Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) deeply grieves the passing of Robert Alejandro (1963-2024), beloved member and co-founder of the organization.
Robert truly embodied the spirit of the Ang INK—creativity combined with curiosity, passion, optimism, fun, and just the right amount of quirky. With other founding pillars of the organization, he shared big dreams for the future of Philippine children’s illustration and helped nurture the talents of illustrators to pursue these dreams within a culture of kindness, care, and mutual support. His presence was always a reason for excitement and, during more challenging times, a reassuring north star that helped steer the organization so that it could continue charting its course.
Robert truly embodied the spirit of the Ang INK—creativity combined with curiosity, passion, optimism, fun, and just the right amount of quirky. With other founding pillars of the organization, he shared big dreams for the future of Philippine children’s illustration and helped nurture the talents of illustrators to pursue these dreams within a culture of kindness, care, and mutual support. His presence was always a reason for excitement and, during more challenging times, a reassuring north star that helped steer the organization so that it could continue charting its course.
Learn more about Robert's INK Story by watching this video.
After his cancer diagnosis some years back, one of Robert’s concerns was what would happen to the many children’s books he had collected over the years. With his typical generosity, he decided to “rehome” these books by raffling them off during a general assembly of the group. Everyone who attended the meeting went home with a little piece of Robert that day.
To INKies, Robert was not just a fellow artist but also a fellow dreamer, valued friend, collaborator, mentor, adviser, big brother (Kuya Robert), and supportive uncle (Tito Robert). He is a reminder to always see the world with wonder and a source of inspiration to do better not just as artists but as human beings. We are profoundly grateful for our time with him and the legacy he leaves with Ang INK.
Rest now, Robert. We will miss you. Thank you and we love you.
By Isa Nazareno, 6 November 2024
To INKies, Robert was not just a fellow artist but also a fellow dreamer, valued friend, collaborator, mentor, adviser, big brother (Kuya Robert), and supportive uncle (Tito Robert). He is a reminder to always see the world with wonder and a source of inspiration to do better not just as artists but as human beings. We are profoundly grateful for our time with him and the legacy he leaves with Ang INK.
Rest now, Robert. We will miss you. Thank you and we love you.
By Isa Nazareno, 6 November 2024
