17/08/2026
Celebrating 100 Years of Larry Alcala: Daraga's First National Artist
Today marks the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Visual Arts Lauro "Larry" Alcala (1926โ2002), born on 18 August 1926 in Daraga, Albay.
For more than five decades, National Artist Alcala entertained generations of Filipinos through his witty, insightful, and richly detailed illustrations that celebrated the humor and realities of everyday life. In recognition of his significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts, he was posthumously conferred the Order of National Artist on 24 October 2018, becoming Daraga's first National Artist.
To honor his enduring legacy, the Municipality of Daraga declared 18 August of every year as Larry Alcala Day, commemorating the life and achievements of one of Bicol's most celebrated artists.
Throughout his remarkable career, National Artist Alcala created over 500 cartoon characters, 20 comic strips, two murals, six films, and more than 15,000 published illustrations. Among his most beloved creations is the iconic Slice of Life series, published in the Weekend Magazine. These intricately illustrated scenes captured the vibrancy of Filipino communities. Every illustration invited readers to search for his cleverly concealed caricature while recognizing relatable moments from everyday Filipino life.
National Artist Alcala passed away on 24 June 2002 at the age of 75. In 2019, his remains were reinterred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, honoring a lifetime dedicated to enriching Philippine arts and culture.
His legacy endures as a visual time capsule of the Filipino experience by preserving the shared memories, traditions, and humor that continue to define our national identity.
Photo/Icon: Official page of Larry Alcala, National Artist for Visual Arts
