the jester-in-exile on July 31st, 2009 12:37 pm

    this is another show of support, gerry.

    this issue pisses me off.

  117. frbarba on July 31st, 2009 5:42 pm

    while i sympathize with your sentiments about CJC, i dont think we should involve MCC about this protest

    MCC is (for me) a fresh new start for a komiks convention, a fun, clean and warm feeling for artists to get together, etc…

    WAG NATING BAHIRAN NG PAGMUMUKHA NI CJC UNG MAGANDANG VENUE NA ‘TO! ITS YUCKY!!!!!!

  118. makinao on July 31st, 2009 5:46 pm

    Caparas defends himself
    http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/31/09/caparas-airs-side-natl-artist-award

    Morato defends Caparas
    http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/31/09/manoling-defends-caparas’-natl-artist-award

    OK guys, OPEN FIRE!

  119. Gerry Alanguilan on July 31st, 2009 7:04 pm

    I find that 800 komiks-novels dubious. Too long have they been waving that magic number at us and now I’m seriously doubting it’s even true. Pablo Gomez, who has been writing non stop since the 50′s until TODAY, his novels haven’t reached 300 yet. I think that 800 number is complete and utter bullshit until I see a list of titles and artists involved. If they have a number, then they must have a basis for it. I want to see that basis.

    Oh yeah, I’d rather not post my reply to those news articles here. I posted on the news articles directly.

  120. frbarba on July 31st, 2009 7:10 pm

    way to go gerry! lets see how theyll respond to those valid arguments you posted…hehehe =p

  121. Mito on July 31st, 2009 10:50 pm

    what the hell, it’s not even about the quantity.
    800 shits is not equal to a single gold piece.

    so pwede pala ngayon palang gumawa na ako ng sandamakmak na pelikula para pagdating ko ng 40 pwede ko na isampal sa kanila na “Hooooy. Naka-1000 films nako. Bigyan nyo ako ng award”

    i remembered Stalin with the “a thousand lies can become a single truth” or something to that matter.

    paramihan na lang pala, let’s wait for Mother Lily to be hailed another national artist because of producing a lot of films. (no offense meant, just an analogy)

  122. Roland on August 1st, 2009 12:23 am

    800 novels nga, may kwenta naman kaya? Puros Dami walang laman. Ganyan na pala ang batayan sa pagiging National Artist ngayon.

    Brocka = Caparas? Haha. Nakakatawa. Makagawa na nga din ng pelikulang may lumilipad o may nagsasaksakan nang maging National Artist na din.

  123. Francis Lim on August 1st, 2009 8:30 am

    You tell them, Gerry! Thanks very much for taking the cudgels….you put your points across quite clearly….They’re taking the “high road”, acting all calm and Solomonic. I’m sure the game plan is to make their critics look bad. You know the old spiel….naiinggit lang mga yan…”crab mentality”….it’s all part of showbiz yadayadda..So, I think your approach which is equally calm and clinical is quite effective. I’m sure the facts that you highlighted are making some other people squirm more than Mr. Caparas, and that’s the venerable personalities that comprise the selection committee.

  124. Jun Pamintuan on August 1st, 2009 1:12 pm

    National Artist for Visual Arts? Pucha nakakahiya to. Di lang sa Pilipnas kundi sa buong mundo. Parang binaboy na lang yung title. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Gerry, hindi naman gumuguhit yun para sa stories nya, pano malalaman kung magaling nga sya mag-interpret man lang through drawing? Tapos nanalo? Hindi sya gumuguhit para sa stories nya pero ang title na binigay sa kanya ay para sa isang tao na gumuguhit. Period. Ang laking kahihiyan nyan at ang laking insulto nyan sa mga Filipino illustrators natin. Kung matino syang tao tinanggihan man lang sana nya yung title dahil hindi naman para sa kanya yun.

  125. Don on August 1st, 2009 10:28 pm

    No surprises here.

    From a country where a boxer can become an actor, an actor can become a president, a president can become a felon, a felon can become a hero… (naks, pwedeng tagline ng pelikula!)

    What do you expect?

  126. Gerry Alanguilan on August 2nd, 2009 12:30 am

    I think I’ve reached a point in my life where I have to expect the better of people. I have to have hope in people. Because if I start to lose that, if I start to expect less and less of people, I’d be condemning myself to a life of hopelessness. And that is a place I would never want myself to be in.

  127. makinao on August 2nd, 2009 4:39 pm

    Just got this txt from a CCP insider:

    “Lamay at prusisyion: F. Sionil Jose, Arturo Luz, Bienvenido Lumbera, Virgilio Almario, BenCab will lead artists and community in a necrological serviceand funeral march for the national artist awards. Friday Aug 7, 2pm at the CCP front ramp. Makiramay tayo!”

  128. Dwight Gaston on August 3rd, 2009 2:58 pm

    I’ve said what I needed to say in my fb blog. More useless fulminations will only lead to constipation AND diarrhea on my part. The practical question is: how do I curse – este, complain/protest to the NCCA?

  129. gilbert daroy on August 4th, 2009 3:58 pm

    I share your disgust for the choice Carlo j caparas as national artist. A kick in our collective faces.

  130. (21.) pambansang alagad ng singit @ kamalayan! on August 4th, 2009 11:17 pm

    [...] protesta ni Gerry Alanguilan: The puzzling thing is, CJC is NOT an illustrator. He has never drawn any of this comic book [...]

  131. makinao on August 5th, 2009 4:59 pm

    MEDIA ADVISORY
    What: Press Conference with National Artists on the 2009 National Artists Awards Fiasco
    Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009
    Time: 10:00 in the morning
    Venue: Cine Adarna Lobby
    UP Film Institute (formerly UP Film Center), UP Diliman, QC

    Program: National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera and Virgilio Almario, National Commission for Arts and Culture (NCCA) Commissioner Elmar Beltran-Ingles, Dean Rolando Tolentino of UP College of Mass Communication and Dean Elena Mirano of UP College of Arts and Letters, Dr. Ramon Santos of UP College of Music, Thirteen Artists Awardee Iggy Rodriguez, along with representatives from various art and cultural organizations Office of the Initiatives for Culture and the Arts (OICA), Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), UGATLAHI, Musicians for Peace, SinagBayan, TUDLA Productions, KARATULA, Alay Sining, etc. will express their disgust and rage upon the recent turn of events with regards to the National Artist Awards Fiasco. The PressCon will be culminated by the collective efforts of artists and cultural workers overpowering a GMA character with a pig’s snout giving National Artist Awards to seemingly random people.

  132. Ray-Ann on August 6th, 2009 2:53 am

    Sobrang nalungkot din po talaga ko nun nalaman ko na nanalo si Carlo J. Si Larry Alcala nga po hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa din ginagawang National Artist. Nakakapag taka lang dahil madami ang nag aakala na maka masa si Carlo J. Samantalang sa Ayala Alabang siya nakatira.

  133. JP Cuison on August 6th, 2009 4:52 pm

    Nagsalita na si BenCab about this.

    http://www.spot.ph/2009/07/31/spot-scoop-statement-from-bencab-on-the-national-artist-awards-brouhaha/comment-page-4/

    It’s a mockery daw. Agree! :-)

  134. A. Mercado on August 7th, 2009 9:16 am

    I’m a former citizen of the Philippines, now living in Canada, here, we have Order of Canada. One of the candidate is an abortionist and given the said award. Lots of people who received the said award returned their Order of Canada. KAPAL MUKS naman ni CJC kung hihintayin pa nya na ganito mangyari….
    Lahat na ba dyan sa PINAS Palakasan na lang???

  135. Lynette on August 7th, 2009 9:52 pm

    The idea of Carlo J. Caparas as a national artist is almost, but not quite, as horrible as his movies.

    I see a freaky movie title too:

    “Ako Ang Nagwagi: The Carlo J. Caparas Story
    (Why God, Why?!)”

  136. lily on August 14th, 2009 2:34 am

    i happen to like cjc and i think he deserves his new title. maybe it’s high time the old fogeys get a clue as to what’s relevant nowadays. get over it.

  137. M. Miranda on August 16th, 2009 7:47 pm

    Even Jesus Christ was criticized because of his boldness to save mankind from sins, -Donna Villa

    Did she just compare CJC to Jesus?

    In any case, if it was proven that he took credit (even once, if recorded) for the illustrations, that could count for as basis for plagiarism. Of course they can contest that it’s just an opinion or whatever, but if it was published one way or another, it could be used for a legal case.

  138. Gerry Alanguilan on August 16th, 2009 8:00 pm

    Hello Mara… yes, if you go to my post “Carlo Caparas Stamps” located here:
    http://gerry.alanguilan.com/archives/1715
    Or you can just click here:
    http://gerry.alanguilan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/caparasstamp.jpg
    You will see that the stamps were credited as “Komiks Illustrations by Carlo J. Caparas” when in fact they were drawn by Karl Comendador.

  139. M. Miranda on August 17th, 2009 3:28 pm

    Hello po Sir Gerry, I’m not Mara, I’m her brother, Marscel.

    In any case, I have to correct that it can be a Libel case, since there is claim that the work was considered as “Illustrations by Carlo J. Caparas” and was published accordingly, by the Post Office no less.