CEDAR GROVE, NJ—Legendary Filipino animator Geirry Garcia passed away Friday, Feb. 12 in his home in Verona, New Jersey due to a lingering heart ailment. He was 58.
Garcia is one of the pioneers of the the Filipino animation industry, creating ‘Panday,’ the first ever Philippine- made cartoon for television. In the late 90s, Garcia made the first ever-Filipino full-length animated feature film—Adarna, and solidified his legacy in the animation industry.
He left behind his wife Elmaurie and two sons, Elginero and Gerome.
"My father really loved his life. He was a caring and compassionate man. He had so many gifts to share with everybody—whether it was his art or his time, that was the legacy he left behind," Elgin told the Asian Journal during the wake in Cedar Grove, a couple of miles away from their home.
The support from relatives and friendsfrom all over has been tremendous, and the brothers are very thankful.
"I feel honored that I am his son and I am proud to have him as a father," a highly emotional Gerome said after delivering his speech. There wasn’t a single dry eye when he was done.
Gerome said that it did not cross his mind that he’d be writing a speech and delivering it during his father’s wake. The family spent Gerry’s last few days in their home.
"I didn’t think I was going to make a speech because it was difficult enough just trying to muster the courage to speak but I know my dad wanted this. I just want to make him happy," Gerome added.
Garcia’s sons want their dad to be remembered as a simple man who was blessed with a unique talent.
Garcia temporarily left his career in the Philippines and brought his family to the United States. When the kids were growing up, he would fly back to Manila, months at a time, to continue his work in the animation industry.
When they were younger, Garcia’s sons didn’t think that their dad was spending enough time with them. Growing up, they realized that he was making hard choices and sacrifices for the sake of their family.
"We barely saw him because he was so busy in the studio working hard on his projects. It was only later when I realized that he really wanted the best for us, his family," Elgin shared.
"As a kid, one of the first things you’d want is to spend more time with your dad. Then growing up, I realized how much hard work he had to go through just so he can bring us here," Gerome said, echoing his brother’s sentiments.
In 1986, Garcia’s pioneering efforts in animation in the Philippines gained traction when he created—based on the komiks series of Carlos Caparas—Panday, the first Filipino cartoon series on television. He also also produced Darna and Captain Barbell, both based on Mars Ravelo’s komiks series.
Here in the United States, Garcia was tapped to do commercials for Nickelodeon, and illustrations for MacMillan Children’s books which includes projects like Little Snow Girl, Ernie and Bubba Comics, Little Mouse, and Toyster Animation series to name a few.
Elgin added that growing up as a son of a legend in the field of animation was quite difficult.
He and his brother also slightly regret that neither developed an inclination towards animation. They are proud though, of their father’s passion and commitment for his work.
"His work ethic was really unmatched. He showed the Filipino people that he was genuine about being an artist and he showed that his cartoons displayed Filipino traditions and values," Elgin added.
Garcia’s friends describe him as a selfless man, someone who would give his last money to a person who needs it more than he does. That is why for them Garcia’s death is a great loss.
"Geirry was so full of life, funny and very caring. He was very compassionate. He does not hold grudges," Aida Koryan, a former neighbor, told the Asian Journal.
Koryan and her family lived in the same family house with the Garcias almost two decades ago. Both families have been through a lot and they have remained friends through the years.
Together with other friends from the Bukas Loob sa Diyos group, they would take turns in watching after Garcia when he was already brought home from the hospital. This allowed the family to go to work or run errands.
Garcia’s sons are eternally grateful to these family friends who have come to support them during this trying time.
The family plans to bring Garcia’s body home to the Philippines this week.
( Published February 19, 2010 in New York p. A1 )
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