Tarantadong Kalbo

Last updated

Tarantadong Kalbo
Born
Kevin Eric Raymundo

(1985-09-18) September 18, 1985 (age 40)
NationalityFilipino
Education Asian College of Science and Technology (dropped out)
Known for Comic strip
Notable work
AwardsGood Design Awards
2025 Tumindig – Media/Content
Instagram information
Page
Genres
  • Art
  • Comedy
  • Politics
Followers101 thousand

Kevin Eric Raymundo, more commonly known by the pseudonym Tarantadong Kalbo or TK, is a Filipino comic strip cartoonist.

Contents

Early life and education

Kevin Eric Raymundo was born on September 18, 1985. [1] Raymundo attests he started drawing at five years old. He attended the Asian College of Science and Technology in Quezon City but dropped out due to financial reasons. He then took up some training in animation. [2]

Comics career

Kevin Eric Raymundo is a freelance animator who initially drew comics as hobby. [3] Raymundo began drawing the Tarantadong Kalbo slice of life comic strips in July 2019 initially posting it on Facebook. Raymundo gained a following and soon branched to Twitter and Instagram. [3] [4]

He planned to publish the work but his work prevented him to do so. Komiket, a Filipino independent convention by Paolo Herras, approached him leading to the publication of Tarantadong Kalbo Vol. 1. THe name of the comics and Raymundo became synonomous. [3]

In 2021, Raymundo created Tumindig to mobilize voters for the 2022 Philippine presidential election and as a critique against the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. [5] It was recognized at 2022 the Good Design Awards by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. [6]

In 2023, Raymundo spoke at Graphika Manila discussing his creative process and works. [7]

Animation career

As an animator, Raymundo was involved in Tom & Jerry , Curious George , Jonny Quest , and Eliot Kid . For local animation works its Heneral Tuna and Netflix feature film Hayop Ka! [7]

Works

Tarantadong Kalbo

Tarantadong Kalbo is a slice of life comics. The protagonist is based on Raymundo himself who has a shaved head. The topic ranges from daily life, reference to popular culture, and commentary on social issues. [4] It also incorporates Raymundo's political views as well. [3] His art style was inspired from illustrations used by Gorillaz as well as classic Filipino comics. [2]

Tarantadong Kalbo Vol. 1 is the franchise's first print publication and mostly tackles Raymundo's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. [3]

A spinoff series, named Baby TK was released in 2023 which is inspired from his experiences in early childhood. [8]

Tumindig

He published the Tumindig artwork which later become his other best known work. [9] [10] He deconstructed the fist bump gesture associated with the supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte with Tumindig also serving as a call to action to vote in the 2022 Philippine presidential election. [11] The common themes of his work includes social issues and Filipino culture. [10] [11]

Other works

In late 2020, Raymundo collaborated with the Foundation for Media Alternatives to produce a strip entitled Inuman Sessions: Fake News which tackles misinformation, fake news and red-tagging. [12]

He collaborated with the IBON Foundation in 2024 to design the organization's 2025 planner which had the theme of "imperialism" which critique both American and Chinese imperialism. [11]

Political views

Raymundo insist that he does not create art for the sake of aesthetics and that art is always political. [13] He views himself as an artist-activist. [14] He has opposed red-tagging in the Philippines which he has been subjected to, [15] as well as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. [2]

Personal life

Raymundo looks up to fellow cartoonists Manix Abrera, Toto Madayag, Mervin Malonzo and Pol Medina Jr.. [2] He is based in Cainta and is a married man. [12] [10]

In October 2025, Tarantadong Kalbo was rushed into the hospital for transient ischemic attack. [9] He is reportedly recovering. [10]

References

  1. Tarantadong Kalbo (September 18, 2025). "Kwarentadong Kalbo🍺". Archived from the original on October 13, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Embudo, Katrina; Hallare, Franz Lewin (July 26, 2021). "Don't Be Afraid: Artist Behind 'Tarantadong Kalbo' Believes People Should Be Free To Express Themselves". OneNews.PH. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 De Vera, Ruel (January 16, 2021). "Why you should be reading 'Tarantadong Kalbo'". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  4. 1 2 De La Cruz, Christa. "Tarantadong Kalbo Knows All Your Secret Everyday Frustrations". Spot.ph. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  5. "Artist Tarantadong Kalbo thanks fellow Filipinos who joined 'Tumindig' online movement that expresses dissent". Interaksyon. July 22, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  6. Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (October 11, 2022). ""Tumindig" artwork of Tarantadong Kalbo bags international award". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  7. 1 2 Ledesma, Sam (February 16, 2023). "Tarantadong Kalbo on his creative journey and process – adobo Magazine". Adobo Magazine. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  8. De Vera, Ruel S. (October 21, 2023). "How 'Baby TK' was born". Inquirer Super. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  9. 1 2 Severo, Jan Milo (October 9, 2025). "Tarantadong Kalbo rushed to hospital, family asks for donations". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Tarantadong Kalbo shares 'proof of life' artwork following health scare". GMA News. October 13, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 Garcellano, Liana (December 8, 2024). "Tarantadong Kalbo and IBON discuss imperialism through 2025 planner". VERA Files. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Madarang, Catalina Ricci (November 19, 2020). "This fictional comic strip helps readers identify misinformation, disinformation". Interaksyon. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  13. "Art is political, #Tumindig artist says". Bulatlat. July 21, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  14. Malig, Kaela (July 21, 2021). "Look: Viral illustration sparks solidarity among Pinoy artists to stand in dissent". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  15. Madarang, Catalina Ricci (July 14, 2021). "#Notoredtagging: Filipino artist Tarantadong Kalbo decries red-tagging over volunteerism in community pantry". Interaksyon. Retrieved October 13, 2025.