Kawaii-themed comic convention gathers local artists, cosplayers, art enthusiasts

Filipino comic artists, illustrators and cosplayers celebrated diverse identities and all things kawaii — the Japanese term for “cute” — at the recently concluded DrawINK Convention 2025.

Spearheaded by DrawINK, the premier comic organization of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the three-day event brought together like-minded individuals who specialize in various art forms to showcase their respective talents and skills.

With the theme “Komi’s Confectionery,” the 2025 iteration turned the spotlight to DrawINK’s mascot, Komi. It drew inspiration from the Japanese kawaii culture mixed with a general appreciation for bakery sweets and desserts.

“Komi’s Confectionery is a celebration of community for artists and art enthusiasts alike, encouraging them to be confident in their own identity,” the organizers stated. “The cutesy exterior represents the alternative or the unconventional — an invitation to embrace individualism regardless of any preconceived notions.”

“The desserts represent self-indulgence — a sweet treat that offers a break from the status quo,” they added.

The festival featured a series of talks and roundtable discussions, which delved into the vibrant and ever-evolving journeys of Filipina creators in the world of comics.

The panel was comprised of illustrator, author, art teacher and freelance artist Patricia Ramos, who shared her experience and accomplishments in producing children’s books and comics. She tackled the struggles she faced in the industry, shared wisdom on how she overcame such challenges to keep creating, and later on, imparted her accomplishments.

Included in the roster was illustrator and comic book artist Dione Kong, who walked the viewers through her works — pieces which resonate relaxation and peace with a touch of poignant sweetness. Her talk provided the young audience with a reality check on the creative industry. She likewise advised how they can utilize their passion for the arts to forge their respective paths in the professional scene.

Animator and webcomic creator Nyoomian provided a sneak peek of their supernatural-mystery webtoon entitled The Interpretation of Shadows. It bagged the 2024 New Community Comic of the Year from South Korean site Tapas. Nyoomian, whose venture started by posting animated shorts on YouTube, expounded on the importance of building and maintaining a platform as a comic artist.

Among the highlights of the program was the cosplay competition. This set the stage for participants and buffs alike to channel their imagination as they brought to life a selection of unique personas from video games, manga and anime. It saw a gathering of creatives, each with handcrafted and meticulously curated garbs and accessories.

The entrants were judged based on the fidelity of their outfits to the original look, craftsmanship of the details and props, presentation of mannerisms, plus lasting impressions on the viewers.

Johan Digal emerged as the grand winner for her portrayal of Navia from the role-playing video game Genshin Impact. She likewise nabbed the Best Craftsmanship and Fan-Favorite Awards.

Rischa Rodriguez, who dressed up as Sieglinde Sullivan, the Emerald Witch from the dark fantasy manga series Black Butler, finished as the first runner-up and bagged the Special Performance recognition.

Sarah Reyes, who performed long-lost princess Rapunzel from the Disney musical Tangled, landed as the second runner-up.

The winners were screened by a group of experts, to include Benildean homegrown talents Strawbeey Mage, the titleholder and an up-and-coming cosplayer; Lia Bear, a professional coser, model and content creator; and ApoG, an award-winning cosplayer, craftsman, and stylist. Joining them in the line-up was Rebyczko, a content creator, host, streamer and shoutcaster.

To the delight of the festival-goers, Nyoomian also sold official merchandise and physical copies of The Interpretation of Shadows at the Artist Alley – which likewise marked a first for the animator to participate as an exhibitor in an art convention.

The Artist Alley likewise provided an avenue for starting and promising Benildean illustrators to present and sell their original artworks.

For more information about DrawINK, visit facebook.com/drawinkbenilde.