Carlo J. Caparas, a seasoned filmmaker and comic strip writer best recognized for giving life to enduring Filipino superheroes and comic book characters, passed away, his family revealed on May 25. He was 80 years old.
A Daughter’s Ode To Her Father
His daughter, Peach Caparas, revealed his death on Facebook late Saturday with an ode to her late father titled Sa Bawat Tipa ng Makinilya.
She cited some of his notable works, such as 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 (In the field of comics he reigned, became part of the culture, became the treasure of the race. Reached the canvas of the silver screen, admired, applauded by this brave nation),” Peach wrote.
“Subalit buhay ay sadyang may wakas… ‘Pack up na Direk’. Oras na ng uwian (But life has an end... 'It’s pack up time, Director'. It's time to go home),” she went on.
She added, "Dad, you will forever be loved, cherished, and honored... by all of us," in the caption.
Having Lived A Colorful Life
Caparas, who is referred to as the nation’s "Komiks King", made comic book characters and Pinoy superheroes like Totoy Bato, Panday, Bakekang, Elias Paniki, Pieta, Gagambino, and Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang prominent.
When the Pambansang Samahan ng Mga Tagamasid at Tagataguyod ng Filipino (PASATAF) celebrated its 52nd anniversary at Teacher's Camp in 2008, Caparas was given the Sagisag Balagtas Award, citing him as one of the "individuals who contributed in enriching the national language."
Chavit, Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, and Kamagong are only a few of the films he has written and directed.
