Fascinated. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about my first Elbikon experience. I love to read, but I devour mostly novels and nonfiction books. My only exposure to local comics would be the ones that I see on newspapers, the ones on major news websites, and the mainstream local ones that are easily available in bookstores. I was oblivious to this thriving underground community of cartoonists and illustrators.

Upon entering the rustic Baker Memorial Hall in the University of the Philippines Los Baños, one would easily see the white-covered long tables where comics, illustrated artworks, trinkets, books, stickers, and other knickknacks are on display. Artists enthusiastically draw portraits of willing attendees, happily trade comics with other artists, and openly entertain questions from curious cats like me.

Some artists to watch out for include John Becaro, Christian Dior Barcelona of Pasig-based Pintura Comics Group; and Carlo Clemente of Bulacan, who wrote “Ang Badass na Buhay ni Lam-Ang,” an adaptation of the classic Philippine epic poem about Lam-Ang.

I talked to a couple of members of the Graphic Literature Guild, a UPLB student organization that made Elbikon 2015 possible. According to Diana Lim, a member of the organization’s production committee, this is Elbikon’s second year. The first one was held last year at the UPLB Senior’s Social Garden, with cartoonist Manix Abrera as guest. Deputy Guild Master Mac Andre Arboleda recapped for me the talks during the event. Jonas Diego of Komikero Artists Group focused on traditional and digital media. Tonio Maicon of FHATE Comics recounted his journey as an artist. Tony Tuason of Flipgeeks shared his insights on the local comics scene. Elbikon aims to promote the local comics scene and up and coming local artists.