For years, I’ve had this exact same collective daydream with so many of you: “Why can’t we have a massive, world-class board game convention right here in the Philippines?” Let's be totally real for a second. Every single year, we watch influencers and creators drop these massive reels from Gen Con in the US or Essen Spiel in Germany, and the FOMO is so real. I’ve literally sat there calculating the cost of flights, hotels, and tickets, only to think... man, if I spend all this cash just to get there, that’s my entire budget for the year. I’d rather take that money and buy a mountain of new board games or finally splurge on those Magic: The Gathering cards I’ve been eyeing.
Plus, conventions are just built different when you’re with your friends. Going halfway across the world alone is cool, but nothing beats experiencing that pure, chaotic hype with your actual gaming circle, the people who share your late-night sessions and inside jokes.
Well, manifest no further. We don't have to break the bank for a plane ticket anymore. ALL ABOARD EXPO 2026 is officially bringing that exact same global energy right to our backyard at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center. It’s officially the biggest board game convention in Southeast Asia, and we get to experience it together.
But you can't build an Essen-level, legendary con on vibes alone. You need serious star power. To pull this off, the expo is flying in an absolutely stacked, ridiculous lineup of international tabletop royalty.
Tom Vasel – The literal godfather of board game media. As the founder and Head Game Guru of The Dice Tower, Tom has spent decades critiquing, reviewing, and shaping the global tabletop landscape. If a game is good, Tom probably played it first.
Hana Cho – An absolute mastermind in game-based learning. He is the Grand Prize winner of the 2025 Teacher's Game Literacy Competition and a recipient of the South Korean Prime Minister's Commendation Award, specializing in turning classrooms into interactive gaming hubs.
Colby Dauch – The visionary founder and Studio Manager of Plaid Hat Games. He’s overseen thematic masterpieces like Dead of Winter, Mice and Mystics, and designed the tactical card-battler Summoner Wars.
Maëva da Silva – The brilliant art director and illustrator who brings dreaming to life. Her warm, stunning visual style defines the gorgeous landscapes of Harmonies as well as Dixit: Disney and Stella: Dixit Universe.
Rob Daviau – A literal industry pioneer. If you’ve ever torn up a card or written on a board, thank Rob—he pioneered the entire "Legacy" genre, giving us Pandemic Legacy, Risk Legacy, and Betrayal at House on the Hill.
David Esbrí – The ultimate multi-hyphenate game designer and developer. Serving as the in-house game development lead at Devir Games, he’s worn every hat in the industry, developing and refining hits like Bitoku, Blind Business, and Covenant.
Randy Flynn –The genius behind Cascadia (which took the gaming world by storm and won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres). He specializes in blending cozy, approachable nature themes with incredibly clever tile-laying mechanics.
Yohan Goh – A brilliant South Korean designer known for crafting highly accessible, clever strategy games. He’s the brain behind the fast-paced puzzle game Fold-it and the award-winning Odin.
Emerson Matsuuchi – An incredible design instructor (NYU & ELVTR) famous for creating flawlessly smooth, elegant systems. He’s the architect behind the massive Century trilogy, Foundations of Rome, and Specter Ops.
Anthony Perone – A prolific creative director and designer who has worked with global publishers. He is the master of high-interaction, unique tabletop experiences, giving us titles like Courtisans, Dive, and Backstories.
Why This Matters: Moving Beyond the "Fan" Mindset
Having these icons touch down in the Philippines is massive for the clout, but the real impact goes way deeper than grabbing selfies and getting boxes signed. Bringing these international giants straight to our backyard is a monumental catalyst for the Pinoy gaming scene.
Historically, global publishers looked at Southeast Asia as a market of pure consumers. We buy the boxes, we open the packs, we import the hobby. By locking in a direct line of communication between local players and global creators, we cross the bridge into becoming creators ourselves.
Sitting across the table from legends like Rob Daviau or Emerson Matsuuchi gives us a look under the hood of a massive global industry. If you’re an aspiring designer, the Designer Feedback Lab means you get to pitch your prototypes to industry veterans who can help refine your raw mechanics into a market-ready masterpiece. If you're a local artist, learning the business side of illustration from Maëva and David helps you build a portfolio that can catch the eyes of international publishers.
This level of cultural and intellectual exchange is how we grow the local community. It empowers Pinoy creators to tell our own stories through gameplay mechanics, proving to the world that the Philippines is a powerhouse for creating games, not a place that only plays them.
The Itinerary (Clear Your Schedules)
No gatekeeping here—slots for these panels and workshops are limited, so you'll want to plan your weekend perfectly.
Thursday
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12:00 PM – Game Design Panel
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2:00 PM – Designer Feedback Lab (Get your prototypes ready!)
Friday
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10:00 AM – VIP Meet & Greet
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3:00 PM – Guest Signing (On stage)
Saturday
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10:00 AM – VIP Meet & Greet + Illustrator's Workshop
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3:00 PM – Guest Signing (On stage)
Sunday
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10:00 AM – VIP Meet & Greet
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12:00 PM – Final Guest Signing
Tickets are moving fast, and you absolutely do not want the FOMO of missing history in the making. Kitakits!
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library is your ultimate destination for board games, offering a diverse selection perfect for families, friends, and gamers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned pros. 🌟 We carefully curate our collection by sourcing the best titles from around the globe, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore hobbyist. 🎲 Our mission is to bring people together, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting friendships through the joy of tabletop gaming. Beyond the fun, we believe board games are a powerful way to develop essential skills and sharpen critical thinking—skills you can carry into everyday life. Explore our world of games and discover the perfect match for your next game night!
