13.+Artist





 Leandro San Juan Martinez, **also known as “Dan” or “Dando” to his friends and family, was born on February 27, 1933 in Morong, Rizal Philippines. At an early age, Leandro showed an interest in drawing cartoons and often re-created humorous antics inherent in a household of ten siblings. The chosen profession by most members of his family was teaching in school. However, his parents conceded to his passion for the arts and encouraged him to pursue a fine arts degree at the University of the East. A couple of semesters shy from graduation, Leandro decided to leave school and devote his energy to a fulltime career as a cartoonist. **
 * Leandro honed his talents illustrating for ACE Publications and later became a contributing editor for PSG Publications. When PSG Publications closed its doors permanently in the early 1970’s, he became a freelance cartoonist for several komiks published by GASI and Islas Pilipinas Publishing Company. A few of his notable characters and comic strips during the 1960’s to 1970’s included Tsikiting Gubat, Nognog, Atorni Agaton, Atoman, Tik & Tak, Kuwentong Kuneho, Haragan con Maldita, T. V. Lampoon, Doon Po Sa Amin and Mac en Kulit. **