MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The loss of an artist who gave so generously of his creativity and self is always felt deeply — but when that artist is someone like Robert Alejandro, the grief becomes personal. Robert, the renowned illustrator, designer, and advocate, passed away on November 05 after a long battle with colon cancer. Known for his persistent belief in the power of art to connect, heal, and inspire, his passing brings deep sorrow to the Filipino creative community and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To honor the man, adobo Magazine reflects on a life akin to a patchwork quilt — stiched with creative sparks and inspired ideas, and held together by an extraordinary passion for art and generosity of spirit.
Fans of his work know that Robert’s illustrations were never just drawings. They were movements of life, filled with energy and emotion. His fluid, gestural lines embraced imperfection, radiating the warmth of something made by hand and unmistakably human. His art often captured the wonder of flora and fauna, the essence of Filipino landscapes, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Not to mention, playful anthropomorphic animals and subtle nods to Filipino culture — through intricate patterns, natural textures, and local symbols — made his creations universally resonant while also rooted in Filipino identity. Together, these elements formed an artistic voice that was uniquely his — one that, much like Robert himself, will be cherished and celebrated for generations.
This distinct style can be traced back to his childhood, when creativity made itself known in the most unconventional ways. Robert once admitted to scratching designs onto furniture and turning walls into canvases — acts that others might have seen as mischief but were, in truth, the first stirrings of an artistic soul. These early expressions blossomed into a celebrated career, though not without moments of self-doubt. For years, Robert struggled with insecurities about his artistic worth, particularly as he worked on Papemelroti’s well-loved yet humble creations, such as bookmarks and notepads.
He delved into this during the fourth episode of adobo Talks x CDAP: Usapang Design: “I used to think I wasn’t a great artist because I was designing bookmarkers… but now, I like my work better.”
As Robert grew in his craft, he discovered the value of making things simply because they brought joy to himself and others. This allowed him to indulge his passions more fully, channeling his talents into projects that kept his inner child alive.
This sense of playfulness would serve him well when he eventually presented his designs for a children’s theme park to one of the Philippines’ largest real estate developers. Armed with nothing but a stack of illustration boards and an endless stream of ideas, he lacked formal training and a proven track record at the time. Yet, his enthusiasm and unique perspective, which he likened to “drawing a big pop-up book,” won over the developers.
This early challenge was just the beginning of Robert’s journey to becoming a visionary designer. He would go on to shape Papelmelroti’s beloved aesthetic and design iconic spaces like Robinsons Galleria and Toy Town, turning everyday environments into enchanting, functional works of art.
Beyond his design work, Robert’s illustration portfolio spanned projects like Pan de Manila packaging and children’s book art, further demonstrating his ability to infuse joy and meaning into his creations.
Passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists, he founded Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan (INK), the Philippines’ first organization for children’s book illustrators. For over 30 years, INK thrived under his belief in the power of collaboration. “INK has shown me that so much can be done when people work together,” he remarked in the aforementioned episode of Usapang Design.
His love for teaching also shone through in his workshops for children, both in local communities and online during the pandemic. He even brought art to life on television, hosting the beloved children’s show Art Is-Kool, which made creativity accessible and fun.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Robert chose a path of joy and gratitude over conventional treatments, a decision that exemplified his outlook on life. When adobo Magazine visited his studio five years ago, he shared his candid philosophies on life, art, and even death, “We are all going to go someday. The question is, what will you leave behind?”
Surrounded by his sketches and unfinished projects, he spoke with beautiful vulnerability: “I decided that I was going to make the most out of whatever time I had left…. I realized how unkind I’d been to myself my whole life.”
With the support of family and friends, Robert embraced a new way of living — taking it one day at a time, cherishing every moment, and letting go of the perfectionism that had once driven him.
To adobo Magazine, Robert was more than a creative icon. He was truly a cherished collaborator and dear friend. As a jury member and speaker for the 2012 adobo Design Awards, he brought his infectious energy and discerning eye, always eager to celebrate emerging talents. At workshops and events, he was a presence that uplifted and galvanized, reminding everyone of the joy that creativity could bring.
When Robert closed Day One of Graphika 2020, he showcased the remarkable career that had made him a return speaker. As he shared his journey on stage, he marveled at the sheer volume of work he had completed, much of it through word-of-mouth referrals — everything from travel illustrations and publication design to TV, branding, murals, interiors, architectural plans, and more.
He offered the Graphika audience this nugget of wisdom: “A good job will give you your next job.”
Acknowledging the obstacles within the Philippine creative industries, Robert encouraged young designers to embrace hard work and professionalism, emphasizing that while the path may not always be easy, the rewards are well worth the effort. Above all, he was passionate about empowering Filipino creatives, imagining a future where their talents could elevate the entire nation — not just Manila, but every corner of the Philippines. “That,” he said, “would be a dream come true.”
As adobo Magazine reflects on his life and legacy, we fondly recall Robert’s larger-than-life projects and whimsical illustrations. Yet, the truest measure of his impact lies not in his body of work but in the countless stories shared since his passing — stories of how he dreamed of a fair and equal world, how he made others feel that their ideas truly mattered, and how he embodied the spirit of living and creating with heart.
