MAKATI CITY — A unique kind of gaming convention recently brought excitement to the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center from May 28 to 31, 2026. The “All aBOARD Expo,” presented by Gaming Library in partnership with the Quezon City government, is being promoted as Southeast Asia’s largest tabletop gaming event, drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees. Yet for many enthusiasts in Makati, the excitement extended far beyond the convention halls. Even after the final matches ended and the last game of Catan was packed away, the enthusiasm generated by the event continued to fuel Makati’s growing community of board game cafés, where screen-free, social gaming has steadily gained
popularity.
Bringing Together the Tabletop Gaming Community
The four-day expo served as more than a venue for buying and discovering games. It celebrated what organizers described as “the power of play,” uniting local hobbyists, international publishers, competitive players, and newcomers through workshops, game demonstrations, tournaments, and interactive activities. The event also showcased meaningful titles such as “Kalikasan,” a game inspired by Philippine wildlife, while dedicated family-friendly spaces welcomed younger participants. At its core, the expo aimed to encourage people to step away from their digital devices and rediscover the enjoyment of gathering around a table with friends and even strangers. Held just before the close of the summer season, the event created a timely opportunity for players to connect,
compete, and build new friendships.
Makati’s Board Game Cafés Keep the Momentum Going
The impact of the expo can be seen in venues such as Ludo Boardgame Bar & Bistro along Jupiter Street. The larger of Ludo’s two branches, it has become a well-known destination for tabletop enthusiasts thanks to its extensive game collection and Japanese-inspired food offerings. Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and operating longer hours on weekends, it remains a popular gathering place for office workers, students, and gaming groups. Nearby, Onboard Game + Gastro Pub at Circuit Makati continues to attract a similar crowd. Located on the second floor of Circuit Lane, the venue encourages guests to order food before settling in for rounds of games like Exploding Kittens, Splendor, and Mysterium. Combined with its gastropub-style menu, the gaming library creates an inviting environment where conversation, strategy, and shared experiences take center stage. These establishments have evolved into community hubs where tabletop gaming enthusiasts can meet regularly, socialize, and enjoy meaningful interactions away from screens.
Why Analog Gaming Continues to Grow
For both organizers and players, the rise of tabletop gaming is about far more than nostalgia. The expo emphasized themes of “skill-building” and “inclusive entertainment,” ideas that are increasingly reflected in Makati’s growing board game culture. Many young professionals and students are actively seeking opportunities for genuine, face-to-face interaction. Around a game table, conversations unfold differently than they do in online chats or video calls. Players rely on eye contact, body language, teamwork, negotiation, and sportsmanship. In a city known for its fast-paced business environment, this slower and more intentional style of social engagement has become especially appealing.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Convention
Although the All aBOARD Expo took place in Quezon City, its influence continues to resonate throughout Makati. Local players are not waiting for the next major convention to reconnect. Instead, they gather regularly at familiar venues, whether at Ludo’s corner of Jupiter and Planet Streets, Onboard’s second-floor space in Circuit Makati, or other cafés embracing the pay-to-play model. More importantly, the expo demonstrated that tabletop gaming has moved beyond niche status and is now an established part of Metro Manila’s leisure culture. For Makati’s youth groups, hobbyists, and casual players, the message remains simple: sometimes the best screen is the one you set aside, and the strongest connections are built across a board game table.
