A Festival Of Delight: The Philippine International Comics Festival 2025.

More than 200 Filipino comics creators are set to take the center stage at the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2025. Happening on July 5-6 at SM Megamall's Megatrade Hall 2, PICOF 2025 aims to celebrate the country's vibrant komiks heritage and highlight its continuous global recognition. Readers, creatives, students, professionals, and even those who are simply curious and intrigued are invited to this exciting and fun-filled event, with doors opening from 11am until 8pm.

Why Komiks?

With almost a hundred years of richly contributing to Philippine art and culture, Filipino comics, or komiks with a k, is currently riding the wave of its second renaissance.

Filipino Komiks is Traveling the World 

During the first golden age of Filipino comics, world-renowned illustrators such as Tony de Zuniga, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala, and Alex Niño invaded the US to offer their illustration services for the big comics publishers such as Marvel or DC Comics.

Now, it’s the storytellers with their original stories and characters, who are getting published around the world, with over 100 foreign editions of Filipino komiks, published in the US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and in more countries around the world, making komiks the most translated literary genre of the Philippines.

All of this can be found in the documentary film, “Komiks With a K” directed and produced by National Book Award winning author Jay Ignacio. His 60-minute film will have four screenings and Q&A with the director on Friday 530pm-8pm, and Sunday 5PM-8PM at Megatrade Meeting Room B.

If the world is starting to read komiks, all the more Filipino readers of all ages should start reading komiks as well.

The Books Kids (of all ages) Love to Read

With the growing challenges in literacy, reading books that children or students love to read will definitely be a huge step in the right direction to solving this dilemma. Schools and libraries are more than welcome to start including komiks in their libraries through PICOF.

The PICOF Official Selection

What makes PICOF unique from all the comics festivals around the world, is it’s the only comics festival that selects an Official Selection of ten graphic novel pitches, that are developed in a Creator’s Lab, and published in time for the festival. Several of these books have won awards locally, and represent the Philippines globally with the support of the National Book Development Board.

This PICOF, two Official Selections will be launched—“Blight” by Yuri Pinzon is about a zombie outbreak in Baguio City, and “Cat Cafeteria” by Arli Pagaduan, about a mother-and-daughter and how they build a safe space for their community cats.

New Releases in #PICOF2025?

“Blight” and “Cat Cafeteria,” are just two of the 100 new releases set to be launched in PICOF2025. Creating a full-length graphic novel takes a lot of time, talent, and energy, so here are more titles that will be releasing chapters of their work: “Doobiedoo Asks Whatcha Up 2" by Bambi Amago, Jakob Amago and Roland Amago; “There’s A Daemon In My Head” Chapter 0 by Milo Galang; “Hiraya” Chapter 2 by Fred Cabredo; “Sibol” Chapter 2 by Patricia Ramos and Viel Vidal; “P.S.” Chapter 2 by Danyel Maxin; “The Dungeon” Chapter 1 by Kurt Arzaga; “Bodies On Rooftops” Chapter 1 by Aaron Gabao; “Strike the Spark!” Preview Chapter by Maria Maranan; “Kundiman” Chapter 1 by Yen Peters; and “The Last Wild Swan” Chapter 1 by Tintin Pantoja.

International Guests

Among the international guests present are: Fil-German creator Sheree Domingo (Long Distance Call,) Eisner Winner for Best Webcomics Erica Eng from Malaysia (Fried Rice,) and Singaporean Best Book winner, Kenfoo (Cockman) will all be launching the Philippine edition of their books under Vibal Publishing’s Agimat Comics imprint. There will also be comics creators and publishers from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Brasil, Slovenia, and Turkey.

Comics Masterclasses

From July 4, Friday to July 6 Sunday, 1030am to 8pm, fourteen Masterclasses will be taught from comics professionals around the world. Notable masterclasses are Randy Valiente’s Hagod workshop, teaching the lost art style of Filipino komiks, a Cartooning Workshop with the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, while Itaewon Class creator Gwang Jin will be speaking about Korean Webtoons and the Industry Landscape. Also teaching masterclasses is award-winning Fil-German creator Sheree Domingo, Thailand-based British creator Jonathan Scott, Eisner Winner Erica Eng from Malaysia, and many more.

Comics Exhibits

PICOF will have three comics exhibits this year, the first featuring the PICOF Official Selection, the second is a tribute to Mars Ravelo’s Mahiwagang Makinilya, and the third is the country of highlight—Palestine through the Enter the Mulberry exhibit whose first public appearance was in the Lakes International Comic Art Festival last year.

Support Palestine

Readers can support Palestine by purchasing merchandise from the Enter the Mulberry exhibit, watch hourly live drawings of komiks creators doing “Panels For Palestine,” and buy a book of Palestinian creator Safaa Odah. All proceeds of the book, merch, and “Komiks With a K” film screenings will go to Medical Aid For Palestine and Safaa Odah herself.

There are so many delightful reasons to go to #PICOF2025. And if that isn’t enough, the first 1,000 attendees on both days can get a free copy of the TUWA Comics Anthology, featuring 100 independent creators from the komiks community! #SupportFilipinoKomiks at the Philippine International Comics Festival!

Tickets are 100php and may be purchased at the entrance or buy tickets online here: https://www.ticket2me.net/Komiket

Transform Your Vehicle: Innovative Tips for Automotive Styling.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Automotive Styling
• Understanding the Basics of Car Customization
• Choosing the Right Modifications for Your Ride
• The Impact of Window Tinting on Car Styling
• Maintaining Your Car’s Look with Regular Care
• Experimenting with Interior Upgrades
• The Role of Professional Consultation in Automotive Styling
• Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Style

Introduction to Automotive Styling

Transforming a vehicle's aesthetic is an endeavor that goes beyond mere functionality; it's about creating a mobile extension of your personality. Automotive styling allows you to enhance every facet of your car from its exterior luster to the comfort of its interior. Techniques like applying paint protection were once reserved for luxury enthusiasts but have become staples due to their practical benefits. One such enhancement gaining popularity is the ceramic coating for cars in Wilmington, NC; this method provides a lustrous finish while delivering strong protection against environmental threats. It enhances the vehicle's elegance and significantly contributes to preserving its overall worth. As more people seek ways to protect and beautify their cars, the demand for these advanced treatments continues to rise. Ceramic coatings offer an effective solution if you want to maintain a brand-new finish or revitalize an older vehicle. With the added benefit of reducing maintenance time, it's clear that this approach is becoming a go-to for car owners.

Photo credit: Jacob Moore.

Understanding the Basics of Car Customization

Engaging in car customization involves an eclectic mix of art and engineering. The ability to tailor your vehicle to meet specific desires or needs requires a foundational understanding of available modifications. From aerodynamic body kits that enhance performance to subtle aesthetic tweaks like new badges or emblems, every choice impacts the driving experience. Car customization isn't just for drag racers or drivetrain aficionados; it's an expression of individuality often realized through visual flair and cutting-edge technology. For those looking to maintain their vehicle’s pristine look while reducing maintenance, automotive ceramic coating near me can offer a practical yet stylish solution, protecting the paint and enhancing the car’s appearance. The decision to customize should consider personal preference and enhancements' practicality. It's also essential to consider how each modification will complement the car's overall design and purpose. Whether upgrading the interior for comfort or adding exterior features for style, each element should reflect your unique taste. Ultimately, customization is about enhancing the driving experience while making the car yours.

Choosing the Right Modifications for Your Ride

In the vibrant world of vehicle optimization, choosing the proper modifications can feel like navigating an endless sea of options. Prioritizing your needs is paramount to making informed choices. For instance, a vinyl wrap can provide an entirely new look for significantly less than a paint job, offering an array of customizable designs. On the other hand, upgrading headlights to LED or HID counterparts can enhance safety while adding a modern touch. Staying informed through resources such as automotive trends helps you to pinpoint features that not only stand out aesthetically but will also hold value over time. Sophisticated choices like custom alloy wheels or high-performance tires underscore the importance of style and functionality.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske.

The Impact of Window Tinting on Car Styling

Window tinting is an artistic science, blending functionality with style. More than just enhancing your car's sleek silhouette, tinting keeps the sun's harmful glare at bay, protecting the vehicle's interior from premature wear and tear while maintaining an optimal temperature during sweltering days. According to Car and Driver, laws concerning tint levels vary across states, underscoring the importance of familiarizing yourself with local regulations before deciding. Masterfully applied tinting can imbue the car with a sense of mystery and glamour, making it an understated yet powerful component of vehicle styling. When chosen thoughtfully, tint shades can complement your overall design, turning heads for all the right reasons.

Maintaining Your Car’s Look with Regular Care

• Regular Washing and Polishing: Consistent washing combats corrosive elements, and regular polishing enriches the paint’s depth and texture.
• Quality Cleaning Products: Utilize quality car shampoos and waxes that provide longevity and protect surfaces from chemicals and pollutants.
• Wheel Maintenance: Regularly cleaning and sealing wheels combats oxidation and preserves their intricate designs.

An established routine of care can elevate and preserve your vehicle's brilliance. It staves off deterioration, prolonging the life and look of every exterior upgrade. Fundamental habits such as these are guardians of hard-earned style investments, ensuring a pristine appearance that stands the test of time.

Experimenting with Interior Upgrades

While exterior modifications often make the most noise, interior upgrades are essential to personalizing your driving experience. From plush new upholstery to state-of-the-art sound systems, you can enhance luxury and comfort within your car's cabin. Ambient lighting installations have become increasingly popular, offering subtle mood transitions that tailor the driving atmosphere. Remarkable advancements in digital dashboards and infotainment systems position your vehicle at the forefront of intelligent design.

Photo credit: Luke Miller.

The Role of Professional Consultation in Automotive Styling

While the allure of DIY projects champions creativity and cost efficiency, consulting professionals mitigate the risk of errors and ensure quality results. Expert insight often transforms wild ideas into workable strategies, blending experience with technical skills to achieve refined transformations. Professionals provide guidance on selecting appropriate materials, forecast realistic timelines, and often have access to specialized tools, guaranteeing the success of your styling vision. Through consultation, seemingly disparate ideas are harmonized, each vehicle uniquely tailored to reflect the personality and lifestyle of its owner while adhering to the highest industry standards.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Style

The world of automotive styling is a boundless canvas where the only limitation is your imagination. The ability to transform your ride into a reflection of yourself is both a journey and a destination. While some may opt for subtle, elegant touches, others indulge in bold, revolutionary overhauls. As automotive design evolves, trends such as advanced connectivity, sustainable materials, and innovative technologies are becoming key factors in shaping the future of vehicle aesthetics and functionality, as highlighted in a recent article on Automotive Dive. These advancements are expanding design limits, providing new opportunities for customization and efficiency. Regardless of the path taken, every detail resonates through your choices as a reflection of personal taste and innovative spirit. Keep your vehicle reliable and expressive by staying informed, maintaining regular care, and, when necessary, consulting trusted professionals who can elevate even the simplest of endeavors into works of art. Embrace the endless possibilities, and let your car's metamorphosis be celebrated on and off the road.

Haier Mini LED TV | The Future of Home Entertainment.

Haier Philippines, in strategic partnership with Abenson, officially launched its latest innovation—the Haier Mini LED TV—during a vibrant, experience-driven event held at Abenson’s Quezon Avenue Flagship Store. With the theme “Where Color Meets Innovation,” the event showcased how cutting-edge technology can elevate home entertainment and smart living for Filipino households.

Hosted by media personalities Aiyana Perlas and Noel Blanco, the event opened with a lively introduction and warm energy that set the tone for an afternoon filled with entertainment, innovation, and inspiration. 

Ms. Angeli Patricio, Senior Marketing Manager of Haier Philippines, emphasized that the Mini LED TV represents more than just another product in the lineup—it embodies Haier’s ongoing commitment to creating smarter, more connected homes for the Filipino market. “We’re not just unveiling a new television, we’re presenting a smarter way of living.” 

Ms. Apple Ma, Marketing Head of Abenson, expressed Abenson’s pride in being Haier’s exclusive partner for the product launch. She shared that Abenson remains focused on helping families upgrade their entertainment experience and was thrilled to bring this innovative new TV to Filipino households. “It’s about pushing the boundaries of how we see, hear, and experience the world from our living rooms,” she said.

The highlight was the official unveiling led by Mr. Xuhong Yan, CEO & President of Haier Philippines, and Ms. Joy De Leon from Abenson. The Mini LED TV features True Color Pro technology, ultra-fine contrast from mini LED backlighting, 4K HDR resolution, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Game Mode Pro, and AI-powered smart home compatibility with voice-activated controls.

OPM icon Chito Miranda, gaming content creator Cherizawa, and lifestyle personality Shanaia Gomez all shared how the Haier Mini LED TV fits into their everyday lives—whether for music, gaming, or smart home living—highlighting its immersive visuals, smart features, and stylish design. Respected tech reviewer Peter of GizGuide also provided a technical breakdown of the TV’s performance and specs. He praised the mini LED backlighting, Dolby integration, and AI-powered UI, calling it a strong contender in the premium TV market. “This isn’t just a display—it’s a digital hub for your home,” he stated during his presentation.

The event also featured live performances, raffle draws, and a dedicated demo zone where guests could experience the Haier Mini LED TV firsthand. Media and partners had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos, and interact with Haier executives in an exclusive media interview segment after the main program.

In his closing speech, Mr. Xuhong Yan reaffirmed Haier’s long-term commitment to pushing innovation and delivering value-driven technology to Filipino consumers. “This launch is just the beginning,” he noted. “We are building a smarter, brighter future—one home at a time.” 

The Haier Mini LED TV, now available at Abenson stores and online, promises to deliver next-generation viewing with deeper contrast, smarter features, and a sleeker design tailored for modern Filipino lifestyles. With its immersive color accuracy, ultra-clear 4K visuals, and smart capabilities, the new TV redefines what it means to live, play, and connect from the comfort of your own home.

Meranaw Identity and Heritage at the Heart of the 1st Marawi Children's Book Fest.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), in partnership with Aklat Alamid, will host the first-ever Marawi Children’s Book Fest on June 27-29, 2025 at the Mindanao State University’s main campus.

The event aims to equip authors, illustrators, and publishers with the necessary skills and knowledge in producing children’s books, while highlighting Meranaw culture and traditions.

“There should be available quality and accessible Maranao books that represent who they are and the way they live. In the 2023 National Readership Survey results, there was a notable decline in reading non-school books, which was at 43% for children. Access to books emerged as the primary reason for the decline, with limited awareness of public libraries and constraints in time and distance,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

She added, “NBDB’s grant supports publishing stakeholders in enhancing their skills and knowledge through professional development events such as the Marawi Children’s Book Fest. We encourage other organizations to initiate events such as this.”

In a list compiled by Aklat Alamid, only around 20 children’s books from different regions in the country feature Muslim stories from 1990 to 2012 but were mostly authored by non-Muslim Filipinos. The next year, 2013, marked a new milestone as the number of titles featuring Muslim stories increased to more than 100 titles by 2023. With the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education starting in the 2012-2013 school year, different mother tongues, including those spoken by Muslim Filipinos, were used in reading materials for early-grade level students.

“The seminar-workshop aims to orient the participants on the importance of books for Meranaw children and to guide the preselected authors and illustrators in the process of developing the picture books,” said M.J. Cagumbay Tumamac, popularly known as Xi Zuq to his readers, who is also the co-founder and administrative head of Aklat Alamid.

He added, “As part of a larger project, [we aim] to develop four picture books on Meranaw culture, created by Meranaw authors and illustrators, written in the Meranaw language, and for Meranaw readers.”

The festival takes on deeper significance in the context of post-siege Marawi, where the 2017 conflict left physical and emotional scars on the community. In the years since, educators, parents, and cultural advocates have underscored the role of storytelling in rebuilding Maranao identity and heritage, as well as promoting healing and fostering peace.

Meranaw Orthography, Storytelling Sessions, Bibliotherapy

Photo credit: Hanna Usman on Facebook.

One of the main events at the workshop is a panel discussion titled Stories of Hope: Meranaw Voices from Marawi, which will present peacebuilding efforts in the community and share tools for education and empowerment with the participants.

Meanwhile, there will also be an expressive, interactive, and visual storytelling session on two culturally rich children’s books, Si Jalal Ago So Ranaw and Ranao Monster. These stories are rooted in Meranaw culture and the natural beauty of Lake Lanao, the largest lake in Mindanao.

The three-day event will also include discussions and workshops on the importance of Meranaw children’s books, Maranao orthography, children’s books illustration, and bibliotherapy. In a hybrid format, the book fest is expected to gather 150 participants including students, parents, teachers, authors, publishers, and novice illustrators. The speakers and facilitators are from the MSU-Main Campus, the City Schools Division of Marawi, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement Inc., and Aklat Alamid.

The event is in partnership with the university’s Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, the City Schools Division of Marawi, and the Division of Lanao del Sur 1 under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

With the Marawi Children’s Book Fest, the NBDB and Aklat Alamid are working together to reclaim narrative spaces for a community whose stories deserve to be read, heard, and cherished.

How Travel Can Fix Your Work Burnout (without Quitting Your Job).

In all honesty, work burnout has a way of sneaking up, even when things are technically “fine.” Yeah, sure, emails get answered, deadlines are met, and on paper it looks like everything’s rolling. But the spark’s gone. It’s just entirely gone, and probably won’t ever come back either. Plus, there’s this dull, heavy feeling that follows you from your inbox to your weekend plans.

Photo credit: Yan Krukau on Pexels.

Sadly, no amount of sleeping in on Sunday seems to fix it. But depending on the type of work you do (ideally, remote), there might actually be a fix to this. Yep, you don’t have to quit your job, move to Bali, travel during high season, or even start a mushroom farm in order to feel better. Sure, those sound fun, but sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to jolt your brain back to life.

Your Routine Might be the Real Problem

How does your life look on a day? For a lot of people, they wake up, check their phone, reply to work messages, open the laptop, eat the same lunch, go to bed, and do it all again. That loop, even when it includes the occasional happy hour or gym class, can turn into mental quicksand. You get stuck in it, and even the stuff you used to enjoy feels like a chore.

Photo credit: Miro Alt on Pexels.

Now, with all that said, travel, even the slow kind, interrupts that loop. It forces your brain to process new sights, new smells, and new layouts. That alone can kick-start your motivation again. It's not just about palm trees or beaches, it's about novelty. Something, like that novelty rewires the way you think about your day.

You Don’t Need a Sabbatical to Feel Recharged

A lot of people think they need to quit their job or take months off to recover from burnout. But no, it’s entirely not true. But again, it depends on your employer or the business you’re running. But for the most part, you can take your laptop, book a decent spot, and just work from somewhere else for a little while. It doesn’t need to be exotic, expensive, or dramatic.

But it does need to be different enough to reset your brain. Actually, even working in a space with a new view, different sounds, or fresh faces around you can make you feel a little more like yourself again. Nope, it doesn’t even need to be expensive either, just take something like a hostel in Makati as a nice example, you can meet others staying there, you can chit chat, there’s strong wifi, you can probably even do some networking too.

Photo credit: Towflqu.

Sure, you’re still working, but you don’t have to feel that corporate drain because you’re routine is shaken up a bit.

Burnout isn’t Always About the Work

Sometimes burnout is about the work, sure. But more often, it's about how the work fits into your life. If every part of your routine feels robotic, the work starts to feel heavier than it is.

It really can’t be stressed enough that switching up your location, your surroundings, and the people around you changes that. You can keep doing the same job, for the same clients, on the same laptop, but if you’re doing it while sipping coffee at a new spot in a city that isn’t your own, everything hits a little different.