Cover Cover of the Vietnamese title, ‘Adding You to My Cart’ by Antarcticbear, which is part of the ‘SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia’ exhibition at PICOF 2026
Cover of the Vietnamese title, ‘Adding You to My Cart’ by Antarcticbear, which is part of the ‘SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia’ exhibition at PICOF 2026
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The Philippine International Comics Festival returns as a free, open event, making PICOF 2026 the ultimate destination for komiks lovers and creators this July
The Philippine International Comics Festival, widely known as PICOF 2026, is set to return from July 10 to 12 at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig City. Organised by Komiket, a non-profit organisation that advocates for Filipino komiks and the local art market community, the festival serves as the group’s flagship and most prestigious event.
Now in its sixth edition and marking its third physical, in-person execution, the festival aims to attract an estimated 3,000 visitors. For the very first time, PICOF 2026 transforms into an open festival, granting the public free access to its comics market, dynamic exhibits, masterclasses, comic book talks, live drawing events and artist battles.
PICOF 2026 Masterclasses
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By providing a robust platform, the event connects Filipino creators with the global comics industry. The vibrant comics market will host over 200 exhibitors, featuring independent Filipino creators and publishers alongside international guests from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Australia.
Attendees can deepen their knowledge through a series of masterclasses led by industry professionals, including Tori Tadiar and Cat Aquino from the Philippines, Masaomi Ito from Japan, Joshua Chieng from Singapore and Kristina Turner from Australia. While the main festival programming will take place at the 2nd Floor Activity Center Stage, the exclusive masterclasses will be held separately at the Octagon Room near Timezone.
Above ‘Slices of a Komikero’s Life’ is a retrospective exhibit that offers visitors a chance to revisit Alcala’s life and legacy through commemorative displays and selected reproductions
Above ‘Larry Alcala × 100 Komikeros’ is a large-scale collaborative exhibition featuring original works from 100 contemporary Filipino comics creators, demonstrating how Alcala’s creative spirit continues to inspire modern practitioners.
‘Slices of a Komikero’s Life’ is a retrospective exhibit that offers visitors a chance to revisit Alcala’s life and legacy through commemorative displays and selected reproductions
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A major highlight of the festival is the centennial celebration of National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala. Presented in partnership with the Larry Alcala estate, the special exhibition honours Alcala’s enduring mark on Philippine visual culture. Known for his iconic Slice of Life series, Alcala masterfully chronicled everyday Filipino experiences with remarkable humour, warmth and attention to detail.
The tribute is divided into two complementary showcases running from July 3 to 12 on the 3rd Floor of Ayala Malls The 30th. First is Slices of a Komikero’s Life, a retrospective exhibit that offers visitors a chance to revisit Alcala’s life and legacy through commemorative displays and selected reproductions. Second is the Larry Alcala × 100 Komikeros, a large-scale collaborative exhibition featuring original works from 100 contemporary Filipino comics creators, demonstrating how Alcala’s creative spirit continues to inspire modern practitioners.
Above ‘SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia’ is an international exhibition co-organised with the Japan Foundation Manila and BLushCon
‘SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia’ is an international exhibition co-organised with the Japan Foundation Manila and BLushCon
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In keeping with the centenary theme, “Creativity Is For Everyone”, festival attendees will also have the interactive opportunity to draw their own Alcala characters and display them within the exhibit area.
Adding profound cultural depth to the festival is SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia, an international exhibition co-organised with the Japan Foundation Manila and BLushCon. Located at the Ground Floor Main Entrance of Ayala Malls The 30th, the exhibit runs concurrently from July 3 to 12.
The exhibition is presented as an official commemorative event of the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year, which celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations under the theme: “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities”. Named after the Filipino word for “beloved”, SINTA examines the evolving contours of queer intimacy, tracing the rich legacy of Boys’ Love (BL) from its origins in Japanese girls’ comics over fifty years ago to its status as a global genre today.
‘There’s a Daemon in my Head!’ by Galang
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The showcase brings together over 30 creators from Japan and Southeast Asia, highlighting how queer narratives have crossed borders and found unique expressions. Featured artists include Masaomi Ito and Ayu Yamane from Japan, antarcticbear and Scottyiscringe from Vietnam, Isha Wang from Singapore, Kayraa from Indonesia, Everwetscent/Sal from Thailand, blue from Burma and Tagasaing and Tsambolero from the Philippines.
For avid readers and collectors, PICOF 2026 is one of the premier avenues to discover the latest developments in local sequential art. The festival will host the launches of highly anticipated comics and graphic novels.
Part of the PICOF Official Selection are Watchdog of Manila by Lucas Lacorte, The Ticking Stone by Vaughn Pinpin and Tristan Yuvienco, Tablay: The Graphic Novel by Katrina F Olan and Paul Medalla, Strike the Spark by Maria Maranan and There’s a Daemon in my Head! by Galang.
‘Benign is a State of Mind’, a Callous’ 30th Anniversary Vol. 1 by Carlo Jose San Juan
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Some of the exciting new releases available at the market include: Children of Bathala Volume 4 by Arnold Arre, The Life and Art of Tony Velasquez by Ian Velasquez, Benign is a State of Mind (a Callous’ 30th Anniversary, in two volumes) by Carlo Jose San Juan, Ode to Panels by Arli Pagaduan, Vaklat by Pura Luka Vega & Jap Mikel, Diliman Generation Now Volume 1 by Tobie Abad, Drawn to Love by Tish Valenzuela, Nightgate Volume 1 by Lucia Asul and Komiket Komiks Magazine Issue #2.
By bringing together diverse voices and providing a vibrant free space for cultural exchange, PICOF 2026 continues its vital mission of supporting the future of Filipino storytelling.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
