Last night, Papemelroti announced the passing of artist Robert Alejandro. He is the only son among 5 siblings, whose names inspired the name of the family-owned specialty and stationery brand (PAtsy, PEggy, MELdy, RObert, and TIna).

Robert was an award-winning artist who dedicated his time to helping others express themselves, from hosting GMA-7’s Art Is-Kool in 2002 and designing different artworks for Papmelroti to giving free online workshops during the pandemic and volunteering his services for advocacies he believed in every day of his life. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, and after a long arduous fight, passed away on November 5, 2024. Tributes immediately poured in from all over the country, and here are only some of them:

Jetro Vin Rafael

Van Gogh is Bipolar owner Jetro Vin Rafael is Robert’s longtime partner, and in a simple Facebook post, he shared a photo of a smiling Robert, captioned with a heart emoji.

In an earlier post from two weeks ago, Jetro shared a photo of them holding hands, with a poem as a caption. A verse read: “Your hand in mine speaks a language so true, / a promise unspoken, yet I always knew. / Through sleepless nights, through days of ache, / our hearts beat steady, for each other’s sake.”

Leni Robredo

Robert Alejandro was a staunch supporter of the former vice president, volunteering as a designer for her presidential campaign last 2022 and for Angat Buhay and Museo ng Pag-asa. In a post compiling his artworks, Leni thanked him: “You have left us the invaluable gift of your friendship, your art, your generosity of spirit, and your great love for our country.”

Angat Buhay

Angat Buhay Executive Director Raffy Magno described the late artist: “Robert embodied love in its purest form, and that is what I will miss most about him.”

Tarantadong Kalbo

Kevin Eric Raymundo, the artist behind Tarantadong Kalbo, created a fitting artwork after Papemelroti lost their Ro.

Ang INK

Robert Alejandro co-founded Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK). In a statement, the organization said: “Robert truly embodied the spirit of the Ang INK—creativity combined with curiosity, passion, optimism, fun, and just the right amount of quirky.”

Anna Cabrera of PAWS

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) worked with Robert Alejandro on designing merchandise to raise funds for the animals in care of PAWS.

“Robert felt a kinship with animals and supported PAWS’ campaigns in promoting their kind treatment,” read PAWS’ statement. “Your favorite things to draw were happy people and animals in a cheerful and colorful place. We believe you are there now.”

Bayang Barrios

The musician known for her use of indigenous instruments and styles thanked Robert Alejandro in a short but heartfelt post: “Salamat, Robert Alejandro, sa mga guhit na nagdadala ng liwanag sa buhay namin. Sobrang mahal mo ang bayan na ito na nailarawan mo sa iyong Sining.”

Leila de Lima

Robert Alejandro stood by Leila de Lima when she was in detention for years, creating artworks calling for her freedom. “Sa kanyang mga ipinadalang ilustrasyon, bitbit din nito ang naging liwanag sa aking buhay na nagpaalala sa akin na panatilihin ang pag-asa kahit sa mga pinakamasalimuot na panahon,” the former senator wrote.

Adriana Agcaoili

Actress-host Adriana Agcaoili is a close friend of Robert’s sister Tina.

Danilo Buen Jr.

Danilo Buen Jr. is the owner of the Nilo Pillow, a travel pillow brand which found its first home on Papemelroti’s shelves thanks to Robert.

Nina Dandan Evangelista

Nina Dandan Evangelista is an illustrator, whose works include Wetsitales: How the Moon and the Stars came to be Bukindon.

Milflores Publishing

Milflores worked with Robert and his partner Jetro to publish a recipe book entitled Living Food: A Healing Journey filled with nutritious dishes Jetro made for Robert. “His undefeated optimism in the midst of cancer, his art, his story and message of love will live on,” read Milflores’ statement. “We remember he wanted to share whatever good he could impart in every way he could—from his TV shows to his freely given campaign materials, to his free art classes during the pandemic, and now through Living Food.”

San Anselmo Publications, Inc.

They published an essay written by Alma Anonas-Carpio on Robert’s works entitled “Inspired Inspiration: Robert Alejandro’s Art,” which they reshared to honor him.

Leah Navarro

Singer and advocate Leah Navarro described Robert as “the personification of joy” who “exuded good from every pore and every piece of art you created.” A prominent singer in the 70s and 80s, she and 14 other singers were featured in “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”, a song commemorating the People Power Revolution.

Manuel L. Quezon III

For journalist Manuel L. Quezon III, Robert was “not only gifted, but good.”

Lynda Jumilla-Abalos

“His art also lives on in his papemelroti designs,” said former ABS-CBN News executive.

Rest in peace, Robert Alejandro. Thank you for freely and unconditionally sharing your talent with us.