Prominent Editorial Cartoonists in the Philippines: Editorial cartooning in the Philippines has a rich history, with numerous artists using their craft to comment on political, social, and cultural issues. This article delves into the lives and works of some of the most influential Filipino editorial cartoonists, highlighting their contributions to journalism and society.

Larry Alcala: The Dean of Filipino Cartoonists

Lauro “Larry” Alcala (1926–2002) is celebrated as the “Dean of Filipino Cartoonists.” His iconic works span decades, producing strips such as “Kalabog en Bosyo,” “Asiong Aksaya,” “Mang Ambo,” “Islaw Palitaw,” and “Slice of Life.” Alcala pioneered the use of animated cartoons for TV commercials and significantly boosted the local illustration industry. His “Slice of Life” series humorously depicted everyday Filipino life, resonating deeply with the public.

Nonoy Marcelo: The Satirical Genius

Severino “Nonoy” Marcelo (1939–2002) was renowned for his sharp political satire. He created the comic strip “Tisoy” in 1963, which lampooned Filipino lifestyles and became a cultural phenomenon. During the Marcos administration, Marcelo’s “Ikabod” series humorously depicted the socio-political woes of ordinary Filipinos, with the tailless mouse Ikabod becoming an iconic character.

Miel Prudencio Ma: The International Laureate

Miel Prudencio Ma, also known as Dengcoy Miel, is an award-winning cartoonist and illustrator. He received the National Cartoonist Society Newspaper Illustration Award in 2001. His work has been syndicated globally, appearing in publications like The International Herald Tribune, Newsweek, and The New York Times. Formerly the editorial cartoonist for the Philippine Daily Express and The Philippine Star, Miel later became the senior executive artist for The Straits Times in Singapore.

Angelo Lopez: The Voice of the Filipino-American Community

Angelo Lopez is the editorial cartoonist for the Philippine News Today, a Filipino-American community newspaper based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His cartoons address a range of topics, from Philippine politics to issues affecting the Filipino diaspora. Lopez is a member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and has been recognized for his insightful commentary and artistic contributions.

Zach: The Advocate for Social Justice

Zach is a young cartoonist and illustrator from the Philippines who began his career contributing to student publications. His recent works lampoon the state of social justice and human rights in the country. He previously served as the editorial cartoonist for the CBCP Monitor, the national print publication of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Bern Fabro: The Political Idiot

Bern Fabro, known as “The Political Idiot,” is a freelance political cartoonist and member of Cartoon Movement. He was the editorial cartoonist for SunStar Cebu in 2017 and is the founding chairman of Yoyoy Satiristang Bisaya, organizing the Cebu Lampoon Festival. His cartoons often critique political systems and societal issues, using satire to provoke thought and discussion.

Gilbert Daroy: The Award-Winning Caricaturist

Gilbert Daroy is an award-winning political cartoonist and caricaturist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He has received accolades such as the UN-Lurie Awards and the International Editorial Cartoons Award. Before his tenure at the Inquirer, Daroy was a senior animator working for Walt Disney Television and Warner Bros., showcasing his versatility in both animation and editorial cartooning.

Manuel Francisco: The Manila Times’ Editorial Cartoonist

Manuel Francisco serves as the editorial cartoonist for The Manila Times, the oldest existing English-language newspaper in the Philippines. His cartoons provide insightful commentary on current events, reflecting the newspaper’s longstanding tradition of journalistic excellence.