The Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2026 transformed Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig into a celebration of Filipino creativity, bringing together artists, publishers, and readers under one roof. While the event featured everything from independent zines and webcomics to international exhibitors, one title that immediately stood out was Tablay, a Filipino science fiction graphic novel that asks an intriguing question: what happens when giant mechs meet Philippine folklore?
Gaming Pinas visited the second day of PICOF 2026 and had the opportunity to meet writer Katrina F. Olan, the creator behind Tablay. Visitors stopping by the booth were greeted not only by copies of the graphic novel but also by striking blueprint-style concept art of its original mechs, showcasing designs inspired by iconic creatures from Philippine mythology such as the Tikbalang and Kapre. The presentation immediately communicated what makes Tablay different. Rather than borrowing from familiar Japanese or Western sci-fi aesthetics, it builds a distinctly Filipino vision of the future.
Set one hundred years into the future, Tablay imagines a technologically advanced Manila protected by the towering walls of New Intramuros. Beyond the city, a century-long war continues between the Philippine Mech Force and mysterious machine lifeforms known as aswang. At the center of the story is mech pilot Anya Valerio, who uncovers a secret that could change everything humanity believes about its enemy. Together with engineer Chino Jose, she races to stop the creation of a devastating superweapon known as Bakunawa before history repeats itself.
The title itself carries deeper meaning. Tablay, the Filipino word for electric charge, represents both the energy powering the city’s machines and the emotional connection between its characters. Beyond its action-packed premise, the story explores questions about technology, progress, and whether innovation still has value when humanity becomes its greatest sacrifice.
The concept has earned praise from some of the biggest names in Filipino pop culture. Budjette Tan, co-creator of Trese, described it as “a fun mash-up of mech and myth,” while Berlin Manalaysay, creator of Combatron, called it “a magnificent mix of monsters, mech and mayhem.” Director and playwright Juan Ekis praised its originality, and author Bambi Eloriaga-Amago went as far as calling it “one of the best Filipino sci-fi books ever.”
Beyond Tablay, PICOF 2026 highlighted just how diverse today’s local comics scene has become. We also caught up with creators including Tsambolero, known for Ang Jowa Kong Crosswise, alongside Janjan Comics, TAGASAING, Gab Navarro, Xavier Hoong, and Spiderdan Geromo, each showcasing works spanning comedy, fantasy, slice-of-life, and experimental storytelling. The festival also welcomed the Perth Comic Arts Festival, giving Filipino readers an opportunity to discover creators from Australia’s independent comics community while strengthening connections between local and international artists.
Events like PICOF continue to demonstrate that Filipino comics are no longer confined to a single genre or style. Whether it’s romance, horror, social commentary, or ambitious science fiction like Tablay, today’s creators are building worlds rooted in Filipino identity while reaching audiences far beyond the country. For readers looking to explore what modern local komiks has to offer, PICOF remains one of the best places to start.
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