The Mang Larry Alcala exhibit every Pinoy cartoon fan should see
Free CCP exhibition at the Metropolitan Theater celebrates the National Artist’s enduring humor, iconic characters and influence on generations of Filipino artists.
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Free CCP exhibition at the Metropolitan Theater celebrates the National Artist’s enduring humor, iconic characters and influence on generations of Filipino artists.
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Celebrate 100 years of the "Dean of Filipino Cartoonists," Lauro "Larry" Alcala. Mang Larry made a huge mark on Pinoy pop culture by turning everyday local life into funny, relatable art. Anyone who grew up looking for his face hidden in Slice of Life or laughing at Kalabog en Bosyo—the longest-running Pinoy comic strip in history—knows how easily he brought our daily habits to life. Now, a whole new generation can jump in and enjoy his work.
The exhibit has already started. "Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination" opened on 19 August and is currently running at Gallery 2 of the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Curated by Dr. Jose Santos "Chong" Ardivilla, the free month-long show brings together original artwork, memorabilia, classic comic prints, and pieces by the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas.
It aims to highlight how Mang Larry turned familiar, everyday moments into humorous stories that people could see themselves in, sharing his timeless creativity and keen observations of Pinoy life with a new generation of artists and comic fans.
Aspiring cartoonists can also join a series of free workshops running from August to November 2026 at both the Metropolitan Theater and Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez. You can learn character design, comic strips, and basic drawing from pro artists, with all art materials provided at zero cost. You can sign up for the Met workshops through the NCCA Facebook page or register for the CCP sessions.
