Ardie Aquino to showcase komiks at Frankfurt Book Fair
In a few weeks, Ardie Aquino will be flying off to represent komiks at the prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair, where the Philippines is the Guest of Honor. Before he leaves, here are a few words from Ardie:
Growing up in the Philippines, some of the most powerful stories I encountered weren’t found in novels or textbooks—they were nestled in the pages of Funny Komiks, Pugad Baboy, and later, Kikomachine Komix. These weren’t just funny strips; they were sharp, grounded, and deeply Filipino. They showed me that humor could be subversive, that komiks could reflect our joys, frustrations, and contradictions in ways that felt intimate and true.
But it wasn’t until I discovered the world of indie komiks at local conventions—where creators were fearlessly self-publishing raw, personal narratives—that I felt a spark ignite within me. I knew I wanted to be part of this movement.
In my work, I’m drawn to themes of survival, identity, and memory. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re lived realities, especially in the Filipino context. Whether it’s through layered narratives in Balik Tanaw or the translucent symbolism of tracing paper in Nandito Lang Ako, I use experimental techniques to explore how we carry our histories—and how those histories shape who we become. Love, loss, and resilience often surface in my storytelling, mainly when rooted in the fantastical or the mundane.
My Filipino identity is not a backdrop—it’s the lens through which I see and create. Our myths, superstitions, dishes, and humor constantly find their way into my work. Ang Manguulam, one of my most challenging and rewarding projects to date, fuses folk beliefs with local cuisine to create a mythical, almost surreal narrative. The work is equal parts nostalgic and unsettling, as it balances comfort and horror, memory and imagination.
as a character in his own narrative
There’s a common misconception that komiks are light entertainment—suitable for a laugh, maybe, but not much else. I challenge that. Komiks, especially in the Philippines, are a profound art form. The medium allows for innovation in structure, pacing, and visual language. It demands fluency in both silence and dialogue. Komiks are literature. They’re visual poetry. They are deserving of deeper critical attention.
This year, I have the honor of representing Filipino komiks at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where the Philippines is the Guest of Honor. It’s a thrilling chance to bring our unique voices to an international stage—to show that our stories are as complex, vibrant, and worthy as any other. At the same time, I continue expanding Ang Manguulam, eager to delve further into its world of folklore, food, and enchantment.
In today’s fast-moving, hyper-visible cultural landscape, criticism comes easily. I listen with openness but protect the core of my creative process. Not all growth happens online. Some of the most important evolutions happen in solitude.
To emerging artists: begin now. Use what you have. Make the thing you’ve always wanted to see. Your voice matters—even if it’s quiet. Art doesn’t need to go viral to be valid. If it moves even one person, you’ve done something worthwhile. And never forget: in creating, you’re continuing a long, rich tradition of storytelling. That, in itself, is powerful.
You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social.
