This new exhibit at PICOF 2026 highlights BL mangas, other queer stories across Asia
Pride Month may be over, but queer stories continue to take up space through a new exhibit in Pasig City where you can learn the history of the Boys' Love genre and meet more than 30 creators from across Southeast Asia.
Called "SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia," the exhibit is co-organized by the Philippine International Comics Festival and Japan Foundation Manila at the ground floor of Ayala Malls The 30th.
It aims to explore how queer stories have traveled, evolved, and flourished across the region through sequential art.
Among its highlights is the legacy of BL, which first emerged from Japanese girls' comics over fifty years ago and has since grown into a global genre that continues to shape how readers "imagine love, relationships, and identity."
You can also have the chance to meet more than 30 creators from across the Philippines, Japan, and other countries Southeast Asia.
This includes 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).
Apart from SINTA, another major exhibit you can see at the festival is "Slices of a Komikero’s Life," which is a tribute to National Artist for Comics, Larry Alcala.
Visitors can also explore a vibrant comics market at PICOF 2026. Here, independent Filipino creators, publishers, and international exhibitors will offer the freshest releases of comics, graphic novels, and other original works.
You can also enjoy comic book talks with book clubs, book launches and artist presentations, creator spotlights, live drawing sessions, and community conversations throughout the event.
Look below for the festival's program:
PICOF 2026 will be held from July 10 to 12. You won't have to take out your wallet as admission is entirely free.
