35 Years of Imagination
Ang INK marks 35th anniversary with Stories We Tell exhibit.
Words Art+ Magazine Team
Photos courtesy of Ang INK and Fundacion Sansó
August 3, 2026
Yeda Porcalla - Early Calls
Children's illustration group Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) celebrates its 35th anniversary with Stories We Tell, an exhibition at Fundacion Sansó in San Juan City from July 11 to August 8, 2026.
Presented in partnership with Fundacion Sansó, Stories We Tell explores the question, “What do you see?” through a collection of illustrations that encourage viewers to create their own narratives. Instead of relying on written text, the artworks suggest a beginning and an end, leaving the story in between open to interpretation. The exhibit invites audiences to become active participants, using their imagination to shape each story.
The main exhibition features more than 70 works by Ang INK members. Running alongside it is Side Stories, a companion exhibit at ScholarSip Café, Fundacion Sansó's exhibition space that supports its scholarship program. This special presentation pays tribute to the late graphic artist, illustrator, painter, and crafter Robert A. Alejandro (1963–2024), celebrating his belief that art should be accessible to everyone and that every child deserves the opportunity to create, imagine, and tell their own stories.
A series of public programs accompanies the exhibition. The opening reception took place on July 11. On July 22, K is for Komiks brought together comic book illustrators Hans Dimapilis, Arli Pagaduan, Tori Tadiar, and Cy Vendivil for an online panel moderated by Patti Ramos. On July 25, Buhay Ilustrador featured a conversation with illustrators Luce Melegrito, Cyrill Acuña, and Jomike Tejido, moderated by Isa Nazareno.
Rudz Decena - How to Make the Biggest Bubble
On August 1, author-illustrators Dione Kong, Liza Flores, and Rommel Joson discuss visual storytelling in Stories We Tell, also moderated by Nazareno. The afternoon continues with Mentor Minutes, a portfolio review session led by Liza Flores, Ivan Reverente, Marcus Nada, Aldy Aguirre, and Alyssa Babasa.
The exhibition concludes on August 8 with Kids and Books Day. Activities include Silent Stories We Tell, a wordless comics workshop for children led by Patti Ramos and Rev Cruz; Saan-saan storytelling and live drawing with Kuya Ray Bufi; and Kids Speak: Kids and Books, a panel discussion moderated by Zarah Gagatiga.
Founded in 1991, Ang INK is the Philippines’ first and only organization dedicated to children’s illustration. Its members include illustrators, graphic designers, painters, writers, educators, and literacy advocates committed to advancing the art of illustration and supporting the continued professionalization of the industry. Today, the organization has more than 100 members working across publishing, education, design, and advertising.
Stories We Tell is supported by Adarna House, Milflores Publishing, Lampara Books, Oishi, Prestige Paper Products, Artline Philippines, and Tahanan Books.
For updates and more information, follow Ang INK on Facebook (@AngINK.org) and Instagram (@hello_ink), visit www.ang-ink.org, or email [email protected].
