'A great, creative mind': Local celebrities pay tribute to late director, comic strip creator Carlo J. Caparas
Local celebrities and personalities mourned the death of Carlo J. Caparas, a renowned Filipino comic strip creator, director, and producer who passed away aged 80.
His daughter, Peach Caparas, confirmed his passing on social media late Saturday, May 25. The cause of his death was not specified.
Members of the entertainment industry, including those who made his comic characters alive, shared heartfelt posts to pay tribute to Caparas.
Sharing GMA Pinoy TV's Facebook post about the late director, Senator Robin Padilla took the time to look back on the projects they worked on together. The actor and politician was among the cast of Caparas' 1989 action-drama film Arrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacre and hit telefantaserye, Joaquin Bordado. "Pagpupugay po sa maestro ng barakong proyekto," he wrote.
Former senator Lito Lapid, who portrayed Manuel in Caparas' 1987 action film Kamagong and starred in Alakdang Gubat, paid tribute to him in a social media post. "Mahal ka namin. Paalam, Direk Carlo," he wrote.
Former senator Bong Revilla Jr. also penned a heartfelt message for Caparas as he expressed his grief over the latter's death.
"Isang malungkot at madamdaming pamamaalam sa isang taong aking tinitingala at itinuturing na mentor—Direk Carlo J. Caparas—sa kanyang pagpanaw," he began his post.
Noting that Caparas was a huge part of his entertainment career, he said, "Hindi ako magiging isang Bong Revilla kung wala ka."
"We have all lost a great creative mind," he continued.
Vivian Velez said she's grateful and honored to have been one of the actresses who turned Caparas' work into reality. She portrayed Proserpina in the 1981 film Ang Babaing Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang and Martha in the 1983 movie, Pieta, with Ace Vergel and Charito Solis.
"Your artistic legacy will endure, cherished and remembered. Rest in peace, #CarloJCaparas," she added.
Caparas' wake will take place on Monday, May 27, from 12 p.m. to midnight at the Golden Haven Memorial Chapels and Crematorium in Las Piñas City. "Flowers are welcome to be received as early as tomorrow, May 26," according to his daughter.
Known as the "Komiks King" in the country, Caparas popularized Pinoy superheroes and comic book characters during his years-long career in Philippine entertainment. He was also famous for his work in hit massacre films.
In 2008, Caparas received the Sagisag Balagtas Award from the Pambansang Samahan ng Mga Tagamasid at Tagataguyod ng Filipino (PASATAF) during its 52nd-anniversary celebration at Teacher's Camp. He was cited as one of the "individuals who contributed in enriching the national language."