Cover MoCAF 2025 will be held at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City from July 11 to 13, 2025 (Photo: MoCAF)
MoCAF 2025 will be held at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City from July 11 to 13, 2025 (Photo: MoCAF)
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Here’s everything in store for the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) happening in July 2025
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) is back for its fourth year in the art scene with a broader scope, more inclusive works and stronger collaborations. In an interview with Tatler, festival director Coleen Wong shares the importance of giving space for more voices in the creative field.
“It’s really about inclusivity, if you have followed MoCAF since the very beginning, that’s something we have always been committed to,” Wong says. “From the start, that’s really been our advocacy: to build an inclusive platform for creatives. And each year, we’ve taken steps toward that by opening more doors.”
In case you missed it: MoCAF 2024 happening this July—what do we need to know about the art festival?
MoCAF XP, the festival’s dynamic community arm, continues to champion engagement and accessibility in art by joining forces with The Astbury Club for the MoCAF XP Art Bazaar, which happened last June 28. Here, attendees were treated to a showcase of emerging artists. Activities such as casting and mould-making workshops are also available for those keen to get their hands a bit dusty.
On July 5, art enthusiasts can drop by the ‘Mess Studio’ of Common Room Makati for a fabric accessories and DIY button pin workshop.
What makes this year’s edition even more special is its standout lineup of artisan brands, including Manila Middle Ground’s curated art and design goods; RUNIT DECKS’ collectible cards and puzzles; Tropik Beatnik’s handmade accessories; Wabi Sabi’s handcrafted ceramics; Miel Maker of Things’ playful fashion pieces; Clockwork Vintage’s rare timepieces; and ANTHILL’s sustainable, community-rooted woven wearables. Each brand brings a distinct voice and character to the festival’s diverse lineup, highlighting the depth and creativity of local makers.
Related: Meet Zuh Dai, the visual artist from Bohol driven by honesty and curiosity
Above Celine Xavier's 'Sleep' displayed in MoCAF last year (Photo: MoCAF)
Celine Xavier's 'Sleep' displayed in MoCAF last year (Photo: MoCAF)
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MoCAF will also feature nine international galleries, including Vin Gallery (Vietnam), Core Contemporary Art (Malaysia), and Parallel+ (Hong Kong), alongside exciting local debuts from White Walls Gallery, Space Encounters Gallery, Arcadia Art Gallery, and others. Returning galleries include Village Art Gallery featuring Qwark, Ysobel Art Gallery, and Art For Space, showcasing artists like Demi Padua, Ezeikel Fajardo, and more.
Special exhibitions add to the excitement, featuring a multigenerational showcase from the Orlina Family—Ramon Orlina and his children Anna and Michael, alongside solo shows by SAIS, Dennis Bato and Pinky Ibarra Urmaza, AR Manalo, Bryan Teves, Katrina Cuenca, Jaspher Penuliar, Juanito Torres, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Juvenal Sanso. MoCAF Discoveries, a signature program since 2022, will feature 10 artists from the 2024 roster and introduce 22 emerging talents to watch.
More from Tatler: Inday Reyes-Cadapan: Art Imitating Not Only Reality But Also Aspirations
“It’s really important to put yourself out there and explore your emotions, because that’s how you grow. That’s something we’ve taken to heart, especially when it comes to curating collaborations that truly offer something meaningful to our audiences,” Wong says about MoCAF’s partnerships this year.
The festival director notes that MoCAF has thoughtfully curated its programme to offer something meaningful for attendees of all ages.
“Our attendees are quite diverse, we see both older generations and younger ones coming in, so it can be a bit of a balancing act [on our end]. We want to present something that resonates across age groups, something that both can appreciate and engage with,” Wong explains.
She adds that every group involved in this year’s festival was selected with clear intention. “Of course, there’s pressure. But we’ve been very intentional seeking out partnerships and collaborations that push boundaries while still being accessible. Our team is quite young and we’re mostly in our late 20s. We’re learning. That’s why we really value the guidance of people,” she concludes.
MoCAF will run from July 11 to 13 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. Regular tickets are priced at PHP 380, with discounted rates available for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Tickets may be purchased online via mocaf.net or onsite during the festival.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
