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Carlo J. Caparas

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Carlo J. Caparas
[1]
Born
Carlo Magno Jose Caparas

(1943-03-12)March 12, 1943
DiedMay 24, 2024(2024-05-24) (aged 81)
Occupation(s)Comic strip creator and writer
Film director
Film producer
Screenwriter
Spouse
Donna Villa
(died 2017)
Children2

Carlo Magno Jose Caparas (March 12, 1943 – May 24, 2024) was a Filipino comic strip creator and writer-turned film director and producer. He is best known for creating such Filipino superheroes and comic book characters as Panday, Bakekang, Totoy Bato, Joaquin Bordado, Kamagong, Kamandag, Elias Paniki, Tasya Fantasya, and Gagambino among others. He was also known as the writer-director of numerous sensationalist "massacre" films such as The Myrna Diones Story, The Maggie dela Riva Story and Lipa "Arandia" Massacre.

Early life

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One of the nine children of a laundrywoman and an unemployed father, Caparas took numerous jobs to support his family, as well as his secondary schooling, including a water carrier, boatman, construction laborer, and factory worker. However, Caparas later dropped out of school. He was also an avid lover of books.[2]

At age 19, Caparas became a security guard at the Carmelo and Bauerman Publishing, a local publishing company in Makati, working mainly from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.;[2][3] he continued there his reading habit within "[a thousand] nights."[2] One day, he was hit by a stray bullet during a company strike, forcing him to take a rest.[2]

It was in his youth when he started to be devoted to arts. He used to draw comic strips to express his anger towards what he said were his oppressors.[3]

Career

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Comics

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His recovery following his shooting gave him more opportunity for reading, eventually discovering his storytelling skills. He had his first comic story, Citadel, serialized in Superstar.[2]

At age 22, a passerby noticed in his notebook a full romance comic novella which he completed, Ako'y Nagmamahal Sayo, I Am Your Beloved. It became his first published work.[3]

Caparas was known for his contribution to the country's pop culture, especially during the heyday of comics from the 1960s to the 1980s.[2] He wrote over 800 novels and short stories for comics,[4][5] some of them later had film and television adaptations;[5] the reason he was called the "King of Pinoy komiks".[6] Caparas decided to stop such career in 1987 to concentrate on his family,[2] while seeing that scriptwriting was more profitable than the slow illustrating process.[3]

In 2007, in efforts to revive the comics industry, Caparas led writers and illustrators of works which were later published in newly-launched titles;[6] and proposed activities sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.[7][6] These culminated with the unveiling of his five new komiks in a ceremony, led by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, at the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila in July.[5] Later that year, Caparas began to write a so-called "diario novela"—the first of its kind—for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, entitled To Have and to Hold.[4]

Film

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Caparas began his film career in the 1980s[3] as a film director.[8] He headed Golden Lion Films International along with his wife and film producer, Donna Villa,[8] who helped him draft film titles.[3] Such films with long titles were based on true stories of outlaws and crimes, one example was Wilson Sorronda: Leader Kuratong Baleleng Solid Group in 1995. Some of his works notoriously called "massacre films" (which included films narrating the Vizconde massacre case and the stories of Lilian Velez and Myrna Diones)[8] were made within seven days in the mid-1990s to reach viewers, hence the so-called "pito-pito" style. For this reason, his works were criticized by his fellow filmmakers. Some of his films became entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival, producing box office earnings and award nominations.[3]

In early January 1989, Caparas began producing a film about the Camp Cawa-Cawa siege at the same time as it was occurring,[9] eventually finishing the film within two months and releasing it under the title Arrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacre on March 8.[10]

In February 2001, Caparas began plans to produce a film about EDSA II;[11] it eventually became the 2003 biographical film Chavit, about politician Chavit Singson. In May 2003, he offered to produce a biographical film for then-chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Bayani Fernando,[12] though on July 31, Fernando revealed to reporters that he declined any offer for a film adaptation of his life due to election laws preventing any campaigns from being held before the campaign period for the 2004 Philippine presidential election began in December 2003.[13]

Overall, Caparas wrote at least a hundred screenplays, many of which he directed.[4]

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A civil case was filed in December 1988 against Caparas and Villa by Amy Austria, who portrayed the lead role in the biographical film Celestina Sanchez: Bubbles (Enforcer: Ativan Gang) where Caparas was the director and Villa was the producer. The film, produced by the Golden Lion Films, was supposed to be finished within almost two weeks but due to delays, its was only screened for that year's MMFF a week later than the original schedule. Caparas hired professional dubbers to dub the actress' voice in some of the scenes, and continued despite the complaint. In 1990, the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 60 dismissed the complaint; the decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeals in 1995.[14]

Later life and death

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Caparas and his wife, Donna Villa, had two children—son CJ and daughter Peach. Villa died of cancer in 2017, at the age of 62.[8]

In 2018, Caparas went on to direct films with his daughter, and sole protege by blood, Ysabelle Peach. [15]

Caparas died on May 24, 2024, at the age of 81.[16]

Legacy

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In 2019, Black Ops Studio was slated to execute the Viva x Caparas tandem of all the late writer's major superheroes. However, this was also stalled due to the pandemic. His protege, Ysabelle Peach, will determine the future of all Caparas titles left with Viva Entertainment in 2011 following the creator's death. [17]

In 2008, the Bureau of Posts issued two stamps, both featuring him with the one with comic character Gagambino. Meanwhile, Caparas was the first artist to have a street, situated in Pasig, named in his honor.[18]

Proclamation as National Artist of the Philippines and controversy

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In July 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo named Caparas as one of seven National Artist of the Philippines proclaimed for that year, under the new category of "Visual Arts and Film."[19]

The title National Artist of the Philippines is given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Such Filipinos are pronounced by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation to be National Artists, having been conferred membership in the Order of National Artists. Aside from the prestige associated with the proclamation, benefits they enjoy from then on include a monthly pension, medical and life insurance, arrangements for a state funeral, a place of honor at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events.[20]

This led to controversy, however, when the nominating committee for the award, composed of representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), revealed that Caparas and three other individuals that year had not originally been recommended by the committee for proclamation to the Order of National Artist, and had instead been proclaimed when Macapagal-Arroyo exercised her "presidential prerogative."[20][21] A number of artists, including a number of previously proclaimed National Artists,[22][23] protested. Protests specifically raised about the declaration of Caparas, and of NCCA executive director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, who heads the NCAA secretariat that receives nominations for national artists, was that he was supposed to be disqualified from being considered for the honor as per the National Artist guidelines.[20][21]

Complaints regarding Caparas' proclamation centered on the complaints that he did not illustrate the comic books he wrote and was therefore not qualified for the honor under visual arts,[21][24] and the assertion of protesting artists that his work in the category of Film is supposedly "sub-par", consisting largely of exploitation films such as "massacre films" whose focus was sensational crimes, and his rushed pito-pito films.[21][22][25][26]

National Artist for literature Bienvenido Lumbera who is chairman of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines and a member of the combined "final selection committee" of the NCAA and CCP, remarked that Caparas’ nomination was twice rejected by two NCAA panels, first as a nominee for literature and later for visual artist.[20] Film Academy of the Philippines director general Leo Martinez noted that "He was obviously added by Malacañang."[20][27] Caparas was then known as a vocal supporter of then President Arroyo.[25]

Petitions and blog posts also proliferated against Caparas following his National Artist Recognition.[28] Lourd de Veyra, frontman for the band Radioactive Sago Project, also satirized Caparas, and compared his work to fecal matter in a blog post about a sign that said "Bawal Tumae Dito."[29]

The Arroyo administration defended its choices of individuals to be named to the Order of National Artists and said the administration would "stand by the qualifications, qualities, track record and reputation of those named as National Artists".[25]" Caparas also defended his proclamation, saying that other aspirants to the honor ought to wait their turn.[30] He also urged people in the entertainment sector to "unite and work together to revive the ailing movie and komiks industry."[30] He attributed his win to the fact that he managed to cross over from comic books to film and television, and saying that his triumph was significant because he was a National Artist who came from the working class.[21]

On July 16, 2013, the Supreme Court nullified the proclamation of Caparas and three others as National Artists[31] on the ground that the "preferential treatment" given to them by Arroyo violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution. The Supreme Court observed a "manifest disregard" of the rules, guidelines and processes of the NCCA and the CCP when Arroyo considered names that were not screened and recommended by the boards of the two entities.[32] It decreed:

While the Court invalidates today the proclamation of respondents Guidote-Alvarez, Caparas, Mañosa and Moreno as National Artists, such action should not be taken as a pronouncement on whether they are worthy to be conferred that honor. Only the President, upon the advise [sic] of the NCCA and the CCP Boards, may determine that. The Court simply declares that, as the former President committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing Proclamation Nos. 1826 to 1829 dated July 6, 2009, the said proclamations are invalid. However, nothing in this Decision should be read as a disqualification on the part of respondents Guidote-Alvarez, Caparas, Mañosa and Moreno to be considered for the honor of National Artist in the future, subject to compliance with the laws, rules and regulations governing said award.

— Supreme Court En Banc through Associate Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro[32]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Credited as Notes
Director Writer
1973 Contessa No story
1975 Sa Ngalan ng Ama, at ng Anak... No story
1976 Divino (The Blessed Man) No Yes
1977 Totoy Bato No story
1978 Bakekang No story
Ang Huling Lalaki ng Baluarte No story
1979 Mong Yes Yes Directed with Artemio Marquez
Durugin si Totoy Bato No story
1980 Kung Tawagin Siya'y... Bathala Yes Yes
Target: Kanang Kamay ni Nardo Yes Directed with Artemio Marquez
Andres de Saya No story
Angela Markado No story
Ang Panday No story
1981 Ermitaño Yes
Ang Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang Yes Yes
Hari ng Stunt Yes Yes
Ang Maestro No story
Kahit Ako'y Lupa No story
Pagbabalik ng Panday No story
Indio Yes Yes
1982 Alyas Palos II No Yes
Andres de Saya: Mabagsik Na Daw! No story
Ang Panday: Ikatlong Yugto No story
1983 Utol Yes Yes
Pieta: The Movie Yes Yes
Dugong Buhay Yes Yes
Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan No story
1984 Pieta: Ikalawang Aklat Yes Yes
Somewhere No story
Daang Hari No story
Sampung Ahas ni Eva Yes Yes
Ang Panday IV: Ika-Apat Na Aklat No story
1985 Sa Dibdib ng Sierra Madre Yes Yes
Jandro Nakpil: Halang ang Kaluluwa Yes
S.W.A.K.: Samahang Walang Atrasan sa Kalaban Yes Directed with Dik Trofeo
God... Save Me! Yes story
1986 Anomalya ni Andres de Saya: Part III Yes Yes
Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa! No story
1987 Kamagong Yes Yes
Anak ng Lupa No story
Mga Lahing Pikutin Yes Yes
1988 Knock Knock, Who's There? Yes Yes
Joaquin Burdado Yes Yes
Kambal Na Kamao: Madugong Engkwentro Yes Yes
Sandakot Na Bala No story
Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Yes Yes
1989 Arrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacre Yes Yes
Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Elias Paniki Yes Yes
1990 Ayaw Matulog ng Gabi Yes Yes
1993 The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us! Yes Yes
The Myrna Diones Story: Lord, Have Mercy! Yes Yes
Humanda Ka Mayor!: Bahala Na ang Diyos Yes Yes
1994 The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre – Jesus Save Us! Yes Yes
The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? Yes Yes
Lipa "Arandia" Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil Yes Yes
The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II – May the Lord Be with Us! Yes Yes
The Annabelle Huggins Story, Ruben Ablaza Tragedy: Mea Culpa Yes Yes
1995 The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part Yes Yes
Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) – A Massacre in Singapore Yes Yes
Wilson Sorronda: Leader – Kuratong Baleleng's Solid Group Yes Yes
The Marita Gonzaga Rape-Slay: In God We Trust! Yes Yes
Salamat sa Lotto: Linggo-Linggo, Doble-Pasko! Yes Yes
1996 Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Yes
1997 Ilaban Mo, Bayan Ko (The Obet Pagdanganan Story) Yes Yes
1998 Hiwaga ng Panday Yes Yes
2003 The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files Yes Yes
Chavit Yes Yes
2009 Ang Panday No story
2015 Angela Markado Yes Yes
2017 Kamandag ng Droga Yes

Television

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Awards

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In February 2007, during the National Arts Month,[5] Caparas, along with four (posthumous) "legends of Philippine komiks", was among the seven individuals who were given Presidential Medals of Merit by President Arroyo at the Malacañang Palace.[34]

Caparas was awarded the 2008 Sagisag Balagtas Award.[35]

List of accolades

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Year Award-giving body Category Nominated work Result
1980 FAMAS Awards[36] Best Story Durugin si Totoy Bato Won
1984 Film Academy of the Philippines Awards[37] Best Director Pieta Nominated
1985 FAMAS Awards[36] Best Story Somewhere Won
1988 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Story Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Won
Best Screenplay Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Won
1989 Film Academy of the Philippines Awards Best Director[37] Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Won
FAMAS Awards Best Director[36] Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang Nominated
Best Story Sandakot Na Bala Won
1995 FAMAS Awards[36] Best Director Lipa "Arandia" Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil Won
1999 FAMAS Awards[36] Best Director Hiwaga ng Panday Nominated
Best Story Hiwaga ng Panday Nominated
2016 FAMAS Awards[38] Best Director Angela Markado Nominated
Best Screenplay Angela Markado Nominated
Best Story Angela Markado Nominated

References

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  1. ^ https://www.lloydluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/ent1.jpg}}
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Carlo J. Caparas and his komiks kingdom". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 1, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Fantauzzo, Laurel (2017). The First Impulse. Mandaluyong: Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-621-420-144-0. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ a b c Tejero, Constantino (September 2, 2007). "'Komiks' by Caparas returns big-time". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. A1, A8. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ a b c d "President GMA unveils five new komiks carrying initials of Carlo J. Caparas". Philippine Entertainment Portal. August 3, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Concepcion, Pocholo (July 29, 2007). "Alive and in color". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. F1–F2. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Palumbarit, Oliver (June 25, 2007). "Rediscovering the 'komiks' wellspring". Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. F3. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ a b c d "Movie producer Donna Villa dies". Rappler. January 17, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  9. ^ "'We can't stop filming of 'Alih-Batalla' movie' – Morato". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. PNA. January 28, 1989. p. 15. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  10. ^ "Grand Opening Today". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications Inc. March 8, 1989. p. 25. Retrieved June 21, 2020. Their Encounter Was a Crossroad... a Tragic Destiny ...One Man Met His Dead End... The Other... His Death!
  11. ^ Salterio, Leah (February 28, 2001). "Caparas' choice: show biz over politics". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A29. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  12. ^ Mocon, Claudeth (May 12, 2003). "MMDA's Fernando gets movie offer". Today.
  13. ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (August 3, 2003). "BF says no to biofilm". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. C1. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  14. ^ "Supplement to the Official Gazette (vol. 95, no. 10)". Government of the Philippines. March 8, 1999. pp. 104–109. Retrieved May 26, 2024 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/22076/direk-carlo-j-caparas-pumayag-maging-assistant-director-ng-anak?s=5vlb59b3siqrval0o1glfq6rkb He produced his last film in 2019. Due to the pandemic his last film is yet to be released. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/entertainment/jacqueline-comes-home-premieres-in-cebu}}
  16. ^ Tunac, Hermes Joy (May 26, 2024). "Veteran director, comic strip creator Carlo J. Caparas passes away". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  17. ^ https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/05/30/2358940/stripped-his-national-artist-award-carlo-caparas-leaves-enduring-legacy}}
  18. ^ Lo, Ricky (October 27, 2008). "Funfare Update: Caparas on stamps". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  19. ^ TJ Burgonio (July 29, 2009). "Arroyo names 7 National Artists for '09". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 1, 2009.
  20. ^ a b c d e Annie Ruth C. Sabangan (August 1, 2009). "Fury over Arroyo's choice of national artists". GMANews.tv: The Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs.
  21. ^ a b c d e Kristine L. Alave, Bayani San Diego Jr (August 1, 2009). "Palace choices of 4 nat'l artists protested". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 4, 2009.
  22. ^ a b Bong Godinez (2009). "Artists to stage protest against PGMA's appointed National Artist awardees". pep.com. Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  23. ^ "Statement from BenCab on the National Artist Brouhaha". SPOT.PH: The Feed. SPOT.PH. Archived from the original on August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  24. ^ Gerry Alanguilan (2009). "Bottom Line: Carlo J. Caparas is NOT Qualified". Komikero Comics Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  25. ^ a b c GMA News TV (2009). "Palace defends Carlo J's inclusion in National Artist award". GMA News and Public Affairs. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  26. ^ Lourd Ernest de Veyra (2009). "Carlo J. All the Way". www.spot.ph. Archived from the original on August 5, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  27. ^ Leo Martinez (2009). ""National Artist Award a Joke," says Leo Martinez, Film Academy Head". SPOT.PH: The Feed. SPOT.PH. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  28. ^ King del Rosario (2009). "Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist?". wagnalang.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2009. Retrieved September 11, 2009.
  29. ^ Lourd de Veyra (2009). "Meditations On A Sign". www.spot.ph. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
  30. ^ a b Boy Villasanta (2009). "Caparas airs side on Nat'l Artist Award". ABS-CBN News Online. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  31. ^ "SC: Caparas, Pitoy, Guidote, Mañosa not national artists". philstar.com.
  32. ^ a b "Almario v. The Executive Secretary". Supreme Court E-Library.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  33. ^ Defensor-Santiago, Senator Miriam (March 2, 1999). "Miriam refutes Caparas contention". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 15. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  34. ^ DeMott, Rick (March 5, 2007). "Philippines Honors Filipino Animation Pioneers". Animation World Network. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  35. ^ "Protected Blog › Log in". komiklopedia.wordpress.com.
  36. ^ a b c d e "Carlo J. Caparas and Judy Ann Santos lead FAMAS nominees". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. March 17, 1999. p. 24. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Battle for best picture, director". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications Inc. April 3, 1989. p. 20. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  38. ^ Rappler.com (December 4, 2016). "FULL LIST: Winners, FAMAS Awards 2016". Rappler. Manila, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
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