Carlo J. Caparas, an esteemed comic strip creator and film director known for his iconic comic book series and films, passed away on May 25. He was 80.
While the cause of his death was not revealed to the public, it was confirmed by his daughter, Ysabelle Peach Caparas, through a Facebook post along with an ode dedicated to him titled ‘Sa Bawat Tipa ng Makinilya.’
“Dad, you will forever be loved, cherished, and honored… by all of us,” said Peach in her post.
Carlo J. was one of the influential figures in Philippine pop culture with his comic book characters such as ‘Ang Panday,’ ‘Bakekang,’ ‘Totoy Bato,’ ‘Joaquin Bordado,’ ‘Kamandag,’ ‘Elias Paniki,’ ‘Tasya Fantasya,’ and ‘Gagambino,’ whose stories had been adapted into local television drama series and full-length films, often with the same name.
The comic strip creator had also directed several films such as ‘Mong (1979),’ ‘Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang (1981),’ ‘Pieta, Ikalawang Aklat (1983),’ ‘Utol (1983),’ ‘Jandro Nakpil: Halang ang Kaluluwa (1985),’ ‘Kamagong (1987),’ ‘Wilson Sorronda: Leader Kuratong Baleleng’s Solid Group (1995),’ and many others.
Urged by his late wife, movie producer Donna Caparas, Carlo J. directed and wrote ‘Kamandag ng Droga (2017),’ which was the last film he ever made. It explored the lives of four teenagers who were affected by illegal drugs.
Carlo J. is survived by his children C.J. Caparas and Ysabelle Peach.