By Katie Manuel
Washington “Tonton” Young is the creator of the popular Filipino comic strip Pupung, which first debuted in the 1980s. This daily comic strip revolves around the daily lives of a young boy (Pupung) and his family. It details their humorous lives together in their lugawan, a Filipino restaurant specializing in lugaw, a traditional rice porridge. First debuting in the Times Journal, the series quickly made its way to the Manila Bulletin, where it then became a sensation with comic book fans throughout the Philippines. It is now the 5th most iconic Pinoy comic strip, and is available on HALO HALO. A cartoonist with great talent and a penchant for sharing his joy through art, today’s interview delves deeper into Young's life as an artist.
Manuel: What initially drew you to the arts, and how has your Filipino or Asian heritage influenced the themes and styles in your work?
Young: I’ve been drawing cartoons since I first held a pencil. When I was in kindergarten, I always help my seatmates draw people, houses, birds, trees etc. to the delight of their parents. I think being a Filipino-Chinese in the Philippines helped a lot in my styles and themes, the different cultures, traditions, customs and lifestyles are always a feature in my comic strips.
Manuel: Can you share some cultural or societal hurdles you encountered when pursuing a career in the arts, and how you overcame them?
Young: It was when I was fired in the defunct Times Journal for making a spoof of the late former President Marcos’ radio campaign in 1986. After a a few weeks, Edsa revolution happened, I was hired by the Bulletin and Pupung is still a regular comic strip up to this day.
Manuel: How have collaborations shaped your artistic journey, and what obstacles did you encounter in finding the right collaborators? At HALO HALO, we're innovating ways to connect artists and writers. What tools or features would have been game-changers for you in forming creative partnerships early in your career?
Young: I draw my comics/artworks by myself. I worked with my late older brother Alex (Pro Kids), my mentor, in reviewing my stories and humor. He was my ‘editor’ before I submit my strips to the publications.
Manuel: In what ways do you think your comics have reflected the values, humor, or struggles of Filipino society?
Young: ‘Pupung’ touches on the daily life of a Filipino family. Lolo Dom’s various businesses, Jordan and Day’s struggles as Dom’s employees, Pupung’s good manners and values…
Manuel: Who were your major influences, both locally and internationally, during your early career?
Young: My late brother Alex is top on my list. We ‘drew’ up together. (pardon the word-play), The late Larry Alcala, Nonoy Marcelo and Roni Santiago were my mentors who became my friends. For foreign cartoonists, Mort Walker and Dik Browne of Beetle Bailey and Hagar the Horrible fames influenced my style and humor.
Manuel: What essential advice would you offer to aspiring artists looking to break into the industry?
Young: To the aspiring artists/ cartoonists, just follow your heart, passion. If you really love what you’re doing, go for it. Give your 110% every time and if you’re doing the funnies, polish your humor. For me, that’s very important.
Manuel: What's your favorite Filipino food?
Young: My favorite Filipino food is Menudo. My late mom’s menudo is the best!
Follow Tonton Young on Facebook and Instagram! Don't miss Pupung and more, now featured in the new KoMIX Strips section of the HALO HALO app.