PRESS RELEASE
09 August 2023
Sentro Rizal New York Brings Mars Ravelo's works to the U.S. East Coast
In celebration of “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (National Language Month) the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Sentro Rizal New York bring Filipino Pop Culture to the public through a mobile exhibit presenting the iconic works of a prolific writer, artist, and illustrator – who is often referred to as the “King of Philippine Komiks” – Mars Ravelo.
This is the first time that a collection of Mars Ravelo’s works is being featured abroad.
Launched at Bergenfield Public Library on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, the exhibit is entitled, “Pagdama sa Diwang Pilipino sa Pamamagitan ng Wikang Filipino sa Komiks” (Sensing Filipino Consciousness through Filipino Language in Comics). Mars Ravelo’s earlier works such as “Rita,” “Benus at Beha,” “Boboy” and “Ric Benson,” and his later works such as “Captain Barbel,” “Darna,” “Dyesebel,” and “Lastikman” are all part of the exhibit.
“The exhibit aims to inspire more Filipino-American youth to learn and appreciate speaking, reading, and writing in Filipino, through the captivating artistry and dynamic dialogues of Mars Ravelo’s works,” said Consul General Senen T. Mangalile. “Through the power of the visual narrative and the timeless appeal of comics, we invite the Filipino-American youth, and everyone interested in the Filipino language, to immerse themselves in Mars Ravelo’s creations to better appreciate the national language of the Philippines and how it reflects Filipino sensibilities,” he continued.
Present during the launch were representatives from the Office of Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio – Councilman Marc Pascual and Councilman Buddy Deauna – The Filipino School of New York and New Jersey as represented by Ms. Arianne Maliwanag, the Bergenfield Public Library Director Allison Ballo, and children and their families residing in Bergenfield.
The mobile exhibit will be traveling next to Jersey City, New Jersey, to be followed by New York City, New York, Attleboro, Massachusetts, and finally, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
This commemorative month-long event is made possible with the support of the Ravelo Family, Mars Ravelo Komiks Characters, Inc., and ABS-CBN Corporation. END
