Attending PICOF 2025 Was a Genuine Act of Self-Care

I took a MoveIt ride despite the threat of heavy rain to get to Megamall for PICOF (Philippine International Comics Festival).

It was totally worth it because I ticked off everything on my to-do list. (True ENTJ here…)

A week ago, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) of the Philippines emailed me that my application to be a certified author was approved, so hooray! NBDB-certified na ang lola mo!

Clockwise from top: me with Charles Llanto, Glenn of Wolfe Studios, Tobie Abad, and Jen the Reading Lion.

PICOF was where I finally met my previously online-only friend in person: Tobie Abad — incredibly talented, tall, and gwapo. Thank you for your time, Tobie! And for the freebie too. I gifted him with the book Group by Christie Tate, just because I felt like it. (Just a hunch. Also, I keep a minimalist cupboard bookshelf.)

At PICOF, I also took a photo of my web designer. He is someone I forgot to credit earlier for helping with my website: Glenn of Wolfe Studios. Since I was at his group Pulsar Press’ table, I also snapped a pic with Charles Llanto, and we exchanged books as agreed.

While at Pulsar, I spotted Just Villanueva, author of the bestseller D.I.E. with the unforgettable book cover. Of course, I had to take another picture.

Lastly, by chance, I finally met Jen the Reading Lion, who reviewed my book on Booksta, as well as another (painfully shy Booksta), Ceej.

I left Megamall hurriedly because rain was threatening again, but I enjoyed this little jaunt. A bit of an escape from my clinical work and mom life.

Every time I do something writerly, my heart jogs like a horse and makes me feel intensely alive.

Note to self: more moments like this, Melany. Because you’re worth it.

I acknowledge that artist in me must be fed.

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