Asian Board Games Festival Is Finally Coming to the Philippines
Board game fans in the Philippines have something new to look forward to this May. The Asian Board Games Festival, also known as ABGF, is making its local debut on May 2 to 3 at the Bayanihan Center.
This marks the first time the country will host the regional event, which started in Singapore back in 2019. Since then, it has expanded to other countries like Malaysia and Thailand, and now the Philippines joins the list.
What makes ABGF different from typical conventions is the experience. It is not just about buying games. Visitors can actually sit down, try different titles, and even meet the people behind them. Game designers, artists, and publishers from across Asia will be present, making it more interactive compared to usual retail-style events.
The Philippine leg is being organized with the help of Origame and local publisher Larong Atin, known for titles inspired by Filipino culture. Their goal is simple, bring creators and players closer together and grow the local tabletop scene.
Attendees can expect a wide selection of games, with more than 200 titles coming from over 30 publishers across 10 Asian countries. These include Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, and more. There will be a mix of casual party games, family-friendly options, and deeper strategy games that reflect different cultures in the region.
Beyond the game tables, the event will also feature panel discussions and sessions for those interested in creating their own games. It is a chance for aspiring designers and artists to learn directly from people already in the industry.
There are also some special highlights lined up. Fans can check out new releases like the “Death Metal” komiks by Berlin Manalaysay, along with collaborations tied to Combatron. There will even be demos of an upcoming tabletop game based on the same universe.
Organizers are hoping the event changes how people see board games in the country. Instead of being viewed as something just for kids, they want more Filipinos to see it as a hobby for all ages, and even a creative platform for local talent.
Entrance to the festival is free, which makes it easy for anyone curious to drop by. For those who want a bit more interaction, there is an optional Play Passport that lets participants collect stamps by trying games and earn rewards along the way.
With the growing interest in tabletop gaming, this event could be a big step in building a stronger community in the Philippines.
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