ILOILO — The National Museum of the Philippines–Iloilo is partnering with Pasyon Komiks to stage a two-day Komiks Strip Making Workshop on October 10 and 11, 2026. The free activity marks the second week of Museums and Galleries Month and invites participants to bring their imagination to life through comics illustration.
A Creative Workshop for All Ages
The workshop welcomes everyone, from curious beginners to aspiring illustrators. Minors must be accompanied by guardians. Guided by the Pasyon Komikeros, participants will learn the fundamentals of creating komiks strips. Interested individuals may preregister through the official online form.
The event aligns with the Museums and Galleries Month theme, "Bridging Divides: Preserving the Present for Tomorrow." It reinforces the museum's role as a venue for social cohesion and lifelong learning. Participants will interact with stories that highlight shared cultural heritage.
Pasyon Komiks and the Indie Scene
Pasyon Komiks is an independent collective based in Western Visayas dedicated to regional indie komiks. The group nurtures local talents and produces original works exploring mythology, culture, and social commentary. Its flagship titles include Owamat, EJK Zombies, Amaranhig, and Just Bornok Things.
Upcoming releases include Mandu kag Riyaw, EJK Zombies: Blood Money, and Samurai Tamawo. The collective hosted Indie Komiks Day in February 2026 at Marymart Mall. It also ran the Panid Komiks Making Workshop in July 2026 at ILOMOCA, part of Iloilo Business Park's arts celebration.
Komiks as a Filipino Storytelling Tradition
Komiks has entertained and educated generations of Filipinos. The kwarentahin grew up with Kenkoy, Asiong Aksaya, Darna, and Zuma. The trentahin connected with Pugad Baboy and Zsazsa Zaturna. Gen Z readers now follow Trese, Skyworld, Bakokak, and School Run.
This visual and literary medium helped boost literacy across the country. It remains a powerful vehicle for storytelling that reflects Filipino identity and imagination. The workshop keeps this tradition alive by encouraging new creators to contribute their own narratives to the evolving komiks landscape.
Museum as a Space for Community Learning
NMP Iloilo reiterates its purpose as a space where communities explore tangible objects of the past to understand their roots. The museum engages visitors with stories highlighting shared tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Its community engagement thrust drives programs like this workshop.
By partnering with local creatives, the museum bridges generational and cultural divides. It transforms from a repository of artifacts into a living hub of creative expression. This approach ensures that heritage remains relevant and accessible to all Filipinos.
