It all started in 1927 when a Filipino publisher named Ramon Roces put up a weekly magazine that offered considerable pages for Tagalog literary pieces.
Edited by Tagalog novelist Agustin C. Fabian, the Graphic popularized this literary tradition until it was shut down during the Japanese occupation.
The magazine was revived in 1948 and was called the Kislap-Graphic, later returning to its original name The Graphic, this time publishing the works of Filipino writers in English.
Ramon Roces would over time be known as the grand old man of Philippine popular publishing and “Komiks King.”
In the 60s, ownership of the Graphic was transferred to industrialist J. Antonio Araneta, when it became both a political and literary publication. Martial Law in 1972 closed down the magazine again, together with dozens of newspapers and magazines during that period.
ICONIC PHOTO of National Artist and Philippine Graphic editor-in-chief Nick Joaquin (left) with Graphic owner, businessman-philanthropist Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua (right)
The Graphic once again transferred ownership in 1990 and was reborn as the Philippine Graphic. Owned by the late media mogul-businessman and philanthropist Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and his family. It had National Artist Nick Joaquin as its first editor-in-chief and Juan P. Dayang as its first publisher.
From 1990 to the present, the Philippines Graphic has stood the test of time as the longest-running and only existing magazine that is printed weekly and distributed nationwide.
We thank all our loyal readers and supporters over the decades who have shown their love for Philippine literature and the news by patronizing the Philippines Graphic.
More than the words, these photos tell our story.
On June 18, 1990, the revived Philippine Graphic came out with its first issue. Its cover: Egai Fernandez’s painting Kahapon, Ngayon at Pangarap [Yesterday, Today, and Dreams]. The cover, as described by its editors, “illustrates the past and present threats to national sovereignty, and the people’s hopes for tomorrow. Kahapon, Ngayon, at Pangarap also epitomizes our hopes for this magazine whose maiden issue you hold in your hands; we are born in a time of turmoil, but the future gives us no cause for despair.”Graphic editor-in-chief and National Artist Nick Joaquin with first Graphic publisher Juan P. DayangThe first Graphic staff under the editorship of Nick Joaquin (from left) Malou Dizon-Francisco, Greg Brillantes, Concon Cordova, Jomar Kho Indanan, Rosendo Bonifacio, Cristina Calilan, Bayani SanDiego, Dana Batnag, Joane Daphnellan, and Jose F. LacabaNick Joaquin with Caloy Conde, Malou Dizon-Francisco, Cristina Calilan, and Marra LanotJose ‘Pete” Lacaba, Nick Joaquin, and Manuel F. Almario lead in a toast during a Graphic anniversary celebration
A photo for posterity highlighting the Philippine Graphic’s 10th anniversary celebration (from left) Monica Feria, former Manila mayor-now Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, Graphic editor-in-chief Nick Joaquin, T. Anthony C. Cabangon, future publisher of the Philippines Graphic; Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and Manuel F. Almario
The Philippines Graphic newsroom
Present staff of Philippines Graphic (from left): associate editor/literary editor Alma Anonas-Carpio, editor-in-chief Jose Pablo Salud, artist Malou Francisco, managing editor Psyche Roxas-Mendoza, artist Guillermo ‘Boying’ Altre, Senior Editorial Assistant Susan Bermas, and associate editor Fil V. Elefante
Philippines Graphic 2017 anniversary: seated (from Left): Dennis Guevarra, advertising sales manager; Psyche Roxas-Mendoza, managing editor; D. Edgard A. Cabangon, president and CEO of the ALC Group of Companies; Joel Pablo Salud, editor-in-chief; Adebelo Gasmin, vice-president for Finance; standing (from Left): Sabrina Anonas, Patricia Bolosan; Charmaine Arquibel, account manager; Susan Bermas, senior editorial assistant; Alessandra Brigitte Anonas, Alma Anonas-Carpio, associate editor; Fil Elefante, associate editor; Guillermo ‘Boying’ Altre, artist, and Loida Virtudazo, vice president-Human Resource Development
L-R, Adebelo D. Gasmin, VP-Finance, Business Mirror Group of Publications, Glenn Ian S. Tiempo, Pru Life UK, Marketing, Anne Carly Abad, Poet of the Year, Scott Lee, Chua, Second Prize, Christian Ray Buendia, First Prize, Wayne Benitez Castillo, Third Prize, Benjamin V. Ramos, President of Philippines Graphic and T. Anthony C. Cabangon, Publisher of Philippines Graphic during the 2017 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards Night held at bHOTEL in Quezon City. (photo by: NONOY LACZA)
L-R, Benjamin V. Ramos, President of Philippines Graphic, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, Chairman of Aliw Media Group and T. Anthony C. Cabangon, Publisher of Philippines Graphic during the Toasting Ceremony at the Nick Joaquin Centennial Celebration held at bHOTEL in Quezon City. (photo by: NONOY LACZA)National Artist Frank Sionil Jose
National Artist Bienvenido LumberaCaloy Conde
Charo Joaquin, niece of late National Artist and Graphic editor-in-chief Nick Joaquin
