UNICEF cards bring back Paskong Pinoy

MANILA, 14 September 2022 — UNICEF shares in the excitement of the upcoming holiday season as the country opens up after a long period of lockdowns. 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,” shares Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising, UNICEF Philippines.

Last year’s edition of UNICEF Christmas cards made by artist Robert Alejandro raised PHP8.4 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. 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,” shares Ana Alcala, granddaughter of National Artist Larry Alcala.

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.

Get one set of UNICEF Cards featuring the work of National Artist Larry Alcala for every Php 1,000 you donate—and give children the chance for a better, brighter, and healthier future. Donate now at https://donate.unicef.ph

*Delivery of cards start in October 2022

UNICEF Philippines

UNICEF's first greeting card was a painting by seven-year-old Jitka Samkova, whose village in Czechoslovakia received UNICEF emergency assistance in the form of food and medicine following World War II. Since then, giants of contemporary art, including Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Chagall, have created original artwork for the cards. Every greeting card will help fund lifesaving vaccines, nutrition, education, and emergency relief for the world's most vulnerable children.

About the Artist

Larry Alcala (1926 - 2002) was posthumously conferred the title of National Artist for the Visual Arts and the Grand Collar of the Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining for his contributions in editorial cartooning and illustration. Known for his iconic cartoons "Mang Ambo" and "Kalabog en Bosyo," among others, Larry Alcala has inspired generations of cartoonists and comic artists.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. In more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph.

Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.