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Carlo Magno Jose Caparas(March 12, 1943 – May 24, 2024) was a Filipinocomic stripcreator and writer-turnedfilm directorandproducer.He is best known for creating such Filipino superheroes andcomic bookcharacters asPanday,Bakekang,Totoy Bato,Joaquin Bordado,Kamagong,Kamandag,Elias Paniki,Tasya Fantasya,andGagambinoamong others. He was also known as the writer-director of numerous sensationalist "massacre" films such asThe Myrna Diones Story,The Maggie dela Riva StoryandLipa "Arandia" Massacre.
Carlo J. Caparas | |
|---|---|
| [1] | |
| Born | Carlo Magno Jose Caparas March 12, 1943 |
| Died | May 24, 2024(aged 81) |
| Occupation(s) | Comic stripcreator and writer Film director Film producer Screenwriter |
| Spouse |
Donna Villa (died 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
editOne of the nine children of alaundrywomanand an unemployed father, Caparas took numerous jobs to support his family, as well as hissecondary schooling,including a water carrier, boatman, construction laborer, and factory worker. However, Caparas laterdropped out of school.He was also an avidlover of books.[2]
At age 19, Caparas became asecurity guardat the Carmelo and Bauerman Publishing, a local publishing company inMakati,working mainlyfrom 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 astray bulletduring a company strike, forcing him to take a rest.[2]
It was in his youth when he started to be devotedto arts.He used to drawcomic stripsto express his anger towards what he said were his oppressors.[3]
Career
editComics
editHis recovery following his shooting gave him more opportunity for reading, eventually discovering hisstorytellingskills. He had his first comic story,Citadel,serialized inSuperstar.[2]
At age 22, a passerby noticed in his notebook a fullromance comicnovellawhich 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'spop culture,especially duringthe heyday of comicsfrom the 1960s to the 1980s.[2]He wrote over 800 novels and short stories forcomics,[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 thatscriptwritingwas more profitable than the slowillustrating 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 theNational Commission for Culture and the Arts.[7][6]These culminated with the unveiling of his five newkomiksin a ceremony, led byPresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo,at the NCCA Building inIntramuros,Manilain July.[5]Later that year, Caparas began to write a so-called"diario novela"—the first of its kind—for thePhilippine Daily Inquirer,entitledTo Have and to Hold.[4]
Film
editCaparas began his film career in the 1980s[3]as afilm director.[8]He headed Golden Lion Films International along with his wife andfilm 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 wasWilson Sorronda: LeaderKuratong BalelengSolid Groupin 1995. Some of his works notoriously called "massacre films" (which included films narrating theVizconde massacrecase and the stories ofLilian Velezand 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 theMetro Manila Film Festival,producingbox officeearnings and award nominations.[3]
In early January 1989, Caparas began producing a film about theCamp Cawa-Cawa siegeat the same time as it was occurring,[9]eventually finishing the film within two months and releasing it under the titleArrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacreon March 8.[10]
In February 2001, Caparas began plans to produce a film aboutEDSA II;[11]it eventually became the 2003 biographical filmChavit,about politicianChavit Singson.In May 2003, he offered to produce a biographical film for then-chairman ofMetropolitan Manila Development AuthorityBayani 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 the2004 Philippine presidential electionbegan in December 2003.[13]
Overall, Caparas wrote at least a hundredscreenplays,many of which he directed.[4]
Legal issues
editA civil case was filed in December 1988 against Caparas and Villa byAmy Austria,who portrayed the lead role in thebiographical filmCelestina 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 forthat year's MMFFa 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 MakatiRegional Trial CourtBranch 60 dismissed the complaint; the decision was affirmed by theCourt of Appealsin 1995.[14]
Later life and death
editCaparas and his wife, Donna Villa, had two children—son CJ and daughter Peach. Villa died ofcancerin 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
editIn 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, theBureau of Postsissued two stamps, both featuring him with the one with comic characterGagambino.Meanwhile, Caparas was the first artist to have a street, situated inPasig,named in his honor.[18]
Proclamation as National Artist of the Philippines and controversy
editIn July 2009, PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyonamed Caparas as one of sevenNational Artist of the Philippinesproclaimed for that year, under the new category of "Visual Arts and Film."[19]
The titleNational Artist of the Philippinesis 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 beNational 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 theNational Commission for Culture and the Arts(NCCA) and theCultural 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 directorCecile 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 ofexploitation filmssuch as "massacre films" whose focus was sensational crimes, and his rushedpito-pitofilms.[21][22][25][26]
National Artist for literatureBienvenido Lumberawho 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 Philippinesdirector generalLeo Martineznoted 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, theSupreme Courtnullified 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 theConstitution.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 JusticeTeresita J. Leonardo-de Castro[32]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| 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 withDik 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
edit- Ang Panday(1986) - RPN
- Pangarap Kong Jackpot(1995-1998, 2010) - PTV/NBN[33]
- Panday(2005) - ABS-CBN
- Bakekang(2006) - GMA Network
- Carlo J. Caparas' Kamandag(2007–08)
- Carlo J. Caparas' Joaquin Bordado(2008)
- Carlo J. Caparas' Tasya Fantasya(2008)
- Gagambino(2008) - GMA Network
- Pieta(2008–09)
- Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang(2009) - GMA Network
- Totoy Bato(2009) - GMA Network
- Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon RevillaPresents Carlo J. Caparas'Elias Paniki(2010)
- Dugong Buhay(2013) - ABS-CBN
Awards
editIn February 2007, during the National Arts Month,[5]Caparas, along with four (posthumous) "legends of Philippine komiks", was among the seven individuals who were givenPresidential Medals of Meritby President Arroyo at theMalacañang Palace.[34]
Caparas was awarded the 2008 Sagisag Balagtas Award.[35]
List of accolades
edit| 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
edit- ^https:// lloydluna /wp-content/uploads/2009/08/ent1.jpg}}
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Their Encounter Was a Crossroad... a Tragic Destiny...One Man Met His Dead End... The Other... His Death!
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