MAKATI CITY — In celebration of National Artist Lauro "Larry" Alcala's 100th birth anniversary, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas are offering a series of free cartooning workshops for children and teens. The first two sessions are scheduled for August 29 and September 5, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Designed to make creativity accessible to everyone, these workshops are a perfect opportunity for young aspiring artists to develop their skills and learn from some of the country's best cartoonists and illustrators.
A Community Effort to Nurture Young Creatives
The workshops are part of a larger community-driven initiative to honor Alcala's belief that "creativity is for everyone." The first session on August 29 will be led by illustrators Ardie Aquino, Giodesk Guiao, and Amiel A. Rufo, focusing on character design, comic strips, and basic cartooning. The second session on September 5 features comic artists Boboy Yonzon, Barry Jose, and Mike Yonzon, who will discuss the complexity of expressing thoughts through cartoons. These sessions are free and open to children aged 8 to 10, with materials provided to all participants.
How to Join
Registration details will be announced through the NCCA's official Facebook page. The workshops are part of the commemorative exhibition, Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination, on display at the Metropolitan Theater. By bringing together professional artists and young learners, the program fosters a sense of community and shared cultural appreciation, ensuring that Alcala's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
