Cover Toym Imao and Tarantadong Kalbo collaborate for this year’s edition of MoCAF
Toym Imao and Tarantadong Kalbo collaborate for this year’s edition of MoCAF
1 / 1
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) returns this July, expanding its roster to over 50 galleries
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, widely known as MoCAF, is gearing up for its fifth consecutive edition since its founding in 2022. Running from July 3 to 5, the event will take place at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. This year’s festival promises to be the largest and most ambitious iteration to date, featuring an expanded lineup of over 50 local and international galleries.
Since its inaugural showcase, which initially featured 19 galleries, MoCAF has rapidly grown into one of the nation’s most significant platforms for contemporary art. Over just five years, the festival has broadened its scope to represent hundreds of visual artists, as well as artisans and other creatives.
Read more: June 2026 Art Agenda: recent and ongoing exhibitions around Metro Manila
Above Poster for the fifth edition of MoCAF
Poster for the fifth edition of MoCAF
1 / 1
Festival director Coleen Wong, who has led the event since its inception, notes that audiences can expect this year’s edition to be bigger and more engaging.
“We’re bringing in a stronger lineup of galleries, artists and creatives, including both returning names and new participants joining us for the first time,” she shares.
The 2026 roster includes highly anticipated presentations from local stalwarts such as Ysobel Art Gallery, Fundacion Sansó, Art Underground and White Walls Gallery. MoCAF is also welcoming international participants, including Shikisaisha Gallery and Gallery Kogure from Japan, White Space Art Asia from Singapore and Kate Contemporary Madrid from Spain.
MoCAF Discoveries artists John Nabor and OBAGS
1 / 15
Visitors can anticipate special exhibits by Jerika See and Sheila Go, a creative collaboration between Toym Imao and Tarantadong Kalbo and works by renowned artist Jappy Agoncillo. Additionally, Chinabank returns as a major festival partner, presenting a massive collaborative exhibition that features 100 artworks by 100 artists.
MoCAF 2026 introduces and expands several programmes designed to reflect the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, young talent and the full breadth of the contemporary creative community. A key highlight is the evolution of MoCAF Discoveries, a dedicated platform that has featured more than 200 young artists over the past four years. This year, selected alumni will return to showcase their artistic growth, offering an inspiring testament to the platform’s lasting impact on the careers it has helped launch. Furthermore, the festival will feature digital artists and illustrators for the very first time. Through a collaboration with Art Caravan, these screen-native works will be printed, framed and brought into the physical exhibition space, affirming digital creativity as a valid and celebrated art form. The continued development of MoCAF XTN (Extended) will also open additional exhibition spaces, creating broader opportunities for artists and galleries to present their work.
Above MBrace Project, one of the beneficiaries of MoCAF’s Give Back programme
MBrace Project, one of the beneficiaries of MoCAF’s Give Back programme
1 / 1
Beyond traditional exhibits, the festival embraces a wider creative lifestyle through interactive spaces and curated retail.
MoCAFLimited returns with a selection of artist-made merchandise, featuring a limited-edition capsule collection developed in partnership with Team Manila. The XTN Artisans section continues to provide a dedicated space for independent creative brands, makers and handcrafters. Familiar names like MILKWEAR and Baybayin Bags will be joined by new participants such as Armore Collective, Anmari & Co and Binibini Marikit to further expand the showcase of contemporary Filipino craft. To round out the experience, hands-on creative workshops will continue as a core part of the event following strong audience responses.
Additionally, an expanded XTN Bites food and beverage offering will feature returning favourites like ODD Café, Butterboy and Hijo De Mexican Cantina, alongside new participants such as The Good Poison, Fiasfud, Bored & Hungry, The Spirits Library and SIPP, giving visitors more ways to enjoy the festival throughout the day.
Above A work by Jappy Agoncillo, one of the featured artists of this year’s MoCAF
A work by Jappy Agoncillo, one of the featured artists of this year’s MoCAF
1 / 1
Beyond the exhibitions, MoCAF continues its community-building efforts through the MoCAF Gives Back programme, which supports initiatives that uplift communities outside the festival. The programme aids ScholarSip by Fundacion Sansó, which helps fund tertiary education for art scholars, and the Mbrace Project, which extends support to Filipino children in need.
Above Art writer and curator Carlomar Arcangel Daoana at MoCAF 2025
Art writer and curator Carlomar Arcangel Daoana at MoCAF 2025
1 / 1
Central to MoCAF’s mission is dismantling barriers that keep broad audiences away from contemporary art. The festival is designed to be accessible to everyone, from first-time visitors to seasoned collectors.
“MoCAF is not just growing as a festival; it is growing with the art community itself,” Wong adds.
Tickets for the event offer discounts for students, PWDs, and senior citizens. Passes will be available through the official ticketing partner, Klook, where merchandise packages will also be offered upon checkout. For more details, visitors can check the official website at mocaf.net.
NOW READ
Formula 1 Exhibition to make Asian debut at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
