Asian Board Games Festival to Debut in the Philippines in May 2026
The Asian Board Games Festival (ABGF) will be having its debut in the Philippines on May 2-3, 2026 at the Bayanihan Center in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. It’s a free event for those in Manila where tabletop game designers and publishers from across Asia will be featuring their games for Filipinos to try out for free at the event with no charge for admission. First organized in Singapore back in 2019 by the Singaporean board game publisher, Origame, ABGF is an event where the public can play and buy games and works of local and visiting Asian game designers and publishers.
What to Expect at ABGF Philippines 2026
When you hear “tabletop”, it’s difficult not to automatically gravitate your thoughts to games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or Magic: The Gathering. ABGF was put together with the intent to put a spotlight on tabletop games created by Asians, displaying their talent front and center in a niche mostly occupied by western releases. ABGF was also made to create awareness and a community within Asia itself by sharing and experiencing each other's creations first hand. Aside from Singapore, ABGF has held events in Malaysia and Taiwan. This year it is making itself known in the Philippines with the help of Larong Atin, a local game publisher established by Ludus Distributors.
ABGF will feature over 50 exhibitors from 10 countries across Asia. Aside from being able to try games for free at the event, you can also of course purchase games while you’re there. As an added value experience, you can opt to also purchase a ABGF Philippines Play Passport. Part of a long-held tradition by the original ABGF. Attendees with the Play Passport can acquire a stamp from publishers after trying and/or purchasing games. Collecting enough stamps will reward you with extra goodies and prizes.
ABGF Press Event
I attended the press event for this year’s ABGF, and got to hear some words from members of the Philippine Marine Corps, expressing their support and excitement for the event as they are avid gamers who have even formed a War Gaming Facility in Fort Bonicafio. They use both physical and digital games as a means to both teach and strategize simulations and contingency scenarios in a safe space.
Those present at the briefing was told of the plans that involve Filipino created comic book superhero, Combatron. A figure of Combatron, only 100 of which are made, will be featured at the event along with a demo of an upcoming tabletop miniatures game to which has a tentative release date as of this writing. The creator of Combatron, Berlin Manalaysay, will also be debuting their new Death Metal Comic at ABGF PH.
How much will cost to attend the 2026 Asian Board Games Festival?
Admission is free. 10% of proceeds earned by the event and participating parties will be donated to the Kythe Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed towards improving the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses.
About the Author - Miguel Mendoza
Primarily known for creating and managing video content for TMG, Migoy can also be found writing a review and/or article here and there. Has a great fondness for giant robots and masked superheroes. He is commonly seen yelling at a microphone while playing videogames.
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