Award-winning artist Robert Alejandro passes away
Award-winning graphic artist Roberto Alejandro, the son of Papelmelroti founder Socorro Alviola Alejandro, has passed away
The announcement was made on Papemelroti's social media pages, where they stated that he died on Nov. 5 for undisclosed reasons. Alejandro had been battling colon cancer since 2016.
"Although the sorrow is great, we also want to celebrate his life, the many wonderful accomplishments and causes he championed unselfishly," the local brand stated.
Alejandro was described as a "beloved brother, uncle, and friend" and "was a vibrant, passionate spirit whose creativity, generosity, and warmth endure in the countless lives he has touched."
"As a co-founder of Papemelroti, his visionary spirit helped shape our brand into what it is today, bringing joy and inspiration to many," they highlighted.
Born in 1963, Alejandro found his passion for the arts at a very young age and has since dedicated his life to designing, illustrating, and creating all sorts of inventive pieces, from clay figurines to paintings.
His love for art eventually led him to take up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. He then became a teacher there and mentored many budding artists.
Alejandro's artistic career began to pick up when he became one of the founders of Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan—the Philippines’ first and only organization of artists committed to the creation and promotion of illustration for children.
Apart from illustrating books and editorials, he also tried his hand at all sorts of endeavors, including branding, advertising, outdoor displays, package and product design, visual merchandising, art installation, travel illustration, environmental graphics, and space design.
According to Papemelroti, Alejandro designed and did art "from as small as a postage stamp to murals, graphics, and environmental designs for a theme park and gigantic malls and almost everything in between."
Alejandro took his passion further by conducting workshops in the Philippines and abroad, encouraging many budding artists to pursue their creativity and express themselves in their fields of expertise.
Another significant milestone of his was hosting his own TV show titled Art-isKool, where he taught how "art is for everyone and one need not have expensive art materials to be an artist."
"Through the art he has created with Papemelroti and renowned projects he was a part of, he will be far from forgotten," the brand highlighted.
Papemelroti is a family-run company that has been producing original, eco-friendly gifts, stationery, and home decorations since 1967.
Aside from this, Alejandro has also worked as a volunteer designer for a number of significant organizations, including PAWS, Angat Buhay, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, ATD Fourth World Philippines, UNICEF, World Vision, and Habitat for Humanity.
On their Facebook page, Angat Buhay penned a touching tribute for the deceased artist, calling him a "cherished member" of the organization founded by former vice president Leni Robredo.
"Robert’s boundless creativity and selfless spirit were at the heart of everything he did. As a volunteer designer for Atty. Leni Robredo’s campaign and the Museo ng Pag-Asa, he embodied true service, using his art to inspire hope and courage," Angat Buhay stated.
"His generosity knew no bounds, as demonstrated during the pandemic when he offered free online art workshops, bringing joy to countless children. Robert’s dedication to Angat Buhay’s mission and the communities he touched will remain an enduring legacy," they added.
