MUKATMAN Blog

  I was invited to conduct a comic strip-making workshop for the students of the National University Manila, College of Education, Arts, and Sciences on February 2, 2023. I would like to express my gratitude to the Comm Pendium for making this event possible. I hope the students learned something, and that this experience inspires some of them to create their own comics. Accompanying me to speak with the students was Mr. Ian Velasquez, the grandnephew of the Father of Philippine Comics. He discussed the brief history of comics in the Philippines and the legacy of Mr. Tony Velasquez's characters in Philippine culture.

At the 20th Gawad Tanglaw Awards, a momentous occasion unfolded as they paid tribute to none other than the illustrious creator of Kenkoy, Mr. Antonio "Tony" Velasquez. Fondly regarded as the father of Philippine Comics, Mr. Velasquez was honored for his exceptional contributions to Filipino illustration and his enduring legacy in Philippine Arts and Culture. Representing this iconic figure and receiving the prestigious award on his behalf was Mr. Ian Velasquez, his great-grandnephew, and the current custodian of the beloved Velasquez Komiks Characters. This remarkable event took place on October 7, 2023, at the Manuel L. Quezon University Hall in Quezon City. It served as a fitting tribute to the indelible mark left by Mr. Tony Velasquez on the world of Philippine comics and artistry.