From May 28 to 31, 2026, Quezon City hosted the All Aboard Expo 2026, the country’s largest board game convention, organized by Gaming Library in partnership with the local government. Held at the QC M.I.C.E. Center from May 28–31, the expo gathered thousands of tabletop enthusiasts, families, and curious newcomers eager to explore the world of board gaming.
Highlights from the Expo
According to press releases and Gaming Library’s official updates, this year’s expo was the largest yet, drawing a record-breaking 16,225 attendees across four days. With this turnout, the event officially became the largest board game expo in Southeast Asia — a historic milestone for the local gaming community.
Admission was free for QC residents and children under 12, while non-residents paid a minimal fee of ₱150. VIP passes ranged from ₱1,000–₱5,500, bundled with collectible items and board games worth up to ₱4,000.
The expo showcased more than 200 exclusive board game releases, including Filipino-themed titles such as:
- Sinigang — a card game adaptation of the beloved dish
- Modern Art Philippine Edition — featuring works by local artists
- Kalikasan Cascadia Philippine Edition — highlighting native wildlife like the Philippine eagle and tamaraw
Beyond the releases, the expo hosted major tournaments like the Asia Championship of Unmatched, Grand Archive Regionals, and competitions for Catan, Cascadia, and Harmonies. Workshops featured renowned designers such as Emerson Matsuuchi and Rob Daviau.
To make the event accessible, the Quezon City government provided free QCity Bus rides from Cubao, Litex, Mindanao Ave, and other points to the venue. Over 280 volunteers helped guide attendees, reinforcing the expo’s strong community spirit.
Our Brief Visit
Together with my son, we visited the expo on Saturday afternoon. When we arrived, we got our passes first and then went to the food stalls since our little boy wanted fries and a mango shake.
Our little boy was curious about the board game, Mycelia, which is based on mushrooms. Luckily, they were looking for players when we passed by the table. They asked if my son was already 10 (the game is for 10+ years old). I said no, but he loves to play board games. Our Bunso was able to play the game with 3 adults for around 30 minutes.
Our time at the expo was short, but it was enough to soak in the excitement. We walked through the booths, saw families enjoying demos, and caught a glimpse of the newest titles on display. Even in that brief visit, the energy was contagious — proof that board gaming is thriving in the Philippines and continues to bring people together.
Looking Forward to 2027 Expo
Though our visit was quick, the All Aboard Expo 2026 left a lasting impression. With its theme of “Kalikasan” promoting environmental awareness through board games, and a record-breaking 16,225 attendees that made it the largest board game expo in Southeast Asia, the event highlighted how tabletop gaming can be more than just entertainment — it can be a platform for creativity, education, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious parent looking for family-friendly activities, expos like this are worth checking out.
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