Leah Salterio

Carlo J’s undeniable contribution to the country’s pop culture

June 4, 2024 Leah C. Salterio 175 views

CaparasTHE enviable contribution of writer-turned-film director and producer Carlo J. Caparas to the country’s pop culture was undeniable. Especially during the heyday of comics from the 1970s to the late 1980s, he wrote over 800 novels and short stories.

Direk Carlo was best remembered for his graphic, comic book characters and super heroes that got ingrained in the minds of Filipinos. He passed on last May 25 at the age of 80.

However, the year 2009 saw Carlo figuring into a nationwide controversy after he was questioned of his award, National Artist for Visual Arts and Film, a new category created that year by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

His proclamation was by virtue of “presidential prerogative” since there were committees nominating the names for National Artist of the Philippines – the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) and the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) supposedly.

Carlo’s name did not go through the said committees. It was not screened nor recommended by the committees. Complaints, protests and petitions were lodged against his National Artist proclamation.

In July 2013, the Supreme Court nullified Carlo’s proclamation on the ground of “preferential treatment.” Many may not agree to his National Artist award, but Carlo’s contribution to the country’s pop culture was known to most Filipinos.

Some of the memorable characters he created even had adaptations for film and television. Who can forget iconic characters like the popular Panday, the amulet-wielding Elias Paniki, the decorated and tattooed Joaquin Bordado.

Carlo also created the fairy-tale life of Bakekang, the strong and brave Totoy Bato, the fantasy-comedy story of Tasya Fantasya, the adventurous Gagambino and the mother’s undying love for her criminal son in Pieta.

Carlo’s name will be synonymous with Panday, arguably one of his most renowned creations. The story traces the adventures of Flavio, a blacksmith who crafts a mystical sword from a meteorite and wields it against sinister forces.

Pieta, meanwhile, revolves around a mother’s unconditional love and a son’s struggle in a world plagued by injustice and violence.

When Carlo ventured into film directing and production, he put up Golden Lion Films with his wife, Donna Villa. The outfit became known for lengthy film titles and massacre films that dramatized true-to-life stories of heinous crimes.

Dawn Zulueta and Cesar Montano starred in Annabelle Huggins Story: Ruben Ablaza Tragedy – Mea Culpa (1995). There was also the crime-drama, Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us), starring Gina Alajar (1995).

That same year, megastar Sharon Cuneta played the title role in yet another Caparas massacre film, The Lillian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part, opposite Cesar Montano.

Still in 1995, Carlo filmed Kuratong Baleleng (Wilson Sorronda: Leader Kuratong Baleleng Solid Group).

In 1994, Dawn played the real-life role of actress Maggie de la Riva who was raped and that was dramatized in The Maggie dela Riva Story: God… Why Me?, with Ricky Davao, Michael de Mesa and the late Miguel Rodriguez.

It was also in 1994 when Carlo worked with Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos in Lipa ‘Arandia’ Massacre: Lord Deliver Us from Evil, which co-starred Joel Torre.

Dawn also played the title character in The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre (God Saved Us).

Even Kris Aquino got to be directed by Carlo in her massacre film, The Myrna Diones Story (Lord, Have Mercy!) in 1994, as well as The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us (1993).

In 2011, Carlo closed a partnership deal with Boss Vic del Rosario of Viva Films, who will cover 50 titles of the former’s 800 komiks novels. That added to the enduring legacy that Carlo left behind.

The year 2017 saw Carlo as a widower when his wife, Donna, succumbed to cancer. Her remains were brought to Cebu, where she hailed from. The couple has two children – CJ and Peach.

Carlo’s daughter, Peach, paid tribute to Carlo by writing a poem, Sa Bawat Tipa ng Makinilya, in her FaceBook post, to announce his passing.

“Isang mananalaysay ng kwento ng buhay, nilalabanan ang antok, nagsusunog ng kilay,” the daughter wrote.

“Sa larangan ng komiks, siya ang naghari, naging bahagi ng kultural, naging yaman ng lahi.”

“Dad, you will forever be loved, cherished and honored by all of us.”

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