ILOILO CITY — The National Museum of the Philippines – Iloilo concluded the first day of "Komiks sa Museum: Komiks Strip Making Lecture-Workshop" in collaboration with Pasyon Komiks, an independent komiks collective based in Western Visayas. The event forms part of Museums and Galleries Month and Design Week 2026 celebrations.
A Gathering of Creative Minds
More than 60 aspiring comics illustrators, artists, and curious creatives of all ages participated in the workshop. Students and teachers from Iloilo River Plains Integrated School, Iloilo Bethel Temple Christian Academy, West Visayas State University, UP Visayas, and Iloilo Science and Technology University joined the session.
The komikeros, or mentor-facilitators, shared the history of komiks in the Philippines, particularly its Golden Age. They discussed the birth and popularity of Pinoy superheroes like Darna, Kenkoy, and Pedro Penduko, up to contemporary characters like Trese. Komiks also played a significant role in Hiligaynon literature, with serialized stories appearing in Iloilo magazines.
Learning the Art of Komiks Making
Mentors Alden Sorongon, Hermz Gacho, and Zak Bravo guided participants through komiks creation basics. They explained the four-panel thumbnail komiks strip format: setting to mark the story's start, characters that advance the plot, events that challenge or transform characters, and a conclusion that leaves readers with a message.
Another komikero, Goldberg, demonstrated illustration techniques, offering tips on perspective, storytelling, exaggeration of characters, and the use of sound words. He also discussed how to build conflict and embed lessons in every ending, giving participants practical tools to apply in their own work.
Kosmik Museum Theme Inspires Creativity
Participants illustrated their komiks using the theme "Kosmik Museum," highlighting their experience and interaction with the National Museum Iloilo. Organizers encouraged them not to limit their imagination and to bring their imagined characters to life on paper.
The theme connected personal museum visits with creative expression, allowing artists to transform their observations into visual narratives. This approach made the workshop more meaningful, tying artistic practice to cultural appreciation and heritage.
Mentors with Deep Creative Roots
Alden Sorongon is an architect, graphic designer, and comics creator based in Oton, Iloilo. He serves as lead graphic designer at Mulave Studios and is an active Pasyon Komiks member handling book layout. His multidisciplinary background enriches his mentoring approach.
Hermz Gacho is a dynamic Ilonggo comic book writer, educator, and wildlife conservation advocate. As co-founder of Pasyon Komiks, he has pioneered gritty, socially conscious narratives merging Philippine folklore, speculative fiction, and political commentary through titles like Owamat and EJK Zombies.
Zak Bravo is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Iloilo City. His works center on mechanical figures, cats, and fantastical, mythical creatures. His love for eerie sceneries and the obscure reveals itself through his distinctive artistic style.
Celebrating Pinoy Komiks Heritage
The workshop also served as a nostalgic journey for Generation X and Millennials who grew up reading Kenkoy, Zuma, and Darna. Komiks rented for one to two pesos provided household entertainment and unknowingly became a literacy tool for children.
While the love for Pinoy komiks declined with the rise of television and changing reading habits, the passion remains alive. Organizers thanked generations of storytellers, artists, and readers who continue to keep the flame burning through events like this workshop.
