Queer Comics Exhibition SINTA Launches in Manila
The Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2026, together with the Japan Foundation Manila and BLushcon, proudly presents SINTA: Queer Stories Across Asia. This international comics exhibition explores how queer narratives have traveled, evolved, and flourished across the region through sequential art. The title, derived from the Filipino word for “beloved,” reflects the exhibition's focus on queer intimacy.
Celebrating 70 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship
The event marks the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year under the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and Possibilities.” It aims to deepen affinity toward Japan among Filipinos across generations. SINTA is part of the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership - WA 2.0, a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative promoting exchanges between Japan and ASEAN.
Boys' Love Legacy and Cross-Cultural Dialogue
The exhibition traces the legacy of Boys' Love (BL), which originated in Japanese girls' comics over 50 years ago and has grown into a global genre. SINTA brings together creators from Japan and Southeast Asia, showcasing how queer narratives have crossed borders and found unique expressions in different communities. Through diverse artistic styles, participating creators explore love, relationships, and identity.
Featured Artists and Program Details
Over 30 creators from Japan and Southeast Asia are featured, including invited artists Masaomi Ito (Japan), Ayu Yamane (Japan), antarcticbear (Vietnam), Isha Wang (Singapore), Kayraa (Indonesia), Everwetscent/Sal (Thailand), blue (Burma), Scottyiscrying (Vietnam), Tagasaing (Philippines), and Tsambolero (Philippines), alongside selected regional artists.
The exhibit launches on July 3, 2026, with PICOF 2026 running from July 10-12, 2026. Visitors can meet guest artists, attend SINTA masterclasses, and participate in on-stage activities. Festival programming is at the 2nd Floor Activity Center Stage, while masterclasses are at the Octagon Room near Timezone.
