The Philippine International Comics Festival: Bridging Filipino comics to the world.

THE Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2024, the only comics festival in the world with an Official Selection of ten graphic novel pitches, developed in a Creator’s Lab, and published in time for the festival, announced the ten titles that made it to the festival’s Official Selection list.

Among these are the 40th National Book Award and 7th National Children’s Book Award winner “Alandal” by J. Philip Ignacio and Alex Niño. “Alandal” is currently published in German and Burmese, and Niño also received the 2022 Eisner Hall of Fame Award in the USA.

“Doobiedoo Asks” by Bambi and Roland Amago is an autobiographical komiks about discovering that their first-born child is diagnosed with autism. It won at the 2021 Asian Festival of Children's Content - Best Media Pitch Winner, and at the 7th National Children's Book Awards as Kids' Choice Awardee, Chapter Book Category.

There is also “Twinkle Twinkle” by Tori Tadiar, which won the National Children’s Book Award, and the Filipino Reader’s Choice Award for Best Comics. Tadiar’s next work, Ilustra, is going to be published by Disney Hyperion in June 2025.

From L-R: Alandal, Doobiedoo Asks, Twinkle Twinkle.

Two new titles will get their first release, “Nino Bughaw” by CJ Reynaldo, about a deaf weather engkanto who has to save his parents from the evil stormy engkanto, and “Watchdog Of Manila” by Lucas Lacorte, about a young boy who uses his newfound superpowers to guard Sentro Manila.

For the first time since PICOF’s first edition in 2020, PICOF 2024 will be held face-to-face on July 20-21, 2024 (Saturday and Sunday) from 10 AM – 8 PM at The Podium Hall, 6/F of The Podium, located along ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

𝑀𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦

Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and greet some of the country’s most popular and top-notch creators, such as Pol Medina Jr., Tarantadong Kalbo, Libreng Komiks, and SSKAIT. National Book Award winners RH Quilantang from Leyte (“Ang Mga Alitaptap Ng Pulang Buhangin”), and Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, and AJ Bernardo (“Death Be Damned”) are also in attendance. Flying in from Iloilo City, on the other hand, are Pasyon Komiks and Kartilya Komiks, and representing Davao City are Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ren Galeno and Gigi Chan of the popular webcomics, “Somewhere In My Past,” while Yuri Javillonar will come down from Baguio City to release a preview chapter of her work “Blight.” Students from the Komiket’s 9th Comic Book Creator’s Workshop will be releasing their first komiks, and the Makiling Komiks Kolektib are national arts scholars from the Philippine High School for the Arts in Laguna who will also be in attendance.

Pol Medina, Jr. 
Photo credit: Esquire Philippines.

Being an international event, PICOF will also see the presence of international delegates from South East Asia like Eisner winner Erica Eng from Malaysia, plus Chin Yew and Sam Seen, also from Malaysia. Juliette Yu-Ming Lizeray, as well as Fang Kai Loo, both from Singapore, will be joined by Toni Masdiono and Tita Larasati of Indonesia, and Ping Sasinan and Maelon and Seesaw representing Thailand. Readers may find each of their short comics all together in the SEA Kommunity Comics Anthology.

Tarantadong Kalbo.
Photo credit: Pep PH.

Multiple Eisner Award winner and a recipient of the Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, Craig Yoe (USA), will also be releasing his new book, “Woman and Man.” Sean Michael Wilson, also an Eisner and International Manga Award winner who has penned more than 40 titles, together with PICOF’s festival partners from the UK and Australia will also be in attendance. From the Lakes International Comics Art Festival, Lucy Sullivan, Lyndon White, and Mollie Ray will be representing the UK, while Katrina Turner from Perth Comic Art Festival will represent Australia.

𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑒𝑥ℎ𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑠

And PICOF 2024 will not be complete without the Comics Masterclasses so it’s the perfect time for festival attendees to attend these masterclasses. It’s a rare occasion to have these international comics professionals in the country, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and hear them talk and help everyone hone their skills not just in comics but also in sequential art and visual storytelling. All classes are definitely worth attending, like Toni Masdiono’s class on “Dynamic Flow & Angles,” Lyndon White’s “Stand Out Cover Art,” and Carlo Vergara’s “Digging Your Well: Unearthing Your Personal Catalogue Of Story Possibilities,” just a few of the 12 Comics Masterclasses available for interested students.

Attendees can also get a sneak peek at the creators who are next in line, as the PICOF Creator’s Lab creators are releasing the first chapters of their work. “Hele,” by Mitzi Bajet and Alex Sevilla, follows the life story of jazz and bodabil singer Ada set in the Filipino-American period. There’s “Hiraya” by Fred Cabredo that creates a new mythology about a powerful babaylan, Jalberta, who uses the mystical page of Hiraya to cure her dying grandson, “Tablay” by Kat Olan and Paul Medalla, a high-octane Filipino myth mecha adventure, while lovers of Filipino manga will adore “Sitnalta” by Ray Magbanua.

Komiket, which has been conducting Comic Book Creator’s Workshops since 2015, announced that the 9th batch of comics creators will be launching their komiks for the first time and they will definitely need all the support they can get.

Likewise, new released comics will get the special treatment they deserve as they will go on stage for the launch of their comics. The launch will be hosted by world comics expert Paul Gravett, Singaporean Comics Critic CT Lim, and Duy Tano, who will get to interview the creators. Among the new releases to be launched are Tuttle Publishing’s international edition of “Janus Silang,” the “Gigil” Anthology featuring 13 girls love one-shot comics, and “In the Jaws Of St. Camillus” by Stevie Barot, whose work was initially featured in Shortbox Comics Festival in the UK.

On the other hand, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF), a long-time partner of Komiket working on the tenyearstosavetheworld.com project on climate change, will be working on a four-panel comics workshop for kids, with the view that comics can create a better world. This will be led by Mollie Ray of UK and Patty Ramos of the Philippines. The finished comics will become part of the comics exhibit of PICOF.

𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ

This year, PICOF will also pay tribute to the Alamat Comics creators who started the independent comics scene in Manila through a comics exhibit of collected artworks by the Komikero Museum, and a comics anthology, Alamat Origins. The anthology takes readers back to the stories and art of the first and sometimes only issues of 17 titles released by the Alamat comics group in the 90s. These komiks have now been unearthed, remastered, and revived for new readers to enjoy.

Komikero Museum in San Pablo City.

In a groundbreaking initiative for Southeast Asia, a Comics Rights Market will be held a week before the festival, featuring a two-day rights-selling training with international comics agent Ivanka Hahnenberger. This special project, supported by the National Book Development Board and organized by Komiket, aims to enhance the professional development of Filipino komiks publishers. After the training, they will pitch to eight international publishers from the USA, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Korea, and Myanmar, engaging in business matching sessions to promote Filipino komiks titles. This development initiative supports industry growth and aligns with preparations for the 2025 Frankfurt Buchmesse, where the Philippines holds the distinguished position of Guest of Honour. This prestigious fair, the oldest in the world specializing in translation rights, underscores the Philippines’ commitment to advancing its literary contributions on a global stage.

There will also be festival merchandise available to help raise funds for PICOF2025 to keep the event free for komiks creators and komiks publishers. This year’s poster is illustrated by 2022 Eisner Hall of Fame awardee Alex Niño. Komiket also calls on Filipinos to support over 200 Filipino komiks creators and publishers by purchasing their komiks. Every purchase during PICOF 2024, where book lovers, film geeks, and animation and video game enthusiasts who love visual storytelling will enjoy in this festival of sequential art, will help encourage creators to continue creating magnificent creations that can be showcased to the world.

Now is the right time to #supportfilipinocomics. Head to the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2024 on July 20-21, 2024, from 10 AM – 8 PM at The Podium Hall, 6/F The Podium along ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. Tickets may be purchased at the venue entrance for only PHP 200. The first one-thousand paid ticket holders will get a free Kometverse komiks anthology featuring 95 Filipino creators. And during the grand raffle, one lucky komiks reader gets to receive over 100 komiks as a gift by the community.

#PICOF2024 is organized by Komiket, and supported by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the National Book Development Board.

Loans Can Fuel Business Growth.

In today's very competitive market landscape, ease of access to funding may well be one factor that will ensure any growing business's success. Entrepreneurs need the assurance that they have easy access to financing through banks. This allows them to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace, thereby ensuring business growth.

As one of the country's leading thrift banks that provides various business solutions to its clients, Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has pledged its support to help small and medium enterprises thrive in the ever-competitive marketplace.

SBA offers a wide range of business loan products that cater to the different needs of its customers, ranging from startups to established enterprises. Their offerings include term loans, trade check discounting, developmental loans, domestic bills purchase, and more.

Choosing the right bank financing product is crucial for a business's success. With the appropriate loan funding, businesses can reach their full potential. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to carefully evaluate their funding requirements and select from the wide array of banking products available to meet their specific goals.

Sterling Bank of Asia is committed to supporting businesses every step of the way. Their team is always ready and willing to assist clients in finding the perfect financial solution to achieve their business aspirations.

For those looking to grow their business, explore SBA's loan products and contact their team today to begin the journey toward success.

Order PSA Birth Certificates Online - Home Delivery and National Bookstore Pick Up!

It feels like forever since I last updated this blog!

Life has been busy lately as I've been taking online courses, working on a new business venture, and squeezing housework in between. Thankfully, Yue is still on a school break, which means exams and school activities are the least of my worries at the moment. He will be going back to reality by the end of July though, and as a senior high school student at that. Also, I had him transferred to a different school because his previous school doesn't offer the strand that he wants. And yes, that meant securing documents required by the school. 

The need for official documents can often feel like a constant challenge in our lives. PSAHelpline understands this frustration and has established itself as a reliable partner for PSA certificate online ordering and delivery nationwide.By leveraging this user-friendly platform, individuals and businesses can navigate the task of acquiring PSA certificates with minimal effort. This translates to a significant reduction in administrative burdens, freeing up valuable time and resources. PSAHelpline empowers Filipinos to reclaim control of their time and resources, paving the way for greater efficiency and productivity.

How can I get my PSA birth certificate online? 

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to order PSA certificates online: 

1. Visit PSAHelpline.ph. Head to their user-friendly website to initiate the process. Explore the well-designed interface and familiarize yourself with the navigation to ensure a smooth experience. 

2. Choose your Certificate Type. Select the specific document you require, be it a birth, marriage, CENOMAR, or death certificate.

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5. Specify your Purpose. State the reason for requesting the document (passport application, employment, etc.).

6. Delivery or Pick-up? Choose your preferred method of receiving the document - either convenient door-to-door delivery of pick-up at a designated National Bookstore branch. The National Bookstore pick-up option is currently available in select branches in Metro Manila and provincial areas like Batangas, Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija), Paniqui (Tarlac), and Angeles (Pampanga). You may refer to ther FAQ page for the most updated list of National Bookstore branches where PSA certificate pick-up is available.

7. Multiple Payment Options. Select the most convenient payment method for you, whether it's digital wallets, credit/debit cards, or accredited payment centers.

Pick Up Your PSA Certificates at National Bookstore

Instead of home or office delivery that you might miss if you are often out, picking up your PSA certificate orders at a National Bookstore branch offers a convenient and secure alternative. Here's how:

1. Select "Pick-up" as your delivery option upon checkout. 

2. Choose your preferred branch from participating stores in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

3. Complete your order and wait for the SMS/email notification.

4. Bring a valid ID and the SMS notification to claim your PSA certificate at the branch.

Remember: Only you can claim it (no representatives allowed), and you have 30 days to pick it up!

Peace of Mind with Robust Security

Beyond its user-friendly interface and efficient service, PSAHelpline prioritizes the security and confidentiality of your document requests. The platform utilizes robust encryption methods and secure payment channels to safeguard sensitive information submitted throughout the process. This ensures your data is protected from unauthorized access or misuse.

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How do I check the status of my PSA birth certificate order?

PSAHelpline offers a convenient solution to stay informed about the progress of your application.

The platform features a dedicated order status tracking page. Simply visit this page and enter the necessary details, such as your order reference number, to access real-time updates.

You will receive the latest information regarding the status of your request, be it for a PSA birth certificate, PSA marriage certificate, PSA CENOMAR, or PSA death certificate. This level of transparency and convenience allows you to stay informed and manage your expectations throughout the process.

Simplify Document Procurement with PSAHelpline.ph

For your personal or professional needs, PSAHelpline emerges as a reliable and efficient solution for obtaining essential documents. If you need assistance with your order or have other questions about their services, you may call their hotline at 02-87371111 (staffed from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm excluding holidays) or send them an email at help@psahelpline.ph.

Through PSAHelpline.ph, obtaining PSA birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other PSA certificates becomes a streamlined online process, guaranteeing ease and comfort for all users. With just a few simple steps, you can effortlessly manage your document requests, freeing up valuable time to focus on what truly matters. For a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish, entrust your document procurement needs to PSAHelpline.ph.

Hemophilia Community Celebrates Success Over World Hemophilia Day 2024.

Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP), a national nonprofit organization for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders, proudly announces the success of its latest awareness campaign. Held at the Festival Mall, Alabang on April 13, 2024, World Hemophilia Day brought together about 250 patients, members, supporters, and advocates from across the country in a collective effort to raise awareness for those affected by hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects about 10,000 Filipinos. However, in the 2020 study conducted by the World Federation of Hemophilia, only around 1,600 cases have been diagnosed and registered.

Through educational discussions led by HAP’s medical advisors from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital, attendees, mall goers, and Facebook live spectators learned more about hemophilia care in the present age. The gathering also highlighted testimonies of how HAP’s partnerships with other organizations created opportunities and positive impact to improve the quality of life of persons with bleeding disorders.

This event also strengthened our efforts to call forth the attention of the Philippine government to hasten the passage of the Bleeding Disorders Standard of Care Bills that have been pending in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The generosity and compassion displayed by the guest speakers, advocates, and performers including Peter Harbinson a renowned Australian Opera Singer, underscored the importance of coming together to increase awareness and provide opportunities for individuals living with bleeding disorders to lead better lives.

HAP successfully commemorated World Hemophilia Day thanks to the commitment of its volunteers, donors, as well as foreign and local partners including Festival Mall-Alabang, Save One Life, Project
Share, Virtualahan, Jollibee, and the media sponsorship by Inquirer.net, Cebu Daily News Digital, Pop!, Preen.ph and Be An Inquirer.

The funds raised through donations and merchandise sold will directly support HAP’s initiatives to make information accessible and comprehensive care available at the grassroots level.

"We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we received during this event," said Andrea Trinidad, HAP's President. "Every donation, every step taken, and every conversation had a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by hemophilia. Together, we are making a difference and providing hope for a brighter future."

HAP extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event. The generosity and commitment to their cause are invaluable, and with our continued support, we can all create a world where individuals with hemophilia can live healthier, happier lives.

For more information about Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines and how you can continue to support their mission, please visit hemophilia.ph or contact our Executive Director Ms. France Alviz at 09955505315.

PH to make its debut at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and its partner, The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), are set to make a historic debut at the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) from April 8 to 11, 2024 at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre, Bologna. This is a milestone for the Philippine children’s book sector, as it marks the country’s first-ever participation at the world’s biggest international fair for children’s content.

With the Philippine children’s book sector thriving and highly sought-after in the local publishing industry, this debut offers a long-awaited opportunity to showcase the country’s children’s content, which is among the most widely translated genres, to a global audience.

A curated selection of 103 books, exploring themes such as culture, diversity, identity, peace, community, and the environment, will be featured at the Philippines’ country stand at the BCBF.

The delegation includes acclaimed artists Beth Parrocha (The Pencil Who Would Not Write, Bulul), Liza Flores (The Secret is in the Soil), and authors Russell Molina (Tuwing Sabado, Sandosenang Kuya), and Mary Ann Ordinario (My Muslim Friend, War Makes Me Sad).

It aims to not only present the talent of Filipino creators but also to secure translation rights, expand networks with foreign publishers, and foster collaborations between local and international counterparts.

Additionally, Philippine comics will take center stage at the BCBF’s Comics Corner, courtesy of Avenida Books founder and Trese publisher Nida Ramirez, who has been honored with a fellowship from the BolognaFiere Group.

“Establishing the country’s presence in the BCBF—as well as in the upcoming Asian Festival for Children’s Content, where it will be the Country of Focus, and the upcoming Guest of Honor role in Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025, shall help solidify the Philippines as an emerging creative content capital in Southeast Asia. We cannot wait to introduce our children’s book industry to the global stage—the many Filipino authors and publishers exploring themes of peace identity and community,” notes Executive Director, Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Since its inception in 1964, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair has been the premier platform for professionals in children’s content worldwide, providing opportunities for networking, rights selling, and cross-media adaptation, along with educational activities.

This year, with over 1,500 exhibitors from around 100 countries, including the Philippines, the fair anticipates over 25,000 visitors. The Philippines’ country stand, designed by the award-winning artist and illustrator Aldy Aguirre, is located at Hall 29, Stand B24-C23.

For industry professionals interested in attending, tickets for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair can be purchased at https://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en/visitors/ticket-online/1131.html. For more information, visit books.gov.ph or follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @nbdbphilippines.