Veteran director Carlo J. Caparas passes away at 80

Carlo J. Caparas, a renowned Filipino comic strip creator, director, and producer has died. He was 80. 

His daughter Peach Caparas announced his death in a Facebook post late Saturday, May 25 by writing an ode to her late father titled Sa Bawat Tipa ng Makinilya. She mentioned some of the works he was known for, including Panday, Pieta, Elias Paniki, Bakekang, and Totoy Bato. 

"Sa larangan ng komiks siya ang naghari, naging bahagi ng kultura, naging yaman ng lahi / Umabot sa lona ng pinilakang tabing, hinangaan, pinalakpakan ng bayang magiting / Subalit buhay ay sadyang may wakas / 'Pack up na Direk.' Oras na ng uwian," it read.

"Hayaang kasaysayan ang humusga sa iyong mga obra / Salamat Direk Carlo J. sa mga dibuho at istorya / Mga istoryang nabuo sa bawat tipa ng iyong makinilya," it added.

In the caption of her post, she also wrote: "Dad, you will forever be loved, cherished, and honored… by all of us."

The 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," Peach added.

Known as the "Komiks King" in the country, Caparas popularized Pinoy superheroes and comic book characters such as Panday, Bakekang, Totoy Bato, Joaquin Bordado, Kamagong, Kamandag, Elias Paniki, Tasya Fantasya, Gagambino, Pieta, and Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, among others. 

He was also famous for his work in hit massacre films, including Kuratong Baleleng and The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files.

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."