The Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2026 is opening with two exhibitions on July 3 at Ayala Malls The 30th that show just how wide-ranging comics can be.

Queer Storytelling Across Borders

First up is SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia, an international comics exhibition that explores queer storytelling through the lens of sequential art. Co-organized with the Japan Foundation Manila and supported by BLushcon, the exhibit brings together more than 30 creators from Japan and Southeast Asia, including artists from the Philippines, to explore how queer stories have traveled, evolved, and found new expressions across the region. The exhibit takes its name from the Filipino word for beloved, which feels especially fitting for a show centered on love, intimacy, and identity. It also traces the roots of Boys Love as a genre and shows how it has grown into a cross-cultural conversation shaped by different communities and artistic styles.

Invited artists include Masaomi Ito (Japan), Ayu Yamane (Japan), antarcticbear (Vietnam), Isha Wang (Singapore), Kayraa (Indonesia), Everwetscent/Sal (Thailand), blue (Burma), Scottyiscringe (Vietnam), Tagasaing (Philippines), and Tsambolero (Philippines), alongside selected artists from across the region.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Larry Alcala

Also opening is Larry Alcala 100 Years, a centenary tribute to National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala, who is remembered for his distinctive illustrations and his beloved Slice of Life series, which captured everyday Filipino experiences with humor, warmth, and incredibly rich detail. The exhibit is made up of two parts: The Slices of a Komikeros Life, which revisits Alcala’s life, artistry, and legacy through selected reproductions and commemorative displays, and Larry Alcala 100 Years 100 Komikeros, a collective showcase featuring 100 Filipino comics creators who made original works inspired by his influence.

What makes these exhibits especially exciting is how they complement each other: one looks back at a beloved National Artist whose work shaped generations, while the other opens a vibrant cross-border conversation about contemporary queer storytelling. Together, they make PICOF 2026 feel like a lively celebration of comics as art, culture, and community.

PICOF Returns as an Open Festival

There’s even more to look forward to at PICOF 2026 itself, which will run from July 10 to 12. Aside from the featured exhibits, visitors will have free access to the comics market, join masterclasses, sit in on comic book talks, catch artist battles and live drawing sessions, and take part in book launches, creator spotlights, and community conversations that bring Filipino and international comics fans together. Programming will take place at different festival areas, including the 2nd Floor Activity Center Stage and the Octagon Room near Timezone, making the whole venue feel like one big celebration of komiks.

With so much happening across the exhibits and festival program, PICOF 2026 is shaping up to be a must-visit for anyone who loves comics, illustration, and storytelling with heart. Admission is free, so bring your friends, soak in the art, meet creators, and spend these 10 days celebrating the creativity and future of Filipino komiks.