Category: Education

  • Rex Education at MIBF 2025: Celebrating 75 Years with Free Tickets, Promos, and More

    Rex Education at MIBF 2025: Celebrating 75 Years with Free Tickets, Promos, and More

    This September, the country’s biggest celebration of books is back—and REX is making it extra special!

    The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) returns this September 2025, and Rex Education is set to mark the occasion with a milestone celebration. As the company commemorates its 75th anniversary, REX is bringing extra excitement to the country’s biggest book event through free admission tickets, exclusive promos, and a showcase of its journey in championing education.

    Running from September 10 to 14, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the celebration begins with a special treat from REX—free admission tickets. What’s great? Claiming a pass is quick and easy! Just scan the QR code below, download and print the ticket, and present it at the entrance. With this free ticket in hand, guests are in for a 5-day treat at the fair—filled with books, fun learning activities, and new offerings waiting to be explored.

    Promos, discounts, and exclusive deals await you!

    Along with free admission, visitors can look forward to special promos, exclusive discounts, and exciting surprises to be announced in the coming days. Expect budget-friendly deals on activity books, storybooks, and other educational resources, as well as discounts on some of REX’s bestselling titles in Basic Education, Higher Education, and Law.

    Raffle prizes and fun activities for young children will also be part of the REX booth experience, making it a highlight for teachers and families, especially, their little explorers. With thousands expected to attend, visitors are encouraged to come early to catch the best offers before they run out.

    A 75-Year Journey—A Celebration with Every Edukampyon

    For Rex Education, MIBF is a tradition that supports its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. This year, as REX celebrates seven and a half decades of standing alongside Filipino learners, its presence at the fair takes a deeper meaning. The booth will not only showcase books and learning solutions but also highlight the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped REX’s 75-year journey. From publishing trusted titles to creating innovative educational tools, REX has always walked hand in hand with teachers, parents, students, schools, and learning communities in championing quality education for all.

    As MIBF 2025 opens its doors, REX invites every Edukampyon to join in this milestone celebration. Whether you are searching for affordable and high-quality books, exploring new resources for teaching and learning, or simply enjoying the love of reading with your family or friends, REX will always have something special for you.

    The MIBF has long been the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, bringing together over 200 local and international exhibitors and consistently drawing massive crowds each year. It has become a gathering where readers, teachers, students, parents, and professionals connect, share their love of reading, explore educational resources, and create memorable experiences together.

    For updates on promos and activities at the fair, follow REX on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the official MIBF website at www.manilabookfair.com.

    See you at MIBF 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you to REX’s booth!

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • The 2025 Book Nook Conference Unites Different Reading Groups in ILOILO to Nurture the Reading Culture

    The 2025 Book Nook Conference Unites Different Reading Groups in ILOILO to Nurture the Reading Culture

    ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Over 80 reading space advocates, storytellers, and educators across the Philippines gathered for the annual Book Nook Conference 2025, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

    The conference, held from August 20-22, 2025 aimed to consolidate the best practices as well as challenges faced by area coordinators for The Book Nook Project, a flagship program by the NBDB which aims to address the country’s reading crisis by setting up reading and storytelling spaces across the Philippines. Themed Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities, the three-day event discussed the best sustainability practices and community-building tips to ensure book accessibility in different regions of the country.

    Almost four years since its launch, The Book Nook Project has expanded its presence in different regions of the country. Over 100 Book Nook sites are currently established in various provinces, cities, and barangays, with more than 20 additional sites to be unveiled this year.

    “The Book Nook Project has always been committed to making quality books more accessible not just in urban centers, but also in the most remote reaches of the country,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    The first two days of the conference included sessions and workshops centered on strengthening and digitalizing Book Nook services in the regions as well as developing effective literary engagements. For the third day of the conference, Book Nook area coordinators joined a  two-part cultural tour within Iloilo City. 

    Reaching out to communities

    The first half of the tour brought reading space advocates to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Iloilo, where they visited the area’s local Book Nook site. Aside from the museum tour, participants also joined in on various activities, including the patadyong race, museum object hunt, and bookmark-making. 

    The Book Nook Project then visited the Book Nook Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, where the conference participants conducted storytelling sessions and literary activities with the students. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author, encouraged high school students to express themselves through movement and writing. Meanwhile, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rey Bufi showed future educators and librarians the process of building storytelling communities in Iloilo City.

    “The stories we read from our books–from our local prose, our myths, poetry, and legends–are all creations of the Filipino community. It is only apt that we do right by the people who bring so much color, life, and richness to our nation’s culture. Our grand encounter this year, as we call it, bears fruit only when we see our reading communities more deeply involved in nurturing our nation’s reading culture,” NBDB Readership Development Division Officer-in-Charge Daniel Mariano said.

    Addressing the country’s reading gaps  

    Spurred by the country’s reading gap, the conference urged participants to collaborate with fellow reading space advocates. Beyond a theoretical exercise, the three-day event featured a series of workshops which ranged from building sustainable community reading spaces to leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. The conference also highlighted Iloilo City’s reading community, with a full day of reading activities that took place at the NMP-Iloilo City and the Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz.

    The Book Nook Project, one of the NBDB’s major projects under its Readership Development Division, was launched in 2021. It adheres to the belief that aklat para sa lahat (books for everyone) should be a basic human right. With over 100 Book Nook sites scattered across the country, the NBDB remains committed to fostering love of reading at a young age by making Filipino-published books more accessible and easily available to students and young readers.

    To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit https://books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

    Reference & Media Contact (Press Release – September 02, 2025):

    For media inquiries, please contact: 

    Divine Reyes Caraecle

    Communications & Promotions Section

    communications@books.gov.ph

    0917-1396394

    About the National Book Development Board 

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

  • Celebrating Future Educators: REX and UP Honors Outstanding Graduates of UP College of Education with Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

    Celebrating Future Educators: REX and UP Honors Outstanding Graduates of UP College of Education with Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

    Rex Education recently recognized the exceptional achievements of the 2025 graduating class of the University of the Philippines College of Education by presenting the REX Edukampyon–UP College of Education Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence to this year’s summa cum laude graduates.

    Earning the distinction of summa cum laude is no small feat. It demands years of discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—not just in academics, but in personal growth and service to others. For students in the College of Education, the journey is especially challenging. It means mastering one’s field of specialization while also honing the patience, empathy, and communication skills that the teaching profession requires. Many balance these demands alongside community involvement, part-time work, or family responsibilities, making their success even more remarkable.

    Understanding the importance of recognizing this hard work, Rex Education, in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Education, presented the REX Edukampyon–UP College of Education Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence to nine members of the 2025 graduating class. The award recognizes students who graduated summa cum laude and highlights their academic achievement and readiness to enter the teaching profession.

    The 2025 award recipients are the following:

    ● Jacob Renz R. Ambrocio—Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Biology Education

    ● Carla Denise M. Borlongan—Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in Special Education

    ● Sean Mikkail Nolasco D. Capili—Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Biology Education

    ● Jana Mykah G. Diaz—Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in Early Education

    ● Leni Noelle L. Garcia—Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in Special Education

    ● Alyssa Anne M. Liao—Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in Special Education

    ● Jeneva Rose S. Narrido—Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English Language Education; minor in Filipino Language Education

    ● Yuji L. Santos—Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in Special Education

    ● Varon D. Tabajonda—Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Special Education

    The REX Edukampyon–UP College of Education Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence is part of REX’s enduring mission to strengthen the education sector by celebrating outstanding graduates who have shown steadfast dedication to their studies and to the calling of teaching. It carries with it the hope that they will be inspired and encouraged to continue their teaching journey, sharing their talents with schools and contributing to the growth of the Filipino learners, communities, and the country.

    As Rex Education celebrates its 75th anniversary, this recognition also reaffirms its steadfast commitment to be a katuwang of every Filipino learner in their lifelong learning journey. By uplifting these young achievers, REX continues to invest in the future of education, nurturing those who will one day carry forward the mission of teaching with the same passion and service—para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.

    Congratulations, Edukampyons!

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • Multi-Awarded Writer Irene Sarmiento makes history as First Filipino Author at Germany’s White Ravens Festival

    Multi-Awarded Writer Irene Sarmiento makes history as First Filipino Author at Germany’s White Ravens Festival

    Press Release (August 14, 2025) – Irene Sarmiento, award-winning writer of children’s book Tabon Girl and young adult novel Stray Cats, is the first author from the Philippines to be invited to this year’s White Ravens Festival, held from July 13 to 17 at the Blutenberg Castle in Munich, Germany. 

    A native of Quezon City, she moved from the Philippines to Texas in 2011 and now works as a pediatric occupational therapist for children with special needs in northern Colorado. 

    In an interview with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Sarmiento shared that “it was in college when I won my first Palanca [award] in the now defunct future fiction category and made me realize I have two lives [studying occupational therapy and writing]. But I never really questioned whether I should stop or keep writing.”

    She added, “As a writer, I recognize that in this unequal world, we who are marginalized have to assert our humanity, and this is my way of doing that. I am a Filipino writer talking to multiple cultures in my works. I am both a writer and a healthcare practitioner.” 

    The White Ravens Festival is dedicated to international literature for children and young adults, bringing together authors and illustrators from different parts of the world to read from their most recent works, lead writing workshops and other interactive events, and discuss their life and works. The festival has hosted various prominent authors such as Ingo Siegner from Germany, Micaela Chirif from Peru, Shaw Kuzki from Japan, Anete Melece from Latvia, Tuutikki Tolonen from Finland, MG Leonard from the United Kingdom, André Letria from Portugal, Yves Grevet from France, Jamshid Khanian from Iran, and Ondřej Buddeus from the Czech Republic, to name a few. 

    It is hosted by the International Youth Library (IJB) in Munich, Germany. 

    “The invitation was a huge surprise. It is important because it gave me the opportunity to tell them about the Philippines. It prompted the audience to know more about us [Filipinos]. It helped me to bring our works to the global stage,” Sarmiento said. 

    Aside from a radio interview, as part of the festival she attended eight interactive reading events across Germany with 10 different participating schools (and with 50 to 150 students in attendance each session) from July 13 to 17 this year. The event was under the patronage of the Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, and featured renowned, multi-award-winning writers.

    Sarmiento’s works, often about children overcoming challenges, have received recognition from prestigious organizations such as The Palanca Memorial Foundation, the Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards, and Stories to Change the World. 

    “My family and I always love books and stories. When I was eight years old, I won a short story writing competition called Young Minds, and it was the first time that I got really published, which started me on that trajectory,” said Sarmiento. 

    Her novel, Stray Cats, was named one of the Kids’ Choice winners at the National Children’s Book Award in 2024. It tells the story of Elisa Paz, an eighth grader in search of her best friend.

    Her tips to aspiring Filipino writers? “You should speak in your own voice. Who knows? One of these days, someone might listen.” 

    Sarmiento’s participation in the festival coincides with the Philippines’ preparations as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 15 to 19, 2025. 

    For media inquiries, please contact: 

    Divine Reyes Caraecle

    Communications & Promotions Section

    communications@books.gov.ph

    0917-1396394

    About the National Book Development Board 

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

  • Pru Life UK employees champion bayanihan spirit in Brigada Eskwela 2025

    Pru Life UK employees champion bayanihan spirit in Brigada Eskwela 2025

    Pru Life UK once again rolled up its sleeves for Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s nationwide schools maintenance programme, rallying employee volunteers last month in support of Pleasant Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City.

    The initiative began at the Pru Life UK’s headquarters, where employees painted pots and planted vegetable seedlings. These were later donated during a school outreach, part of a wider effort to prepare classrooms for the new academic year.

    Volunteers spent the day painting walls, cleaning rooms, and organising books—bringing fresh energy to the school community. Pru Life UK also provided painting materials to support ongoing refurbishment needs.

    It’s fulfilling to give back in such a tangible way,” shares Maria Junifer Maliglig, one volunteer. “Seeing the impact first-hand is what makes it all worth it.”

    A long-time participant in Brigada Eskwela since 2012, Pru Life UK’s commitment to education goes far beyond paintbrushes. Through its flagship Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Programme, the company has empowered over 1.5 million students across the Philippines with essential money management skills. Read recent story on expanding and fully integrating it in Bicol region here. The Pleasant Hills Elementary School is also a partner school for Cha-Ching.

    Complementing this is the Adopt-a-Madrasah initiative, which supports Islamic schools in Mindanao with learning resources, teacher training, and tailored content on Takaful (Islamic insurance), digital skills, and sustainability. In 2025, the programme aims to reach over 1,500 learners across nine madaris.

    These efforts reflect Pru Life UK’s broader mission: to foster inclusion, champion financial education, and empower communities—one classroom at a time.

    Pru Life UK volunteers painted pots and classroom walls in support of Pleasant Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City’s Brigada Eskwela programme.

    Pru Life UK volunteers also helped prepare the classrooms of Pleasant Hills Elementary Schoolin Mandaluyong City for the new academic year.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Lariza Garcia

  • WORKS OF LOCAL AUTHORS TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH UNDER THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S TRANSLATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

    WORKS OF LOCAL AUTHORS TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH UNDER THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S TRANSLATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

    QUEZON CITY, Philippines—The National Book Development Board (NBDB) has announced on August 7, 2025 of the 20 grantees selected for its Translation Subsidy Program (TSP) this year “for local authors who wish to have their works translated into a foreign language.”

    Out of 32 proposals submitted to the NBDB, 20 grantees were selected. Among them are mBayuka Tanu! Maguindanaon Bayuk Translation, Transcription, and Annotation Volume 2 by Mansoor Limba, Aswanglaut by Allan N. Derain, Mga Lumadnong Sugilanon nga Mahinuklogon by Karl M. Gaspar, Si Lola Basyang sa Entablado by Christine Bellen-Ang, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, Samtoy: Mga Kwentong Ilokano (Bagong Edisyon) by Danilo B. Antalan, Noli S. Dumlao, Aileen R. Rambaud, Arnold Pascual, Jose Sherma E. Benosa, N.M.E. Valdez, Ariel Sotelo Tabág, Juan Al. Asuncion, Roy V. Aragon, Daniel L. Nesperos, Joel B. Manuel, Prodie Gar. Padios, Mighty C. Rasing, and Selected Poetry of Gualberto Cea Manlangit by Gualberto Cea Manlangit, to name a few.

    The 20 grantees’ works, which were written in Filipino, Ilokano, Maguindanaon, Bikolano, and Bisaya, cover multiple genres such as fiction, poetry, short stories and essays, comics, novel, among others, and will all be translated into English. The amount of the grant ranges from PHP 70,000 to PHP 200,000.

    “We want to promote the literary works of Filipino authors through the translation of local books written in Tagalog and other Philippine languages not just into Tagalog or English, but likewise in other languages around the world so they would be known internationally. We
    believe translation is key to achieve that goal,” explains Ma. Carolina Tapia, NBDB’s Chief of the Creative and Professional Development Division.

    Under the selection criteria established by the NBDB, grantees are chosen based on their relevance to the publishing sector and the reading public, significance in promoting knowledge on the diverse culture, events, and topics of the Philippines, and a production plan or marketing plan that is feasible and effective for local distribution and promotion efforts.

    The TSP offers financial support to encourage the translation, publication, and distribution of Philippine books in foreign markets in order to introduce more Filipino stories, voices, and perspectives to readers across the globe.

    Being selected as a translation grantee is a pivotal opportunity for Filipino writers. It means they will be provided with formal support for translation, visibility at major international book fairs, and an open door into the global literary marketplace. For local authors, it’s not just funding: it’s launching their work into dialogue with the world.

    The program also has a separate edition designed to entice foreign publishers to translate Philippine books into foreign languages, also through a subsidy. It is a vital element of the Philippines as Guest of Honour 2025 (PhlGoH2025) initiative, an interagency collaboration led
    by the NBDB, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. The event will be held in Frankfurt, Germany on October 15-19, 2025.

    Through the years, the NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program has contributed to increasing the number of translated Philippine titles and opened different opportunities for Filipino authors. As the Philippines prepares to take center stage at “FBM,” the world’s largest book fair, the TSP underscores the country’s commitment to promoting Filipino literature, authorship, and publishing excellence on the global stage.

    It also reflects the NBDB’s strong commitment to empowering Filipino authors, fostering cultural exchange, and boosting the global presence of Philippine literature. By supporting the translation of Filipino books into foreign languages, the program brings Filipino voices and stories to a wider international audience—paving the way for richer cross-cultural
    understanding and meaningful global engagement as the country positions itself to become the content capital of Southeast Asia.

    “The NBDB believes that every translated book serves as a bridge between languages, cultures, and more importantly, people. The NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program is not just about funding the translation of a book. It is a commitment to help fuel a movement that places Filipino stories where they belong: in conversation with the world,” NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade pointed out.
    For full details on the Translation Subsidy Program, send a message to grants@books.gov.ph.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Divine Reyes Caraecle
    Communications & Promotions Section
    communications@books.gov.ph
    0917-1396394

    About the National Book Development Board
    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

  • NBDB’S ALLIANCE OF READING ADVOCATES PUSH FOR A THREE-POINT AGENDA TO PROMOTE READERSHIP

    NBDB’S ALLIANCE OF READING ADVOCATES PUSH FOR A THREE-POINT AGENDA TO PROMOTE READERSHIP

    NBDB’s National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA) recently launched its 2025-2030 Agenda: Building a Reading Philippines from the Ground Up after a successful first year run

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The National Book Development Board’s National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA) is pushing to promote access and reading of Philippine books in the country. 

    In its State of the Reading Nation Address (SORNA) for the first semester of this year, NARA presented its progress in its 2025-2030 Agenda to further promote the access and reading of Philippine books by expanding access, foundational skills, and remediation through community-driven solutions, sustained partnerships, and scaling up of effective models. 

    “The NBDB continues to push for a stronger national readership by mobilizing its allies from around the country. The reading gap that we have now–as we have learned from recent surveys–deserves our immediate attention and action,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “This is exactly why we formed NARA: to mobilize both the public and private sectors in reversing this reading gap. It’s about responding to the issue at hand now, all while nurturing the next generations of readers.” 

    NARA is a project of the NBDB’s Readership Development Division, composed of 152 readership advocates and serves as an integral part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to boost the love for reading in the country. The alliance covers schools, universities, national government agencies, local government units, non-profit and small-scale organizations, and advocacy arms of corporations.

    NARA’s Best Practices

    “NARA has been instrumental in connecting us with partners who support our mission and advocacy at the center. The NBDB provided valuable insights, including notes on monthly surveys for book requests, a book return policy, and a library etiquette or code of conduct,” said Natalie Tabayan, Co-Lead of Better World Smokey Mountain (BWSM), an effort of AHA! Learning Center, which is one of NARA’s active members. 

    AHA! Learning Center is a non-profit organization that launched a reading campaign in Tondo, Manila last year to cultivate the love for reading and establish consistent reading habits among BWSM’s students. The initiative is an empathy-informed learning system, offering academic and social-emotional interventions for children, as well as support system skills development for parents and teachers. 

    With the help of other network members, AHA! Learning Center has significantly increased its collection of Filipino storybooks and improved its book spaces by adding more shelves, posters, and designs. It even established a dedicated reading corner for mothers, stocked with Filipino pocket books, Liwayway magazines, and other local fiction books. 

    “Through the NARA network, the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF) had the opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations nationwide—sharing best practices, exchanging insights, and fostering meaningful collaborations in literacy development,” shared Rylene Ngeta-a, CSAMF’s Program Director, an active NARA member.

    Over the past year, the organization has reached 910 learners who are either struggling or have the least access to reading support from different areas such as Pasig City, Tawi-Tawi, Rizal Province, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Mountain Province. 

    Ngeta-a emphasized that through NARA members’ shared innovations, authors, writers, and readers in many areas have deeper engagement with Philippine books. 

    The NBDB’s Alliance of Reading Advocates Push for a Three-Point Agenda to Promote Readership was announced on July 25, 2025 in NBDB’s Press Release.

    REFERENCE & MEDIA CONTACT:

    For inquiries, please contact: 

    Divine Reyes Caraecle

    Communications & Promotions Section

    communications@books.gov.ph

    0917-1396394

  • Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2

    Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2

    Readers, creators and attendees are thrilled in attending and to celebrate with the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2025 from July 5 – 6, 2025 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.

    Sixteen (16) Things You Can Do at PICOF 2025

    1. Support over 200 indie comics creators launching over 100 new komiks!
    2. Check out the exhibits (Mars Ravelo: Tales from the Magic Makinilya; Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free; Country of Highlight; PALESTINE & PICOF Official Selection).

    3. Learn from comics professionals from the Philippines and around the world at the comic masterclasses!

    4. Watch “Komiks With a K” by documentary film director/producer Jay Ignacio, National Book Award Winning Author For “Alandal.”

    5. Early birds get a FREE copy of the TUWA Comics anthology!

    6. Get your caricatures made at the Caricature Corner of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas!

      7. Watch Komiks in the making at the Panels for Palestine live drawing corner!

      8. Support Komiket U’s Batch 10 graduates & others student orgs!

      9. Read your komiks haul at the lounge area of NBDB’s Book Bar!

      10. Discover comics from other countries with the international delegates!

        11. Learn the lost of art style of Filipino komiks at HAGOD: The Filipino School of Brush Illustrations for Komiks by Randy Valiente!

        12. Share the love for komiks by taking a photo of your #picofhaul at the photo booth!

        13. Get a limited edition KOMET art toy in the KOMET corner!

        14. Support Palestine! This year’s Country of Highlight is PALESTINE!

        15. Learn from ‘Itaewon Class’ creator Gwang Jin in his masterclass INK & INDUSTRY: Korean Webtoons and the Industry Landscape!

        16. Festival Programming

        What to look out for:

        1. COMICS MARKET–support over 200 Filipino comics creators and publishers and international guests releasing over 100 new komiks!
        2. COMICS EXHIBITS–a tribute to Filipino komiks master Mars Ravelo, the country of highlight, Palestine, and the PICOF Official Selection!
        3. COMICS MASTERCLASSES–the Cartooning Workshop with Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, the Live Drawing session, “Komiks With a K” film screening and workshops with our international guests!
        4. FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING–on the stage we have Artist Battles, Panel by Panel Comics Readings, a Komiks Trivia Night–and much more surprises
        5. NBDB BOOK BAR–take a break and lounge in NBDB’s book bar, and take a photo of your #picofhaul at the photobooth

        There’s so much more to love at #picof2025. The PICOF 2025 TEAM are glad to have the diverse attendees to celebrate Filipino komiks amongst others of Festival of Delight!

        Reference & Media Contact:

        #PICOF2025 TEAM