Words and Images Manila Illustration Fair 2025 and featured artists
Editing Gabrielle de la Cruz
Ready for another art assembly? The Manila Illustration Fair (MIF) is back at the Parola Gallery Atrium of the University of the Philippines Diliman College for Fine Arts from September 12 to 14!
Established in 2023, MIF is a celebration of Filipino talent, dedicated to showcasing the diversity and range of works created by Filipino Illustrators. The event aims to foster appreciation for illustration as a dignified and vital creative discipline. It also serves as a platform for local illustrators to connect with other Southeast Asian artists, especially those unable to participate in international art fairs.
Manila Illustration Fair 2025’s official logo and open call results. Header: Art by Gillian Galang
“This year’s theme, ‘Making Space’, invites everyone to imagine, claim, and provide access for creativity and collaboration,” the fair shares. “Whether physical, virtual, emotional, or conceptual, space can be shaped by one’s perception and intentions. It continuously celebrates the artist’s agency to carve out moments where they can tell stories and find meaning through collective and personal experiences.”
Illustrators namely A. Jasmine, Baraa Awoor, Ega Mawardani, Emte, Suparom, Adobulok, chichilittle, Gillian Galang, Jahzeel Leigh, Kieth Pacardo, Naztazzia, Nicci Escario, purpoolkoi, Seven Musngi, Zie Basilio, awkward but able, bakonaua, Betsy Cola, Enid Din, Haranikala, Jeth Torres, John Ray, Kurboi, Ladybugs, Lorenz Raymundo, Nizze, Patricia Almira, Pergy Acuña, RD Daniel, and rudzartz. As in previous editions, the featured artists are free to conceptualize and decorate their booths, and attendees are encouraged to take home artworks from the event.
Complementing the art market will be educational discussions on illustration and insights into the industry. Lectures will include ‘Can Illustration Make a Difference?,’ ‘Illustrator’s Journey: The Spaces that Shape Creative Practice,’ and ‘Illustrator’s Journey: Community Through Comics.’
The event also includes workshops on illustration, with sessions focusing on basic techniques and creative processes that show how the art form is used in real-world settings. Basic Zine-Making and Basic Printmaking are covered in the workshops, alongside a UP Nature Walk + Drawing Flora and Poster Designing for Gigs.
Art by Betsy Cola, Jahzeel Leigh/Tiny Engine Studio, A.Jasmine, and Ladybugs
MIF 2025 will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Fair admission guidelines to be announced soon. •
For more information, visit Manila Illustration Fair via Instagram or contact manilaillustrationfair@gmail.com
