What to Look Forward to at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2026

I'll admit it - when I was, I thought comic books were just for superheroes.

But I was wrong - some of the best stories I've ever read came in the form of komiks and graphic novels. They made me laugh, linger on beautiful artwork, and sometimes sit quietly after turning the last page. That's the thing about comics: they're not just something you read. They're something you experience. 

By the way, I'm excited to share the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) return this July 10–12, 2026 at Ayala Malls The 30th.

And this year, there's an even better reason to drop by: it's completely FREE. 

What I love most about PICOF isn't just the comics. It's the people behind them.

You'll find artists sketching at their tables, writers happily chatting with readers, independent creators proudly sharing books they've spent months (or years) creating, and fellow fans discovering titles they've never heard of before. It's one of those rare events where everyone seems genuinely excited to be there.

Walking around the comics market almost feels like treasure hunting. Every booth has something different to offer: beautifully illustrated graphic novels, art prints, original comics, and stories that you probably won't find in your usual bookstore.

This year's festival also brings together creators from the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia, making it a wonderful opportunity to see how comics connect people across cultures.

If you're the kind of reader who loves discovering something before everyone else does, PICOF is also where many new releases make their debut. From fantasy and mythology to romance, memoirs, slice-of-life stories, and thought-provoking graphic novels, there's always something unexpected waiting to be picked up.

Beyond the books, you can also check out the exhibits. 

The tribute celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Comics Larry Alcala feels especially meaningful. His work has become such an important part of Filipino visual storytelling, and it's wonderful to see both his original pieces and modern interpretations by today's komiks creators in one space.

There's also Sinta: Queer Stories Across Asia, an exhibit featuring creators from Japan and Southeast Asia. I always enjoy seeing how artists from different countries tell stories about love, identity, and belonging through such a unique medium.

And if you've ever wanted to learn how comics are actually made, the festival offers masterclasses, artist talks, live drawing sessions, and creator discussions throughout the weekend. Even if you don't draw yourself, hearing artists talk about their process can be surprisingly inspiring.

What I appreciate most about PICOF is that it reminds us how rich Filipino komiks have always been.

For generations, local creators have been telling stories that are funny, heartfelt, imaginative, and deeply rooted in our culture. Festivals like this give those stories and the people who create them, the spotlight they deserve.

So whether you're a longtime comic collector, someone who enjoys graphic novels every now and then, or simply looking for something different to do this weekend, PICOF feels like a wonderful place to spend a few hours.

You might leave with a new favorite book.

Or a sketch from an artist you just met.

Or maybe just a renewed appreciation for how powerful stories can be when words and art come together.

Either way, I think that's time well spent.

More Than Songs: Conversations on Faith and Everyday Life

In a time when many people are carrying quiet battles, uncertainty about the future, pressure to keep up, burnout, and the constant expectation to have everything figured out, conversations about faith can offer something many are looking for today: space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Responding to this need for more honest and meaningful conversations, Reverb Worship, the music arm of CBN Asia, officially launched Reverb Worship: The Podcast, a new faith-based conversational podcast that premiered on June 5, 2026 on Spotify and YouTube. 

More than a music platform, the podcast opens conversations around faith, identity, calling, personal growth, and the real-life moments that shape people’s journeys. Through stories shared by worship leaders, creatives, and believers, the show explores how worship becomes more than a Sunday experience. It becomes a response to God’s faithfulness through every season of life.

Hosted by Joselle Feliciano and Icko Gonzalez for the pilot episode, the podcast creates a space that feels authentic, hopeful, and relatable for listeners navigating their own questions, challenges, and faith journeys. From Episode 2 onwards, Joselle is joined by fellow Reverb Worship artist Neo Rivera as co-host.

“For me, the podcast feels like a natural extension of Reverb Worship,” shares producer, host, and Reverb Worship artist Joselle Feliciano. “The music we create has always come from real stories, real questions, and real seasons with God, and this format gives us the chance to go deeper into the heart and journey behind those songs.”

John Valdes Tan, CBN Asia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer adds, “The Reverb Worship podcast was created to show that there’s more to worship than music; it is a lifestyle. By featuring Christian artists, we learn how to face life with joy and hope amid its challenges. We believe these conversations will inspire viewers to live victorious lives that worship God.”

The pilot episode features Andrea Badinas and centers on the theme “Loved Anyway,” inspired by her song “Ako’y Sa ’Yo.” In a culture that often celebrates perfection, performance, and having all the answers, the episode reflects on a different kind of message: encountering God’s love even in moments of weakness, imperfection, and uncertainty.

Through Andrea’s personal story, the conversation explores grace, belonging, and the reassurance that love does not withdraw when people are messy or unsure, but instead moves toward them with patience and kindness.

New episodes of Reverb Worship: The Podcast are released every other week. Listeners can now stream the pilot episode and catch upcoming conversations on Spotify and YouTube via @ReverbWorshipPH.