FOR NATIONAL HERITAGE MONTH: PH Post Office launches National Artist Larry Alcala’s Slice of Life Stamps
To mark the celebration of National Heritage Month (NHM), the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) will issue a commemorative stamp honoring cartoonist and National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala featuring his well-known illustration “Slice of Life” cartoon series. “His comic strips gave us a glimpse of Filipino lives in the wittiest and meaningful way.
By Staff Writer
To mark the celebration of National Heritage Month (NHM), the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) will issue a commemorative stamp honoring cartoonist and National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala featuring his well-known illustration “Slice of Life” cartoon series.
“His comic strips gave us a glimpse of Filipino lives in the wittiest and meaningful way. His comics became known for giving its readers the task of finding Mr. Alcala’s face hidden in his illustrations”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.
In 1988, the “Slice of Life” cartoon series received the Best in Humor Award and was cited for helping to keep alive the Filipino’s ability to laugh at themselves in the midst of adversities, through a combination of art and humor.
His commentaries that are both critical and compassionate, evoked laughter and reflection in the everyday life of Filipinos. Alcala’s art embodied Philippine culture, tradition, heritage and serious social issues in the most captivating and relatable way.
“Tinulungan po tayo ni Mr. Alcala na mas mapansin at maintindihan ang mahahalagang aspeto ng buhay Pilipino”, Fulgencio said during the launching ceremony attended by representatives from the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI).
“Slice of Life” can be considered as his most popular cartoon series and he has generously shared so many more of his creations to the Filipinos. His 1947 “Kalabog En Bosyo” is the longest running serial ever by any Filipino cartoonist which was adapted into the silver screen twice by no less than Filipino comedians Dolphy and Panchito.
“Sigurado po ako na marami po sa atin ang hindi makakalimot sa kanyang classic comic strips na “Gorio and His Jeepney”, “Asyong Aksaya” , “Siopaw-man” and the modern classic, “Kikomachine” at marami pang iba. In December 2003, the Post Office had the honor of issuing stamps for his work in Kalabog En Bosyo”, Fulgencio noted.
“Mahalaga po ang mga selyong ito dahil stamps are our window to the world, showcasing the rich history and culture of our country. Like our own National Artist Larry Alcala, the Post Office recognizes Filipino talents and achievers, and encourages more Filipinos to do their best, to give joy, inspiration and pride to the nation and make a greater contribution in the improvement of Philippine economy and the nation”, Fulgencio said.
Post Office In-house stamp designer’s Ryman Alburadora and Agnes Rarangol did the layout of the stamps.
Stamps and Official First Day Covers are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, please call 8527-01-08 or 8527-01-32 or follow/like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.
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