Calling all readers, dreamers, creators, students, professionals, and the wonderfully curious! Mark your calendars for an unmissable celebration of visual storytelling: the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2025 is happening on July 5th and 6th (Saturday & Sunday) at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City! Doors open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day.
This event is a direct line to the heart of the Philippines’ thriving creative pulse. Visit and support over 200 talented Filipino comics creators as they showcase their incredible work, representing the exciting second renaissance of “komiks” with a K.
Why Komiks? A Legacy Reborn & Conquering the Globe
Filipino komiks boast nearly a century of rich history, deeply woven into the nation’s art and culture. Remember the legendary first golden age? Masters like Tony de Zuniga, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala, and Alex Niño took the world by storm, illustrating for giants like Marvel and DC.
Today, history repeats itself, but with a powerful twist. It’s our original Filipino stories and characters captivating international readers! With over 100 foreign editions published across the US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and beyond, komiks stand as the Philippines’ most translated literary genre. The world is discovering our narratives – shouldn’t you?
Experience this global phenomenon firsthand: Don’t miss the acclaimed documentary “Komiks With a K”, directed and produced by National Book Award winner Jay Ignacio. This insightful 60-minute film explores the komiks journey and will be screened four times:
- Friday, July 4th: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (includes Q&A with Director)
- Sunday, July 6th: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (includes Q&A with Director)
- Venue: Megatrade Meeting Room B
Fueling Imagination: Komiks for Every Reader
In an era facing literacy challenges, komiks offer a powerful, engaging solution. They are the books kids (and adults!) genuinely love to read, making them an invaluable tool for schools and libraries. PICOF 2025 is the perfect place for educators and librarians to discover captivating titles to enrich their collections and inspire young minds.
Discover the Future: The PICOF Official Selection & New Releases
What truly sets PICOF apart globally? It’s the only festival featuring an Official Selection – ten exceptional graphic novel pitches meticulously developed in a dedicated Creator’s Lab and published just in time for the festival. These award-winning titles are Philippine ambassadors on the world comics stage, supported by the National Book Development Board.
This year, prepare for the launch of two hotly anticipated Official Selection titles:
- “Blight” by Yuri Pinzon: Brace yourself for a chilling zombie outbreak set amidst the pine trees and chilly air of Baguio City.
- “Cat Cafeteria” by Arli Pagaduan: A heartwarming tale of a mother, daughter, and their mission to build a safe haven for community cats.
But that’s just the beginning! Over 100 new komiks releases will debut at PICOF 2025! Creating a full graphic novel is a marathon, so many creators will also unveil exciting new chapters:
- “Doobiedoo Asks Whatcha Up 2” (Bambi Amago, Jakob Amago, Roland Amago)
- “There’s A Daemon In My Head” Chapter 0 (Milo Galang)
- “Hiraya” Chapter 2 (Fred Cabredo)
- “Sibol” Chapter 2 (Patricia Ramos, Viel Vidal)
- “P.S.” Chapter 2 (Danyel Maxin)
- “The Dungeon” Chapter 1 (Kurt Arzaga)
- “Bodies On Rooftops” Chapter 1 (Aaron Gabao)
- “Strike the Spark!” Preview Chapter (Maria Maranan)
- “Kundiman” Chapter 1 (Yen Peters)
- “The Last Wild Swan” Chapter 1 (Tintin Pantoja)
Global Stars Converge: International Guests
PICOF welcomes an impressive roster of international talent launching their Philippine editions under Vibal Publishing’s Agimat Comics imprint:
- Sheree Domingo (Fil-German): Creator of “Long Distance Call”.
- Erica Eng (Malaysia): Eisner Award Winner for Best Webcomic (“Fried Rice”).
- Kenfoo (Singapore): Best Book Winner (“Cockman”).
Plus, meet creators and publishers representing Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Brasil, Slovenia, and Turkey!
Hone Your Craft: Comics Masterclasses
Upgrade your skills from July 4th (Friday) to July 6th (Sunday), 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Fourteen intensive masterclasses led by global professionals await:
- Randy Valiente: Rediscover the lost art style of Filipino komiks in the “Hagod” workshop.
- Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas: Learn the essentials of Cartooning.
- Gwang Jin (Creator of “Itaewon Class”): Dive deep into the world of Korean Webtoons and the industry landscape.
- Plus sessions with Sheree Domingo, Jonathan Scott (Thailand-based British creator), Erica Eng, and more!
Journey Through Visual Stories: Captivating Exhibits
Immerse yourself in three unique exhibits:
- The PICOF Official Selection: Showcasing the best of the Creator’s Lab.
- Tribute to Mars Ravelo’s Mahiwagang Makinilya: Celebrating a komiks legend.
- Country Highlight: Palestine – “Enter the Mulberry”: Making its Philippine debut after premiering at the UK’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Support a Cause: Stand with Palestine
PICOF provides a meaningful way to support Palestine:
- Purchase exclusive merchandise from the “Enter the Mulberry” exhibit.
- Witness the power of art with hourly “Panels For Palestine” live drawing sessions by komiks creators.
- Buy the book by Palestinian creator Safaa Odah.
- All proceeds from merchandise, Safaa Odah’s book, and “Komiks With a K” screenings will be donated to Medical Aid For Palestine (MAP) and directly to Safaa Odah.
Your Invitation to Delight!
With hundreds of creators, groundbreaking new books, world-class masterclasses, inspiring exhibits, international stars, and a chance to support meaningful causes, the reasons to attend #PICOF2025 are endless!
Here’s the cherry on top: The first 1,000 attendees each day will receive a FREE copy of the TUWA Comics Anthology, featuring works from 100 independent komiks creators!
Don’t just read about the komiks renaissance – be part of it!
Secure Your Passage to Komiks Delight:
- Ticket Price: ₱100 per day
- Purchase: Available at the entrance (Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall) or conveniently BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW: https://www.ticket2me.net/Komiket
Join the event on July 5 & 6, 2025, at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 (11 AM – 8 PM) for the Philippine International Comics Festival. Discover stories, meet creators, learn skills, and celebrate the vibrant world of Filipino komiks. #PICOF2025 #SupportFilipinoKomiks
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