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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Kevin's gift

Kevin's gift

Published Dec 13, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Dec 12, 2025 06:36 pm
HOTSPOT
We city dwellers would rarely go out to brave Christmas season traffic for a midweek 6:00 pm appointment. Perhaps we would only do so for a good friend.
A couple of dozen fellow artists, advocates, a city councilor, a partylist congresswoman, and other such friends (oomfs, in Gen Z parlance) from all over the metro defied horrendous traffic to grace the Dec. 11 opening of Kevin Eric Raymundo’s concept Kalbo Gift Shop at the vMeme Contemporary Art Gallery/Young Artists Studio at Estancia Mall in Pasig City.
Kevin and Kalbo of course refer to the “Tarantadong Kalbo” comics that shot to fame in the pandemic era and which continues to delight many fans.
Kevin’s “Tumindig” artwork of an upright clenched fist became a vehicle of artistic public expression of concern and commitment to social change in the pandemic era and up to the 2022 elections. Japan’s Good Design Award honored “Tumindig” that year.
Two of his books — “Tarantadong Kalbo Volume 1,” and “Baby TK” — were awarded “Best Graphic Literature” in the 2022 National Book Awards, and “Kids Choice” in the 2024 National Children’s Book Awards.
The Kalbo Gift Shop concept is “a studio and gallery takeover” featuring an exhibit of some his works including two paintings bannered by a 40-piece multicolor series titled “Tarantadong KalbHue.”
“Now, I am exploring painting, a way to keep the lights on and rest while stepping away from convention work,” Kevin said.
Another artwork, a series of three panels measuring 4 feet by 4 feet each, is titled “Forever Young.”
Kevin explained: “It has three panels with varying poses. Something silly, something angry, or agitated, and then one that’s contemplative or introspective. These three panels basically represents what TK is about. Its like mixed nuts. There’s a slice of life, some political commentary, some journal entry, and a huge dose of nostalgia. I chose primary colors, because they represent where I am at this moment.”
Kevin had planned to release a new book before the end of the year, but a serious, life-threatening medical emergency in September forced a change of plans. Nurses told him that it was a wise decision that he was immediately brought to the hospital. The episode brought him to see medical specialists for a variety of ailments. Proceeds from the artwork and merchandise sales would go to his medical needs.
He thanked those who helped him obtain “guarantee letters” but, true to his social conscience, he and the guests quickly exclaimed that “health care should be free for all”.
The honesty and playfulness that endear Kevin and his comics to his public was on display as he spoke in the program. He teared up telling the story of his health, his fears for the future, and married life that nearly ended just as he turned 40 and before they reached their 10th anniversary.
Kevin did not stop there. He also sang “Forever Young!”
I first “met” Kevin during the pandemic era, and invited him to join us for a talk over at the Clubhouse audio app. There, he talked about “Tarantadong Kalbo” to our community. The lockdowns and a certain kinship of common experiences turned what was supposed to be one-hour affairs, into conversations of several hours.
In one episode, we spent hours remembering and searching for long lost items of our youth like the first-ever instant pancit canton that came in red and blue disposable plastic boxes. We soon found photos of them with the brand name Supreme.
We would soon cooperate in the Concerned Online Citizens’s campaign opposing Harry Roque’s 2021 nomination to the United Nations International Law Commission. That campaign was successful.
I believe I already have copies of all his books, except Baby TK. I gave my copy of Baby TK to my niece to show to her toddler.
Gallery director Uriah Neil Carlos said the Kalbo Gift Shop is a first for vMeme/YAS. “We are happy to be able to give space for Kevin and his artworks in such a concept.”
Not just in Pasig: The Kalbo Gift Shop runs until January 31, 2026 at the vMeme/YAS space at Estancia Mall, and also at the vMeme/YAS space at the 2nd floor of the Commercenter Building 2 in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Totes, stickers, books, prints, “Tumindig” figures, and paintings are available for viewing and purchase at the two venues.
The real gift here could be the comics, the artwork, the artist, the delight, or the message.
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