UNICEF shares in the excitement of the upcoming holiday season as the country opens up after a long period of lockdowns as the UN children's agency brings back a Pinoy kind of Christmas with holiday cards featuring National Artist and master cartoonist Larry Alcala.
Showcasing Alcala's iconic work from his Slice of Life cartoons, Remembering the Joy of Paskong Pinoy is a limited-edition set of cards that embodies the spirit of generosity and community that is the hallmark of Filipino culture.
From homes decorated with light-filled parols, to the bibingka and puto bumbong stalls that greet Simbang Gabi attendees, to the little ones' laughter and joy as they make merry during their favorite time of the year, Mang Larry captures these uniquely Pinoy moments.
"UNICEF wanted to capture the color and spirit of one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world. When you give the gift of a UNICEF Christmas card, you not only bring a smile to your family or friends, you also give the gift of health and well-being to children in the Philippines," said Carli Snyman, chief of Fundraising, UNICEF Philippines.
Last year's edition of UNICEF Christmas cards made by artist Robert Alejandro raised P8.4 million for children in the Philippines, among them children affected by typhoon "Odette." This year's edition is a fitting tribute to one of the icons of Philippine art.
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of my grandfather's passing, and I think this project brings together so many things about his legacy," said Alcala's granddaughter Ana Alcala.
"As a cartoonist, his work has been one of the most accessible forms of Philippine art, enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life. So many people have shared to me their childhood memories of looking through lolo's Slice of Life in the Sunday paper, and I'm so happy that with these Christmas cards, a new generation of children will not only enjoy his work but also benefit from the proceeds of this fundraising," she added.
Just like these nostalgic and heartwarming Christmas Cards, UNICEF hopes to bring back joy to children and the young at heart through this fundraising campaign. Proceeds of each UNICEF Slice of Life Greeting Card set will go towards helping vulnerable children stay healthy, educated and protected — before, during and after emergencies.
